Leland+ Content Library

Writing Standout Application Essays

​Led by Tim F. (Former Adcom at Chicago Booth), Laura N. (Former Adcom at Michigan Ross), and Angela C. (Stanford) this session will provide you with valuable insights, proven strategies, and expert guidance to help you create impactful essays that reflect your unique experiences and aspirations. ​​​Discover top tips for capturing the attention of admissions committees, structuring your essays effectively, and showcasing your authentic voice. Whether you are just starting your application or looking to refine your existing essays, this workshop will equip you with the tools and techniques necessary to make your application shine.

Leland MBA Week (June 2-6) Kickoff

​Join us for Leland's FREE MBA Week (June 2-6) Kickoff! You’re invited to the ultimate MBA admissions prep week, designed to help you get into your dream program. ​This week will feature a series of online sessions hosted by some of Leland’s top admissions coaches—former admissions officers and application experts who have helped hundreds of applicants get into schools like GSB, HBS, Wharton, Booth, and more. ​Throughout the week, you’ll gain extremely tactical insight on school selection, application strategy, essay writing, interviews, and more. Last year, more than 3,000 participants joined us, and we can’t wait to welcome even more of you this year! ​In this kickoff session, we’ll cover essential topics like crafting your personal story, selecting the right schools, and what MBA programs are really looking for. Our expert panelists include Timothy F. (former Chicago Booth Admissions Fellow with 150+ M7 admits), and Geri T. (former Associate Director of Harvard Business School with 75+ M7 admits). With their extensive experience reading applications, conducting interviews, and coaching successful applicants into every M7 school, they’ll provide top insights to help you stand out in a competitive admissions process.

What NOT to Do in an MBA Internship

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

Successfully Transitioning to a New Industry Through Your MBA

Use your MBA to pivot with purpose—gain skills, network strategically, and land roles in your target field.

How to Network for Success During Your MBA

Build meaningful connections that lead to job offers, insights, and long-term career growth.

Seeking & Benefiting From Mentorship in Your Career

Unlock growth and guidance by building meaningful mentor relationships that support your long-term success.

MBA Overview: Strategy, Timeline & Tips for Success

Get a bird’s-eye view of the MBA application process—what to do, when to do it, and how to stand out.

Making the Most of Alumni Networks

Tap into alumni communities for mentorship, referrals, and real-world insights that boost your career.

10 Essentials to Get Multiple M7 Acceptance Letters

Unlock the key moves top applicants make to land spots at several elite business schools.

5 Essential Things To Get Right in Consulting Cases

Master the core elements firms look for and boost your chances of cracking every case.

Tips for Making the Most of Career Fairs

Make strong impressions, ask smart questions, and turn quick chats into real opportunities.

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.

Chicago Booth Interview Series

Chicago Booth interviews are your chance to bring your application to life—and strong preparation can make all the difference. This interview series is designed to help you approach Booth interviews with confidence, clarity, and a compelling personal narrative. Whether you’re preparing for your first interview or refining your approach, you’ll leave with practical strategies and greater confidence.

Management Consulting Week 2026 Kickoff

Kick off Leland’s Management Consulting Week with a high-level panel focused on what actually matters in consulting recruiting. This session will cover the key do’s and don’ts throughout the process, how strong candidates differentiate themselves, and the most common mistakes that derail otherwise competitive applicants. Panelists will break down where to focus your time, what not to miss at each stage, and how to approach consulting recruiting strategically from start to finish. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your approach, this kickoff will help you prioritize effectively and set a strong foundation for the rest of the week.

Making Your “Why This School” Essays Impossible to Ignore

“Why this school?” is one of the most common—and most poorly executed—application essays. In this session, expert Leland coach and former AdComs at Chicago Booth Tim F. will break down what admissions committees actually look for and why generic answers fall flat. You’ll learn how to research programs deeply, connect your goals to specific resources, and write essays that feel personal, credible, and impossible to ignore.

Wrap Up Your MBA Prep Before R2 Deadlines

Get ready to submit your strongest Round 2 MBA application with guidance from top Leland coaches. This session will cover final essay tweaks, resume polish, recommendation strategies, and interview prep to ensure every component of your application is aligned and compelling. You’ll leave with a clear plan and actionable next steps to approach Round 2 deadlines with confidence.

The Top 10 Things That Matter in a Deferred Application

Applying to deferred MBA programs requires a unique strategy—strong academics and internships aren’t enough unless you know how to package them into a compelling story. In this session, Tim F., a Chicago Booth MBA graduate with high distinction and former admissions fellow who interviewed and evaluated nearly 100 applicants, will break down the ten elements that most influence AdCom decisions. Drawing on his experience helping candidates gain admission to top U.S. and European MBA programs, along with his professional background at Goldman Sachs and as a project leader at Boston Consulting Group, Tim will share how to communicate impact, craft a standout narrative, and position yourself competitively as an early-career applicant.