Leland+ Content Library

Complete MBA Step-by-Step Application Plan, Timeline & Checklist

Applying to business school can feel like juggling too many balls at once: endless information, countless to-dos, and constant second-guessing about what really matters. In this session, MBA admissions coach M will share the structured system she uses to help applicants cut through the noise, stay motivated, and make steady progress toward their goals. Bonus: You’ll also hear directly from Vandit, an Indian applicant currently in the middle of his own journey, who will share an international perspective and what it feels like to apply these tools in real-time. The MBA Identity Mapping process has guided 100+ applicants into every M7 program, all other top 20 U.S. programs, and leading international options like INSEAD, London Business School, IESE, Esade, Oxford, Cambridge, and HEC Paris. Clients consistently say it’s transformative, not only does it uncover the deeper patterns, values, and defining experiences that set you apart, it also organizes your journey into manageable steps that reduce stress and build confidence. By the end of this workshop, you’ll walk away with a clear action plan, a realistic timeline/schedule, and a practical checklist to keep you organized and on track from start to finish.

Master’s Applications: How to Stand Out Before Deadlines Hit

With application deadlines fast approaching, now’s the time to make your Master’s application shine. In this session, expert Leland coaches Jennifer P. D. (AdCom at University of Wisconsin-Madison), Ash C. (AdCom at Carnegie Mellon University), Amy G. (AdCom Columbia & NYU) will walk you through how to strengthen every part of your application—from your personal statement to your resume and letters of recommendation. ​By the end, you’ll know exactly where to focus your time and how to stand out in a competitive applicant pool—no matter how close deadlines are.

How to Land a PM offer at Google

​Landing a product management role at Google is one of the toughest challenges in tech—but with the right strategy, preparation, and mindset, it’s absolutely achievable. In this workshop, Rachel T.—a former Senior Product Manager at Google who has conducted 380+ PM interviews and mentored through Google’s G-Mentors Program—will share insider insights on how to stand out throughout the hiring process. ​Drawing on her experience receiving offers from multiple FAANG companies and coaching candidates to land roles at Google, OpenAI, Meta, and Amazon, Rachel will walk you through how to craft your story, master product and behavioral interviews, and demonstrate the leadership and problem-solving skills Google values most. Whether you’re applying for your first PM role or aiming for a senior-level position, this session will give you the frameworks and confidence to succeed.

How to Approach the GSB 'What Matters Most' Essay

The Stanford GSB “What matters most to you, and why?” essay is one of the most challenging—and important—prompts in MBA admissions. In this session, you’ll learn how to break down the question, uncover the deeper themes in your own story, and craft a response that is authentic, personal, and compelling. ​Led by Andy P., a Leland coach who has guided countless applicants to top MBA programs, this workshop will give you practical strategies, real examples, and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re just starting your first draft or refining your narrative, you’ll leave with a clearer framework to tackle this iconic essay with confidence.

Building the Future with AI Agents

​In this session, expert coaches Amelia C. and Dean U. will dive into how AI agents are reshaping the way we work, build, and create. From task automation to intelligent decision-making, you’ll learn how these agents are transforming industries and setting the stage for the next wave of technological progress. ​You’ll walk away with actionable insights on how to design, deploy, and scale AI agents effectively—while sidestepping common challenges along the way. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, operator, or technologist, this event will give you the tools and frameworks to harness AI agents and position yourself at the forefront of the future of work.

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.

Skills to Be a Full-Stack PM

​There’s more to being a great PM than just shipping tickets. The best product managers move between execution, strategy, and leadership with confidence.In this free 30-minute session, Christina P. will walk through the key skill areas that separate good PMs from great ones. We’ll cover: ​The core skills every PM needs to master, from user research to executive communication ​What “good” vs. “great” looks like across each area ​Simple, actionable ways to improve—based on real examples and common gaps I’ve seen Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills generally or improve in a specific area, you’ll leave the session with a clearer picture of what makes a great product manager and how to become one.

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.

Cool, Calm, and Laser-Focused: Tame GMAT Test Anxiety

Join Leland coach Jennifer P. D. for a session packed with actionable tips and strategies for developing the calm, confident, laser-focused mindset that powers your best performance. ​If you've ever been frustrated at the way you lose your cool when the clock starts ticking, you're not alone! In Jennifer's 12 years of GMAT, GRE, and SAT coaching experience, she's encountered dozens of smart, utterly competent individuals who struggled to demonstrate their capabilities during these high-stakes exams. This fueled her drive to read research in neuroscience and performance psychology, to train in mindfulness meditation techniques, and to speak with candidates directly about what's playing out in their minds. Now she incorporates these concepts into all of her group classes and coaching - and it makes a difference! ​What's going on in your mind? Why is that normal? How can you shape it to work for you? Let's discuss. ​One of Jennifer's recent students wrote, "Working with Jennifer has been nothing but amazing and did wonders not only for my GMAT Focus score but also my general 'mindset' when it comes to high-pressure situations (as you experience during the exam). My GMAT Focus score jumped 110 points."

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.

From Self-Doubt to Self-Belief: Overcoming Limiting Career Beliefs

Are you getting in the way of your own success? This workshop aims to help you identify and challenge the limiting beliefs holding you back from achieving your career potential. Through practical strategies and guided exercises, you will learn to reframe negative self-talk into empowering mindsets, fostering powerful self-belief.

McKinsey PEI Template

Template for preparing McKinsey personal experience interview (PEI) stories

Top Unique Resources to Break into VC

A go-to list of books, newsletters, job boards, and communities to break into venture capital.

Ace Your Product Cases: Mini Cheatsheet

Master the essential frameworks and strategies to nail your product mini-case interviews and land the job!

Portfolio Personal Branding

Learn how to build a powerful personal brand and create a portfolio that gets you noticed. Stand out from the competition and land your dream job.

Example of a Winning Kellogg Personal Statement - Leadership Amidst Uncertainty

A breakdown of an actual personal statement that got a deferred candidate admitted to the Kellogg School of Management, focusing on how they addressed the prompt to "educate, equip and inspire brave leaders who create lasting value."

The GMAT and GRE: A Comprehensive Overview

Deciding between the GMAT and GRE? This comprehensive guide breaks down each exam to help you choose the right test for you.

Chicago Booth: Interview Tips

Prepare for your Chicago Booth interview with key insights and proven strategies to impress the admissions committee and secure your spot.

What Parts of the MBA Application Are the Most Important?

MBA admissions are holistic, but some elements carry more weight than others. Learn what to focus on to stand out and get into your dream school.