Leland+ for Deferred MBA

Applying to MBA Programs with a Nontraditional Background

A guide to crafting a compelling MBA application that highlights your unique strengths as a nontraditional candidate.

HBS Essay Example: Engineering Innovation & Impact

See how this deferred HBS admit, an engineer and innovator, navigated uncertainty and championed LGBTQ+ inclusion.

HBS Example Essay: Identity, Impact & Social Enterprise

Discover how one applicant's unique identity drives their ambition to lead social impact and reshape systems through an HBS MBA.

Consortium Core Sample Essay #1: Healthcare & Leadership

A successful MBA essay for the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management detailing goals as a corporate strategist in mission-driven healthcare and later a health foundation CEO, driven by professional experience and MBA aspirations.

Wharton MBA Essays - Energy Finance Career Vision

These essays detail a candidate’s transition from renewable energy project management to investment banking, with a focus on leadership, community impact, and long-term goals in energy innovation.

Kellogg/Sloan Deferred Example Resume: Consulting, PE

Resume of a CS/Engineering Management grad with experience in strategy & private equity consulting, tech, and academic research.

MBA Application Tracker

A spreadsheet to organize school deadlines, application components, recommender progress, and submission status across multiple MBA programs.

Wharton Deferred Resume: Tech, Consulting & TFA

This resume showcases a Wharton Deferred MBA admit's experience at Google and McKinsey, their work on a powered orthotic, and leadership in Teach for America.

MIT Sloan Cover Letter

See how you can use your cover letter to elaborate on your work experiences and make your pitch for why a Sloan MBA is the perfect fit for you.

Networking, Side Letters, and Intangibles

Learn how networking and more can help you maximize your chances of getting accepted to top MBA programs.

A Sample "Why Wharton" Essay

A breakdown of an MBA essay example for Wharton, with a focus on how to answer the prompt, "What do you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA?"

Career Essay Brainstorming Template

Utilize this template to effectively brainstorm and structure your career essays for impactful and persuasive applications.

Sample Kellogg Personal Statement from an Admitted Deferred MBA Applicant

A breakdown of an actual personal statement that got a deferred candidate admitted to the Kellogg School of Management, addressing the values-based prompt.

Engineering Example Resume for Harvard Business School

See a strong engineering resume for an HBS deferred admit, highlighting experience in product development and technical skills.

MBA Reflection Questions – Crafting Your Application Story

A guided worksheet with thought-provoking questions to help applicants reflect on background, values, and goals—ideal for shaping strong essays and interview responses.