Leland+ for MBA
Popular on Leland+
Writing a Holistic Set of Kellogg Essays (with Top Leland Coaches)
Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those that really maximize the essay-writing process find a way to make clear how their experiences inform their goals, and develop clear narrative through-lines that make their contributions to the school and program tangible. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. This event will draw from example essays written by successful Northwestern Kellogg admits. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a three-dimensional applicant who top Kellogg AdComs could envision contributing to their community. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make their specific kind of difference in the world. During this session, we'll analyze these essays alongside you so you have a clear view into how you can apply what you've learned to your own writing, and put your best application forward for Kellogg's top-flight MBA program.
Addressing Weak Spots
GPA conversion, school prestige gaps, job title confusion
Deferred MBA M7 Series: Stanford
Get an inside look at what Stanford GSB seeks in Deferred MBA candidates and how to bring your unique story to life. Expert Leland coach and GSB alum Ben L. will break down the qualities Stanford cares about most—impact, curiosity, and personal growth. You’ll leave with concrete strategies to articulate your values, achievements, and ambitions in a way that resonates with the GSB admissions committee.
Georgetown McDonough Essays
Application essays for two short answer questions and one long form question for dual-degree applicants
Inside MBA Admissions Decisions: Roundtable Discussion with M7 Admissions Officers
MBA admissions at top programs are highly selective, and small strategic decisions can make a big difference in how your application is evaluated. In this exclusive roundtable, you’ll get an inside look at how admissions decisions are actually made at M7 business schools—and what separates successful candidates from the rest. This session is designed to help you better understand how your profile is read, discussed, and ultimately decided on behind closed doors. The discussion will feature former admissions officers from multiple M7 programs who have collectively reviewed thousands of MBA applications. Drawing on their firsthand experience, they’ll share how admissions committees evaluate academics, work experience, leadership, and personal narratives, as well as common mistakes applicants make and how to avoid them. You’ll also gain insight into how schools compare candidates, handle borderline cases, and think about fit across different rounds. Whether you’re just starting to explore an MBA or preparing to apply in an upcoming cycle, this roundtable will give you rare clarity and a sharper strategic lens for approaching the process.
Tech to MBA Panel Pt 1
Are you working in the tech industry and thinking about applying to an elite business school? Join the Leland team for this FREE event specifically designed for tech professionals aspiring to get into top MBA programs like Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, The Wharton School, and more. During this event, our expert panelists will answer the most frequently asked questions related to the business school application process for tech professionals and discuss how to: ⭐️ Transition from a tech career to an MBA program ⭐️ Think about your application strategy ⭐️ Get your MBA resume prepared ⭐️ Write winning essays ⭐️ Stand out throughout the interview process Meet our panelists: Maaz K., Ross MBA, former Google, Amazon, and Square, supply chain management professional with 10+ years across diverse industries including tech, CPG, and construction, experience aiding others regarding career advice, MBA and grad school admissions. Tory V., Harvard MBA, Google and TikTok, who's passionate about guiding people through their career and academic goals, including resume/LinkedIn reviews, application reviews, and mock interviews. Don't miss this unique opportunity to acquire top-tier knowledge and strategies for successfully applying to MBA programs as a tech professional.
Connecting Your Personal and Professional Experiences
Learn how to weave together your personal motivations and professional experiences into a cohesive, authentic story.
Overview of the Waitlist Process
• Visual timeline from decision release → movement → final outcomes • Key decision points: R2 admit shifts, summer yield management • Typical volume of waitlisted candidates and admit conversion rates • School-specific examples (generalized, not data-heavy) • Summary: What you can and can’t control at each stage
MIT Sloan: Application Breakdown
A deep dive into the MIT Sloan MBA application.
Waitlist Update Letter Builder
• Section 1: Greeting and opening tone • Section 2: New accomplishments or progress since submission • Section 3: Refined clarity on short- and long-term goals • Section 4: Reaffirmed school fit (specific to program culture and resources) • Section 5: Closing statement (gratitude + enthusiasm without pressure) • Example language snippets for each section
MBA to Consulting Panel
Still planning to break into consulting before graduation? You're not alone, and it's not too late. This panel is designed for MBA students who are exploring full-time roles in consulting, whether you’re re-recruiting, pivoting, or looking to refine your strategy. Hear from Taylor R., Andrew H., and Rifat M., all of whom successfully landed consulting offers later in the MBA journey as they share practical advice on networking, storytelling, case prep, and how to stand out in a competitive recruiting cycle. If you're hoping to make the jump into MBB or other top firms, this session will help you make the most of the months ahead.
Comprehensive Guide to Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation can make or break a graduate school application—but too often, applicants underestimate their importance or don’t know how to manage the process strategically. In this session, we’ll cover everything you need to know: whom to ask, when to ask, how to prepare your recommenders, and how to ensure your letters complement and strengthen the rest of your application. You’ll also learn how to approach potential recommenders with confidence, provide the right context and materials, and avoid common pitfalls. With clear guidance from Jennifer P., a Harvard master’s graduate and experienced coach, you’ll walk away with a roadmap to securing strong, authentic recommendations that highlight your strengths and align with your overall story.
Your Problem Statement: The Most Significant Issue You Care About Solving In Your Career
Identify the problem or opportunity that most motivates you and articulate how it connects to your long-term goals.
Communication Timeline & Etiquette Checklist
• When to send your first update (and how often to follow up) • How to structure your email cadence • Rules for event follow-up (e.g., after attending webinars or coffee chats) • Optional updates vs. overcommunication • Template calendar: sample outreach plan over 8 weeks
Connecting Your Personal and Professional Experiences
Learn how to weave together your personal motivations and professional experiences into a cohesive, authentic story.
Intro to MBA Essay Writing
Translate your narrative into compelling MBA essays that demonstrate clarity of purpose, authenticity, and school fit.
Work With Me!
Learn about personalized coaching options to refine your essays, story, and overall MBA strategy. Get an overview of the personalized coaching options Joshua can offer to refine your essays, story, and overall MBA strategy.
Tailoring Your Story for Different Schools
Adapt your core story for different MBA programs while maintaining consistency and authenticity.
STAR Response Worksheet
A guided worksheet to help you structure impactful interview answers using the STAR framework, highlighting your actions, results, and leadership in a clear, compelling way.
How to Ace the Wharton TBD (From an Ex-Admissions Fellow)
The Wharton Team-Based Discussion (TBD) is unlike any other MBA interview—a fast-paced, collaborative exercise designed to test how you think, communicate, and lead in a group setting. In this session, Brian B., a Wharton MBA graduate (with honors) and former Admissions Fellow who helped run Wharton’s TBDs, will share insider insight into what the admissions team is really looking for. Having coached dozens of MBA candidates, Brian will walk you through how to prepare effectively, contribute with confidence, and stand out as both a strong teammate and leader. Whether you’ve received your Wharton invite or are planning ahead, you’ll leave this session with actionable frameworks and strategies to excel in the TBD.
