Leland+ for Deferred MBA

Essays (4): Duke Fuqua MBA Admitted Army Veteran

These are the 4 application essays of an Army veteran who secured R1 admission to Duke Fuqua MBA.

INSEAD Career Summary and Progression Essay

A reflection on key career decisions, leadership experiences, and global business impact.

Resume: Army Veteran Admitted to Duke Fuqua MBA

This resume showcases an Army veteran from a non-traditional background who earned R1 admission to Duke Fuqua MBA.

INSEAD Personal and Leadership Reflection Essay

A candid overview of leadership strengths, weaknesses, and ongoing development in managing diverse, cross-functional teams.

Essays (3): Duke Fuqua MBA Admitted R1 Class 2028

These are the 3 application essays of an applicant who secured Round 1 admission to Duke Fuqua MBA.

How to Create a Standout Deferred MBA Application

Deferred MBA programs look for future leaders with clarity of purpose, strong trajectory, and long-term potential, not just impressive internships or grades. This session breaks down what top programs actually evaluate in deferred candidates and how to position yourself early in your career. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling narrative, articulate credible goals, choose recommenders strategically, and avoid common mistakes that hold applicants back. Whether you’re just starting to explore deferred programs or actively preparing to apply, this workshop will help you build a focused, competitive application strategy.

Managing Your Online Presence for MBA Apps

Social Media and Online Presence: 10 Tips for MBA Applicants

CBS MBA Example Essays

CBS MBA successful example essays. Asian Male - Consulting.

MBA Recommendation Letter Example

MBA Recommendation Letter Example

5 Mistakes That Tank Deferred MBA Applications

Deferred MBA applications are evaluated with a different lens, and small missteps can have an outsized impact on outcomes. This session breaks down the most common mistakes that weaken deferred MBA candidacies, from unclear career narratives to misaligned school fit and timing errors. You’ll learn how to avoid these pitfalls and strengthen your application by presenting a clear, credible, and forward-looking story.

Georgetown McDonough Essays

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

The Columbia Business School LOR That Got Me Accepted

A deep dive into a powerful letter of recommendation for Columbia Business School. Learn how to get your recommenders to write compelling letters that get you accepted.

Optional MBA Essay Example – Low GPA

MBA Optional Essay Example addressing a low GPA and mental health challenges. Asian Male.

Inside Deferred Admissions: AMA with a Founder of the HBS 2+2 Program

Few people understand Deferred MBA admissions better than Kerry P., who helped launch the Harvard Business School 2+2 Program and has since guided countless candidates into top deferred programs. In this exclusive AMA, Kerry will pull back the curtain on how Deferred MBA programs really evaluate applicants — from what schools look for in undergraduates to how they assess potential and fit.

Writing Standout DMBA Essays

Your Deferred MBA essays are your chance to show top programs who you are — but with limited experience, it can be hard to know what stories to tell and how to make them stand out. In this session, Leland Coaches Ben L., Melanie E., and Olivia P. — who have helped dozens of early-career applicants get into programs like HBS, GSB, and Wharton — will break down what makes a winning essay. They’ll share proven strategies for identifying your strongest themes, crafting a clear and authentic narrative, and avoiding the common pitfalls that hold candidates back. You’ll leave with a sharper sense of how to approach each prompt, connect your story to your goals, and position yourself as a must-admit candidate in this year’s Deferred MBA cycle.

European MBA Value Proposition

A European MBA can strategically reposition Korean professionals for accelerated global careers and long-term leadership potential.

Deferred (2+2) MBA Application Week Kickoff

Thinking about applying to a Deferred MBA program? Join us for Leland’s Deferred MBA Week Kickoff, featuring top Leland coaches Andy P. (20+ years of MBA coaching), Allie K. (75+ M7 Admits), and Geri T. (Founder of Harvard's DMBA Program), who have helped countless candidates get into the most competitive programs at schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton.

INSEAD Career Overview and Key Decisions Essay

A summary of career progression, leadership experiences, and cross-cultural impact in global tech and enterprise roles.

INSEAD Managing High-Stakes Complexity Essay

A reflection on navigating a high-pressure, unprecedented project, balancing strategic vision with expert risk management.

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.