Leland+ for Deferred MBA

Wharton 2025-26 Example Essays

Example essays answering the latest Wharton 2025-26 essay prompts. Female candidate with government/defense background.

Recommendation Development Requirements

A clear framework for selecting strong MBA recommenders and guiding them to deliver compelling, criteria-aligned recommendations.

MBA Essay Development Requirements

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

Six Pillars MBA Application Strategy Template

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

Warton TBD Example Pitch 1 - 2024

This is an example of a successful Wharton TBD pitch from 2024

Wharton TBD Example Pitch 2 - 2024

This is an example of a successful Wharton TBD pitch from 2024

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.

Deferred MBA Red Flags & How to Reframe Them

Deferred MBA applications are scrutinized closely—and small missteps can raise big questions. In this workshop, top Leland coach and former AdComs at USC Avi L. will break down the most common red flags admissions committees see in deferred MBA candidates, from experience gaps to unclear goals. You’ll learn how to reframe weaknesses with honesty and strategy, strengthen your overall narrative, and present a compelling case for your long-term potential.

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.

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.

Nontraditional Pre-MBA Resume Template

Pre‑MBA resume template for nontraditional “alphabet soup” public‑sector folks, turning govt and advocacy experience into crisp, admit‑ready impact.

Full Set of Real GSB Interview Questions + Advice on How to Ace the Interview

Curious what a GSB interview actually feels like? Read this walkthrough to see all the questions this GSB deferred admit was asked (and the questions they asked the interviewer). You'll also learn what they did to prepare and what advice they have for anyone interviewing with GSB.

CBS MBA Admitted Sample Essays

CBS MBA Admitted Sample Essays. Lower GMAT - White Female - Luxury Background.

Georgetown McDonough Essays

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

CBS MBA Example Essays

CBS MBA successful example essays. Asian Male - Consulting.

How to navigate the waitlist with confidence!

This document outlines the most common reasons for a waitlist, best practices for how to navigate it, and next steps.

AI & Your MBA Application: Dos and Don'ts for Written Content

Are you thinking about using AI tools like ChatGPT to improve your MBA application essays, but are unsure how to do it ethically and effectively? Join me, M, for a practical and candid session designed to equip MBA applicants with the necessary knowledge and strategies for using AI to assist them in crafting authentic and compelling written content while remaining policy compliant. This session will help you understand how to responsibly integrate AI support into the written components of your application while maintaining your personal voice and authenticity. Learn how to use AI as a supportive tool without violating school guidelines or compromising the integrity of your narrative. I’ll share examples that show the difference between a compelling story that captures your real voice and an AI-produced generic essay.

Successful Admits Panel

Curious what it really takes to get into a top deferred MBA program? In this panel, you’ll hear directly from successful admits who used Leland to gain acceptance to programs like Stanford GSB, Harvard Business School, Wharton, Booth, and more. They’ll share their candid experiences—what worked, what didn’t, and how they leveraged coaching, strategy, and storytelling to stand out in an ultra-competitive applicant pool. Whether you’re just starting to explore deferred programs or gearing up to apply this cycle, this session will give you actionable insights, real-world advice, and inspiration from students who’ve been exactly where you are now.

The Truth About Deferred MBA Essays: What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why

In this session, Leland Coach Kristen H., a HBS and GSB deferred admit and expert in early-career MBA strategy, will pull back the curtain on what separates successful essays from forgettable ones. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how to approach each essay prompt strategically — and how to make your essays stand out in a competitive Deferred MBA cycle.

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.