Leland+ for MBA

AdCom Insider Tip #4

Position Yourself on LinkedIn Like a Future MBA, Not Just Your Current Job Title

AdCom Insider Tip #5

What Admitted Applicants All Have in Common

Get Into Your Dream School: Writing Powerful MBA Essays Panel

Join top Leland MBA admissions coaches for a candid panel on what it really takes to write essays that break through at M7 and other top programs. They’ll share insider perspectives on choosing the right stories, showcasing impact, avoiding common pitfalls, and bringing your authentic voice forward. You’ll walk away with clear strategies and actionable tips to elevate your essays—so you can put your strongest application in front of the adcom.

Stuck on MBA Essays? Use AI to Fix Story/Structure Before R2 deadlines

This is not about having AI write your essays. Instead, we’ll focus on how to use AI to: *Diagnose what’s not working in your current drafts *Clarify your core story and positioning *Strengthen structure, flow, and impact *Get unstuck when revision fatigue sets in

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.

Duke MBA Essay 2 Example: The Fuqua Community and You

This is an example of the Duke Fuqua MBA Essay #2 which has the following essay prompt: "Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and to the development of leaders. Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua? Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum)."

UCLA Anderson Example Essay 2: Career Goals

This is an example essay of the Career Goals essay which asks for the short-term and long-term career goals of the applicant (150 word limit).

MIT Sloan Personal Statement Short Answer

While MIT Sloan does not have a traditional personal statement, they do have a Short Answer portion of their application following their behavioral cover letter and video introduction. This is an example of the Short Answer from an MIT Sloan admit.

Six Pillars MBA Application Strategy Template

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

Essays (3): UCLA Anderson MBA Admitted R1

These are the 3 application essays of an applicant who secured R1 admission to UCLA Anderson full-time MBA.

European MBA Value Proposition

A European MBA can strategically reposition Korean professionals for accelerated global careers and long-term leadership potential.

INSEAD Managing High-Stakes Complexity Essay

A reflection on navigating a high-pressure, unprecedented project, balancing strategic vision with expert risk management.

Duke Contributions to the Fuqua Community Essay

Plans to drive social impact at Fuqua through technology, non-profit support, and student-led consulting initiatives.

Duke Fuqua Post-MBA Career Goals Essay

Plans to pursue senior leadership in tech or consulting, with a long-term vision of transforming Korean companies.

Start Now: Creating a Strong MBA Application Early

Starting your MBA application early gives you a major advantage. In this session, we’ll break down what strong applicants do months ahead of deadlines, from shaping a clear career narrative and school strategy to building relationships, test plans, and experience gaps. You’ll leave with a practical roadmap for how to use the early months intentionally, avoid last-minute stress, and position yourself as a compelling, well-prepared candidate when applications open.

Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Writing

Many people have asked me a set of questions frequently. These questions will answer some of your questions quickly!

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.

Celery vs Raisin

Hark, Muse, to sing of fields where greens did grow, And of the dried fruit that became their foe. A mighty host of stalks, in armor bright, Did march to war, and put the raisins to flight. The celery legion, tall and proud they stood, Their hearts were bold, and for the common good. With iron spears and shields, they did advance, While raisins, small and dark, did dance and prance. From raisin fortress, arrows did descend, But celery's leafy armor, it did not bend. The battlefield was strewn with withered grape, As stalks pushed forward, in a heroic shape. The celery leader, with a booming voice, Did shout encouragement, to make their souls rejoice. "For celery and glory, we shall fight!" he cried, "And by the power of salad, we shall not be denied!" And so the battle raged, with spear and stone, Until the raisins, withered and alone, Did flee the field, defeated and afraid, Leaving the celery, in their verdant parade. And thus the tale of celery's glorious day, Shall be recorded, in a most noble way. Of how a legion, green and mighty and strong, Did conquer the raisins, and proved they did belong.