Leland+ Content Library

Example MBA Essays

Plan Your Application and Refine Your MBA Narrative

GSB Admit & LGBTQ+ Entrepreneur - What Matters Most Example
Read a powerful Stanford GSB essay example focusing on an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur's journey and commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces.

Master's Program Example Essays

MBB & More - A Behavioral Interview Guide
Master the unique behavioral interview style of top consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain with proven frameworks and examples.

Stanford GSB Essays: First-Gen Immigrant Profile
Explore a powerful Stanford GSB essay from a first-generation undocumented immigrant, highlighting resilience and a vision for social impact.

MIT Sloan MBA Interview: Behavioral Prep
Master the unique behavioral interview style for MIT Sloan MBA, with strategies for crafting compelling stories and answering tough questions.

Stanford Grad Essay - Enriching Learning Community
Detailed guide with examples on how to answer the Stanford grad application prompt "enriching the learning community"

GSB Admit - Why Stanford Essay Example
Why Stanford essay from international manufacturing candidate pivoting to startups

Founder Playbooks: Growth Strategies for Early-Stage Startups
Building an early-stage startup is an exciting but daunting journey, especially when it comes to driving sustainable growth. From finding product-market fit to scaling operations and building the right team, founders face countless decisions that can make or break their trajectory. In this session, Renato V. (Founder and CEO of Parallel), Angela C. (Founder of Stanford’s Education Entrepreneurship Hub and Founder of instructiv) and John K. (Founder and CEO of Leland) will share proven playbooks for navigating the critical growth stages. You’ll gain practical insights on refining your go-to-market strategy, attracting customers, raising capital, and avoiding common early pitfalls so you can build a strong foundation and accelerate your path to success.

How to Land and Prep for McKinsey 2026 Interviews Slides
Thinking about applying to McKinsey in 2026? Get a head start by checking out these slides by Samantha G. and Angela C.

How to Land and Prep for McKinsey 2026 Interviews
Thinking about applying to McKinsey in 2026? Get a head start with this insider session featuring Angela C. and Samantha G., two experienced consultants who have successfully navigated the competitive recruiting process. They’ll walk you through what McKinsey looks for in candidates, how to strategically position yourself before applications open, and the best ways to prepare for both the personal experience and case interviews. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap, practical resources, and proven tips to maximize your chances of landing an offer.

M7 Interview Series: Stanford
Stanford interviews are a pivotal step in the M7 admissions process, and thoughtful preparation can set you apart. This interview series is designed to help you approach your Stanford interview with confidence and clarity. You’ll learn how to structure strong answers, communicate your goals and values effectively, and handle common behavioral and fit questions. Whether you’re preparing for your first interview or refining your approach, you’ll leave with practical strategies to stand out.

Making Your Grad School Application Memorable
In a crowded applicant pool, strong credentials are not enough to stand out. In this session, you’ll learn how to craft a compelling, cohesive application that clearly communicates your story, goals, and fit beyond test scores and GPAs. We’ll break down what admissions committees actually remember, how to connect your essays, resume, and recommendations into a unified narrative, and the common mistakes that cause applications to blend in. You’ll leave with practical strategies to make your graduate school application distinctive, authentic, and impactful.

Term Sheets 101 - For First Time Founders
Are you a first-time founder navigating the complex world of venture capital and fundraising? Join me for "Term Sheets 101" where we'll demystify the essentials of term sheets and equip you with the knowledge to confidently engage with investors - decoding the term sheet so you don't get burned on your first raise. By the end of the event, you'll understand valuation, dilution, liquidation preferences, and protective provisions - which are all critical terms that affect your company for years. With a background as a Stanford entrepreneurship instructor and founder of Stanford’s Education Entrepreneurship Hub, I've guided numerous entrepreneurs in securing their first term sheets and then scaling their ventures nationally >> globally. My experience spans founding, operating, investing, and ecosystem building, providing a comprehensive perspective on entrepreneurship.

Stanford Learning Design & Technology - Rec Prep
Comprehensive recommender prep guide for aspiring candidates of the Stanford MS Learning, Design & Technology, Graduate School of Education

Final Push: Perfecting Your Master’s Application Before the Deadline
The deadline is almost here—make sure your Master’s application is truly ready. In this session, expert Leland coaches will walk you through the final checks that matter most, from tightening your narrative to eliminating subtle weaknesses that could cost you an admit. You’ll leave with a clear, prioritized plan to submit a polished, compelling application with confidence.

VC 101 - How Venture Capital Actually Works
Curious about how venture capital really works? We'll be venture capital for founders who've never raised before - understanding the VC business model, fund economics, decision-making process, and what VCs actually look for in early-stage investments to best understand how to 1) target VCs and 2) obtain term sheets. As a Stanford entrepreneurship instructor and founder of Stanford’s Education Entrepreneurship Hub, I bring a wealth of experience in guiding first-time founders through the complexities of launching and scaling their ventures. With a background in founding a global SaaS product and investing in the future of work, I offer a 360-degree perspective on entrepreneurship. Whether you're looking to refine your pitch or understand the nuances of venture capital, this event is your chance to gain valuable insights. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot!

GSB Admit - Recommendation Letter - Board Chair
Example Recommendation from GSB Admit, by Board Chair of the community service organization they founded

GSB Admit - Why Stanford Essay - Climate VC
Why Stanford essay from finance > climate VC candidate
