Leland+ for MBA

The Top 10 Things That Matter in a Deferred Application

Applying to deferred MBA programs requires a unique strategy—strong academics and internships aren’t enough unless you know how to package them into a compelling story. In this session, Tim F., a Chicago Booth MBA graduate with high distinction and former admissions fellow who interviewed and evaluated nearly 100 applicants, will break down the ten elements that most influence AdCom decisions. Drawing on his experience helping candidates gain admission to top U.S. and European MBA programs, along with his professional background at Goldman Sachs and as a project leader at Boston Consulting Group, Tim will share how to communicate impact, craft a standout narrative, and position yourself competitively as an early-career applicant.

Georgetown McDonough Essays

Application essays for two short answer questions and one long form question for dual-degree applicants

Navigating the MBA Waitlist Process

We will discuss how to navigate the waitlist process for MBA programs. While it is quite frustrating to not have closure after your decision, there is still hope! I will walk through my proven strategies for maximizing your chances of converting a waitlist into an acceptance! This will include: - General process and timelines - Common reasons people are waitlisted - How to plan structure your updates - What else you can do to improve your chances - Q&A

MBA Application Strategy: The Six Pillars

A clear definition of the Six Pillars MBA admissions use to evaluate candidates, with guidance on how to demonstrate each through your experiences.

Managing Your Online Presence for MBA Apps

Social Media and Online Presence: 10 Tips for MBA Applicants

What Successful MBA Applicants are Doing in January

January is a critical month in the MBA admissions cycle, and how you use it can set the tone for the rest of your application. In this session, Leland coach Jenny R., who has admissions committee experience at Wharton and has coached hundreds of MBA applicants, will share what she consistently sees top candidates focusing on during this window. Drawing on her years of admissions and coaching experience, Jenny will break down the specific actions successful applicants take in January, from refining their narrative and strengthening their profile to planning test retakes, recommendations, and school research. You’ll leave with a clear checklist of priorities and a smarter strategy for using January to position yourself competitively for the months ahead.

MBA Essay Development Requirements

A structured framework for developing compelling MBA essays that align your stories to admissions criteria and post-MBA goals.

MBA Goals Worksheet

A concise worksheet to clarify your MBA career goals and articulate the “why MBA, why now, and why this school” with precision.

Deferred MBA Admissions Event Sprint Kickoff

Kick off Deferred MBA Week with an overview of everything you need to know to build a winning application strategy from start to finish. In this session, we’ll break down what makes deferred programs unique, what top schools are really looking for in early-career candidates, and how to use the rest of the sprint—panels, workshops, and AMAs—to your advantage. You’ll walk away with a clear game plan for essays, recommendations, testing, and timelines, plus guidance on how to prioritize your time based on where you are in the process.

Developing a Differentiated Personal Narrative

Standing out in the deferred MBA pool requires more than strong credentials. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to craft a clear, differentiated personal narrative that ties your experiences, goals, and values into a cohesive story that resonates with HSW and M7 admissions committees. Led by Leland coach Angela C., a storytelling expert with a 100% package success rate who specializes in HSW and M7 deferred admissions, this session will break down how top applicants define their core themes, position early-career impact, and avoid the generic narratives that hold many candidates back. You’ll leave with practical frameworks and concrete next steps to start shaping a compelling, authentic story for your deferred MBA applications.

The 5 Toughest MBA Interview Questions

Slides from event on 1/8/26 - Get everything you need to answer the 5 toughest MBA interview questions, including sample answers!

The 5 Toughest Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Some interview questions trip up even the strongest candidates—not because they’re impossible, but because they’re designed to test judgment, self-awareness, and communication under pressure. In this session, you’ll break down the five hardest interview questions candidates consistently struggle with and learn proven frameworks to answer them clearly, confidently, and authentically. We’ll cover what interviewers are actually listening for, how to structure strong responses, and how to avoid common pitfalls that weaken otherwise solid answers. Whether you’re interviewing for consulting, finance, tech, or grad school, this workshop will give you practical tools to handle high-stakes questions with ease.

Wharton Future Goals Essay Example

This is an admitted students' essay answering Wharton's prompt: How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help achieve future goals.

Six Pillars MBA Application Strategy Template

A structured worksheet for mapping your experiences to the Six Pillars MBA programs use to evaluate candidates.

Example: MIT Sloan Cover Letter

This is an example cover letter for the MIT Sloan MBA application

The 2025 Video Interview Guide Yale & Kellogg

This comprehensive guide covers the essentials for your video interview components for Yale School of Management (SOM) and Northwestern Kellogg School of Management. It includes format, timing, evaluation criteria, common questions, and expert strategies for preparation and delivery.

10 Must Haves to Land Multiple M7 Admission Calls

​Maximize your chances of M7 acceptance! In this powerful session, expert coach Timothy F., a Chicago Booth alum who has guided over 100 MBA applicants into every M7 school, will use his years of MBA admissions experience to unveil the 10 key ingredients for a standout application. Timothy's expertise includes extensive admissions committee experience and a unique ability to coach applicants from non-traditional backgrounds. Increase your odds of landing multiple acceptance letters and securing your future at a top business school like HBS, GSB, Booth, or CBS.

Booth Essay 2 Example

Booth Essay 2 example of an female consultant accepted into the class of 2027.

Kellogg Essay 1 Example

Kellogg Essay 1 example of an female consultant accepted into the class of 2027.

Strategies for Crushing the New HBS Essays

​The Harvard Business School essays have changed—and so has the strategy you’ll need to stand out. In this workshop, Leland coach Andy P. will walk you through proven approaches for tackling the new prompts with clarity and impact. ​You’ll learn how to identify the stories that best showcase your leadership, values, and potential, while avoiding common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong applications. Andy will also share practical tips for structuring your essays, weaving a cohesive narrative across your application, and highlighting the qualities HBS is really looking for. Whether you’re just getting started or refining a draft, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to make your essays rise to the top.