Deferred MBA Admissions Coaches

I know what it takes to stand out in the most competitive rooms in the world because I’ve built my career in them. I’m a Harvard MBA and Harvard College graduate, venture capital investor, and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. I’ve evaluated hundreds of founders and companies, sat in investment committees, and seen firsthand how decision-makers assess potential, leadership, and polish. As a current HBS student, I also understand the admissions process from the inside and what truly differentiates candidates. I help ambitious, high-agency applicants turn strong resumes into compelling, cohesive narratives. Many candidates undersell themselves or tell stories that are impressive but forgettable. I work with you to clarify your “why,” sharpen your positioning, and articulate a trajectory that feels bold, authentic, and inevitable. As a founder and investor, I approach your application through the lens of differentiation and strategy. What is your unfair advantage? What impact are you uniquely positioned to have? Together, we craft an application that commands attention. If you’re aiming for top programs and want a coach who understands elite institutions and high-performance environments, I would love to work with you.

Having been through the deferred MBA application myself and helping others across multiple application periods, I've come to develop a keen sense as to how to best represent STEM focused undergrads who want to pursue a potential MBA from a T7 school. Additionally, having personal relationships with both HBS and MIT Sloan, I've been able to better understand from the lens of the AO team, how to best maximize ones chances.

Former Assoc. Director of Admissions at UC Irvine

Welcome! As an HBS 2+2 admit, I offer my firsthand perspective navigating the application process while a student studying global health / health administration. Deferred programs value 'non-traditional' backgrounds, whether that be academic, professional, or something else entirely. My strength is identifying and crystallizing unique narratives that will be compelling for interview and application reader alike. Prior to matriculation at HBS, I've spent years in other highly competitive fellowship / professional experiences: Fulbright in Taiwan, Bain AC, and Schwarzman Scholar (<3% acceptance rate at the #1 university in Asia). My approach to coaching is collaborative, curious, and excited to help. Let's connect and figure out your best path to success!

- Previous work as Assistant Director of Careers at INSEAD and Manager at London Business School; 8 years of experience in business education and corporate HR - Helped prepare hundreds of MBA job seekers and have built partnerships with fortune 500 employers recruiting for roles in consulting, tech, private equity, and investment banking. - Speciality in helping international students break into the job market in Europe, Asia, the UAE, and North America - Substantial recruitment & admissions experience at several international institutions

After being accepted to HBS as a college senior, for years I have helped people navigate the MBA admissions process for top deferred and traditional programs. My approach is about partnering with you to craft the most compelling story, and to help you shine through every facet of the application - from essays, to recommenders, to the interview. In spite of application weaknesses in GPA and GMAT scores, my clients have been accepted to Harvard, Stanford, and other top programs.

With years of experience as the Assistant Director of the PhD Program at Harvard Business School, I advised and supported more than 130 students annually while also leading admissions committees for doctoral programs in addition to MBA programs. This work gave me direct, insider perspective on how the world’s most competitive business schools evaluate candidates and make decisions. Drawing on this expertise, I now coach prospective MBA students through every stage of the application journey — from crafting compelling personal narratives and refining essays, to interview preparation and strategic school selection. My approach emphasizes authenticity, clarity, and proven admissions insight, helping every client present their strongest and most competitive application.

-Have worked with 600+ MBA applicants from all over the world, with admits to schools including HBS, Stanford, Wharton, Sloan, Kellogg, Columbia, Booth, INSEAD, LBS, and many, many more. -85%+ success rate; 99% satisfaction rate, as people have a great experience with me regardless of their outcome. -Story-driven partnership approach to find and tell the best-possible narratives to differentiate and win. -"Magic" is common word clients use to describe my help. -I treat clients how I would want to be treated when paying for a premium service.

Welcome! I am a coach and advisor who genuinely enjoys helping individuals achieve their MBA admissions goals. As a former member of the MBA Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS), I have firsthand knowledge of the admissions process and what it takes to build a compelling application. I've reviewed thousands of applications and completed hundreds of interviews with applicants across all backgrounds, geographies, and industries. I also have experience working with college students applying for deferred admissions (I was part of the launch and management of the HBS 2+2 Deferred Admit Program). I have worked as an independent MBA admissions coach, guiding clients to success at their top choice schools. Whether you need assistance with school selection, crafting your story/brand, essay/resume writing, selecting/preparing recommenders, or interview prep, I'm here to help you navigate the sometimes overwhelming and mysterious MBA admissions world. Let's connect and discuss how I can support you in reaching your goals. Rated "Leland Top 50 Coach" 2023 and 2024

🎉 Dozens of candidates I've worked with have got into Stanford GSB, Harvard, Wharton & the rest of M7 🎉 ⏳ Fair, honest pricing: 4-5 hours for one school, 8-12 for 3+ is almost always sufficient⏳ 💰 Check out my packages for discounts, or ask me for 50% off your 1st hour 💰 My story: I was 23. My GMAT was an uneven 710: 99th percentile verbal, 55th(!) non-verbal. My major was English literature. I was at a non-MBB consulting firm with zero US brand recognition. I had less than 3 years of work experience. I couldn't afford an admissions consultant. And yet... I got in. How? Because I'm an expert-level storyteller. And telling your story is >50% of your application. A bad story can kill an otherwise-great application. A GREAT story can make up for a mediocre GMAT, so-so work experience, etc. Beyond your qualifications and institutions, you have several short- and long-form essay/answer prompts, plus 2 letters of reference. Together, these present you with an opportunity to craft a COMPELLING, HOLISTIC narrative for why you belong at the business school of your dreams. What got me over the line and won the heart of my AdCom reviewer was that I treated these answers not as distinct opportunities to shine, but a tapestry through which I wove a singular, compelling narrative thread. On Leland, I help others achieve the same. I am confident that any life, no matter how mundane-feeling, carries a powerful growth story. I will help you tell that story in a way that feels authentic and inspiring, making your offer a no-brainer to AdCom. I work with candidates for any school, and have a range of approaches based on your specific needs & working style. I particularly love to support international applicants - the US has a very specific, slightly opaque culture and set of values that I've had the privilege of adopting, through the lens of both a Brit (where I grew up) and a Russian (where I was born). No need to message ahead - my calendar is up to date. Schedule an intro call anytime!