Leland+ for Traditional Full-Time MBA

Columbia Business School Essay Examples– Fashion, Sustainability, and Inclusive Leadership

A set of CBS essays from an admitted applicant, weaving together a passion for heritage fashion, operational sustainability, and community building through DEI initiatives.

(Jul. 2024) How an AdCom Evaluates an MBA Application

A behind-the-scenes look at the MBA admissions process, breaking down how AdComs assess your resume, essays, recommendations, and overall story to make admit decisions.

What NOT to Do in an MBA Internship

Avoid these common missteps that can cost you the return offer—stay focused, proactive, and professional.

Landing an M7 MBA Acceptance with a Non-Traditional Background

See how applicants from unconventional paths break into top programs—and how you can too.

Finance to MBA Panel

A candid panel discussion featuring applicants and admits from finance backgrounds sharing insights on their MBA journeys, career pivots, and tips for standing out in the application process.

HELP -- I'm Non-Traditional! AMA with Jessica B [6/8/2026] (Recording)

You didn't take the standard path. That doesn't mean you can't get into a top program — it means you need a sharper strategy than most. This is an open AMA for applicants who don't fit the typical mold: career changers, military veterans, physicians, founders, late-career applicants, people with non-linear resumes, or anyone who's ever wondered whether admissions committees will know what to do with them. I've worked with all of you. Since 2006, my clients have come from backgrounds that don't map neatly onto the McKinsey-to-HBS pipeline — and they've gotten into M7 programs anyway, frequently with scholarship. Three times Poets & Quants has recognized me as one of the best admissions consultants in the field. Bring your specific situation. Ask me whether your background is a liability or an asset, how to frame a career that's hard to explain in 250 words, whether EMBA or full-time MBA makes more sense for where you are, or anything else that's been keeping you up at night. No slides. No agenda. Just answers.

MBA Self-Discovery Workbook: Unlock Your Narrative & Write Freely

This is a reflection-focused, 13-section workbook for MBA applicants to uncover and build your story before embarking on the complex, layered process of writing your essays. This resource is informed from my time in Stanford GSB's Interpersonal Dynamics (Touchy Feely), my time helping dozens of other GSB classmates find their voice as the Managing Editor for Stanford GSB's Paper (Nondisclosure), and in helping over 500 MBA applicants self-reflect in a way that feels genuine, personal and clarifying. I wrote this resource with just enough structure (but not too much), and with a practical eye towards covering the ground you'll need for your MBA apps. You'll go deep, but every question has a purpose. I also use this with everyone I work with, and it's something we'll cover at the very beginning of our process. My hope is that this resource, in addition to being a big help, feels like we're in conversation. The goal is just to get to know you a little better, one step at a time, in a way that feels natural, even enjoyable. Even if you're the only one who ever sees it, I've tried to write this in a way that I'd speak about this kind of thing with you. Because I think humans are the best way to help other humans see themselves a little deeper. And trust me, plenty of "coaches" could use more of that too ;) This workbook will cover your background, motivations, short and long-term goals, values, behavioral stories, and more. A PDF is attached here, but there's also a downloadable Word file I recommend using to make things much easier for you to fill out as you go. This took me about 20-30 hours of time to put together, and I suggest putting at least 5-10 into filling this out. Some go at it all at once, but most do it in a few sittings. Long walks are good to interperse between writing sessions, and I actually recommend you reflect and go back to this to update your answers several times throughout your MBA process. Save new versions as you go and you'll be able to see your application pixellate over this monthslong process. If you're reapplying, I'd push you to compare what you end up with here with what you submitted last time. The differences may be revealing. I hope ends up a real tool for you, and that it helps you find answers you might not have found otherwise. It also will give you a glimpse into what coaching together feels like. Don't hesitate to reach out if you feel like sharing this. Working on your writing and applications together is a natural byproduct of the kind of reflection you'll be doing here, and it's my favorite thing to help someone with. Happy writing :) -Ben

The Overrepresented Applicant’s Blueprint to MBA Admissions [6/8/2026] (Recording)

Many MBA applicants from consulting, finance, and technology backgrounds underestimate one of the central challenges of the admissions process: differentiation. In this workshop, I'll breaks down how admissions committees evaluate “overrepresented” applicant demographics — and, more importantly, what separates memorable candidates from interchangeable ones. Drawing on experience coaching applicants across M7 and top global MBA programs, the session explores how candidates can move beyond prestige signaling and build a more distinctive, cohesive, and authentic application narrative. Participants will learn how to: * Understand how admissions committees evaluate candidates from highly competitive industries * Identify the most common positioning mistakes made by finance, consulting, and tech applicants * Build stronger differentiation across essays, resumes, interviews, and recommendation strategies * Develop clearer personal themes, leadership narratives, and career vision * Communicate impact and self-awareness beyond titles, brands, and technical accomplishments * Highlight distinctive experiences, perspectives, and motivations that create memorability * Avoid “over-coached” applications and develop more authentic storytelling * Position career transitions, long-term goals, and leadership potential more strategically Whether you come from investment banking, private equity, consulting, big tech, product management, engineering, or another highly represented background, this session is designed to help you better understand how to stand out in one of the most competitive areas of MBA admissions.

Optional MBA Essay Example – Low GPA

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

NYU Stern Interview Question Bank

List of questions applicable to Stern Interview to help a candidate prepare for an interview.

MBA Scorecard: Rank Every Program to Find Your Fit

A personalized Excel scorecard for ranking every top MBA program that autopopulates based on key criteria you should evaluate in narrowing down your list to your top-choice programs. Weight only the factors that matter to you (e.g., specific career funnels, geography, cost, culture, academics), and score each program out of 100, and see your rankings update live. This includes a filled-out example as well so you can see what a final product looks like. Delete anything that isn't useful, and keep the rest so this search is custom-tailored to you.

Michigan (Ross) MBA Interview Question Bank

Question bank tailored to Michigan (Ross) MBA interviews

School Agnostic Recommender Guide

Non-program specific recommender guide with templates.

MBA Interview Prep Guidelines

A concise MBA interview prep guide focused on storytelling, school fit, and nailing the questions that drive admissions decisions.

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.

Developing Your MBA Story [6/7/2026] (Recording)

Your MBA story is the most important part of your application. The best applications use the story as a foundation that guides everything - the essays, the recommendations, the interview answers, even your resume! However, too many applicants fail to do this and instead submit vague or disjointed applications that leave admissions committees unimpressed. During this session, I will teach you how to develop a cohesive and thoughtful MBA story that will clearly explain: your background, why you need an MBA, and why you deserve to go to the school you are applying to - all in a way that will show admissions committees that you are ready for your MBA!

Nailing Your Wharton Essays [6/3/2026] (Recording)

Are you ready to craft compelling essays for your Wharton MBA application? Join me, Sabrina, a Wharton MBA alum and former admissions fellow, for an insightful session on how to nail your Wharton essays. With my experience as a co-host on the Wharton Fintech Podcast and leadership roles in various clubs, I have honed the art of storytelling and personal branding. During this event, I'll share strategies to help you articulate your unique narrative and stand out in the competitive application process. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insider tips and elevate your application. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot!

LinkedIn Cribsheet

A targeted guide that helps experienced professionals rewrite their LinkedIn profiles to better reflect their value, momentum, and career direction.

Six Pillars MBA Application Strategy Template

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