Leland+ for Deferred MBA

An Example of a Deferred Candidate’s “Why Columbia” Essay

A top MBA admissions expert analyzes a successful deferred MBA essay for Columbia Business School and breaks down how to answer the "Why this school?" question.

MBA Resume – Social Impact, Strategy, and Startup Growth

Resume of an admitted applicant to Wharton, Kellogg, and CBS, highlighting experience in consulting, consumer goods, and nonprofit leadership, with a strong focus on education equity and product innovation.

HBS 2+2 Career Essay Sample: Product Management & Edtech Vision

See an example of a successful HBS 2+2 career essay, detailing plans to work as a product manager during deferment, gain retail industry knowledge, and build a long-term vision in edtech.

Stanford "What Matters Most" Reflection Questions and Tips

Master the Stanford GSB "What Matters Most" essay with these reflection questions. Discover your authentic story and define your impact.

GSB What Matters Most and Why this School Example Essays

Master the Stanford GSB "What Matters Most" and "Why this School" essays by studying these admitted essays.

Wharton Essay 1: Entrepreneurship & More

Read a successful Wharton deferred MBA essay that explores the applicant's entrepreneurial experience and how Wharton will help them build and scale startups after their MBA.

Creating a DMBA Application Timeline

Stay ahead of deadlines with a clear, strategic plan to tackle every part of your DMBA application.

Stanford GSB Essay B: EdTech Aspirations & GSB's Role

See a successful Stanford GSB deferred admit's Essay B, detailing aspirations in ed-tech leadership and how GSB's curriculum, clubs, and Silicon Valley ecosystem will help achieve them.

HBS Deferred Example Essays – Health Equity, Innovation, and Impact

Three essays reflecting on leadership through personal health challenges, community advocacy, and a bold career vision to transform the intersection of healthcare and food systems.

Harvard Essay: How Curiosity Shaped a Career

See how one student used their experience studying abroad at Oxford to demonstrate curiosity and growth, leading to a new approach to problem-solving.

Yale SOM Essay – Choosing Challenge to Fuel Growth

A reflective essay tracing the decision to pursue engineering over business, and how embracing academic, professional, and extracurricular challenges shaped a more dynamic and purpose-driven path.

Wharton Deferred Essays – Food Systems, Health Equity, and Community

Two essays outlining a bold vision for leading innovation in the plant-based space and a deep commitment to equity-driven impact through food, health, and student engagement.

Deferred MBA Example Resume – Consulting, Tech, and Leadership

Resume featuring top-tier consulting experience, strong academic performance, and leadership in pro bono and competitive extracurriculars, tailored for deferred MBA programs.

Best-in-Class MBA Resume Template

Use this template to create your own killer resume using best practices that MBA admissions committees will want to see.

HBS Accomplishments Essay Example

An HBS essay about overcoming obstacles in volunteer teaching in China, working on a clean water project in Ghana, and writing a senior thesis on black female identity. This essay was written in response to a previous prompt.

Haas Example Essays: Launching a Social Impact Venture

Discover how to craft compelling Haas essays that showcase your entrepreneurial vision for social impact and highlight your passion for helping others.

Why Booth Essay: EdTech Goals & Booth's Impact

Booth deferred admit's essay on how the Chicago Booth Scholars Program and MBA will support their short-term goals during deferment and long-term aspirations in edtech leadership.

Kellogg Deferred Essay Example – Leadership, Resourcefulness, and Community Impact

An essay detailing how quick thinking and persistence helped secure funding, lodging, and institutional support for a national dance competition, while laying the groundwork for future student leaders.

MBA Resume – Social Impact, Health, and Startup Leadership

Resume showcasing leadership across health equity, entrepreneurship, and consulting, with standout achievements in innovation, fundraising, and team building.

HBS Post-Interview Reflection: Tips & Example

Learn how to craft a compelling HBS post-interview reflection, with tips on structuring your response and an example from a successful 2+2 deferred admit.