I will get you to where you want to be. My time in the Military has thrust me into many unknown situations where there is no clear path and I have charted that course for myself and can help others do the same. Over the course of 2 years I went from not knowing what a GMAT was to Scoring 710 on the GMAT being Accepted to both the University of Chicago Booth and Harvard Business School, and receiving a summer internship offer from both McKinsey and Boston Consulting Group. When I know the where I find the way and I am eager to help both military veterans transitioning and anyone else who is interested in this path. I am a passionate teacher which is why I choose to serve as a Green Beret, and I care deeply about the people I coach and mentor. The greatest job satisfaction is seeing the success of others as you help them to grow and achieve their goals.

I was fortunate enough to receive acceptances to 5 top MBA programs (HBS, GSB, Booth, Wharton, and Berkeley). I have helped numerous students throughout the application process, including reviewing essays, resumes, and helping with test taking strategies. I’m proud to say that I have a 100% success rate so far with individuals that I’ve worked with- my mentees have received acceptances at HBS, GSB, and Wharton! I am happy to help you through the process in a way that best suits your needs- whether it’s chatting through potential career pivots, providing essay edits, or giving tactical advice on nailing the testing.

Welcome! With a unique background that includes a dual-MBA/Masters from Yale SOM and HEC Paris, I bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to help you navigate and land at your MBA program of choice and succeed in your post-MBA career. I'm an expert in interviewing, having interviewed hundreds of applicants between Amazon and management consulting, both of which are very challenging interview formats. I have reviewed and written a large number of MBA admissions essays and have been praised for my writing ability and command of language. I personally used my MBA experience to make the triple jump: Industry, function, and geography - and I'd be glad to coach you on doing that or other career decisions you're considering. I'm particularly passionate about helping American candidates apply to International MBA programs and helping international candidates feel prepared for US-based schools. My coaching philosophy is based on the following principles: 1) Your time is precious - we'll be efficient and I won't waste your time if I'm not providing value 2) Listen more than talk- I'll focus on what you need and won't monopolize our sessions with unrelated commentary 3) Drill down on targeted areas of focus - You're good at a lot of things; let's target any weak areas and drill those until you feel confident 4) Respect and genuine concern - I'll always be respectful and I bring sincere, singular attention to our calls Looking forward to working with folks. Don't hesitate to reach out!

Hi, I'm Maria! I just finished my MBA / MS Sustainability degree at Stanford and am still up to date on all the ins and outs of the application process and the qualities that top business schools seek in their students. I got into both Stanford and Wharton MBA programs on my first try as a non-traditional, international applicant. I worked with one of the most seasoned MBA coaches (25+ years experience) in the industry to craft my application - I know what it takes to build a killer MBA / dual-degree app. Before becoming a Leland coach, I worked with two coachees who both got into their dream programs (MIT and INSEAD). I also helped 4 GSB/HBS admits negotiate $200k+ in financial aid. At the GSB, I worked as an Admissions Ambassador, held countless coffee chats with prospective applicants, led sessions at the GSB admit weekends, and interacted with 100+ MBA applicants from all over the world. I find it especially rewarding to help non-traditional / international students / climate-oriented folks stand out to gain admission to competitive MBA and scholarship programs. Whether you need help on big-picture essay framing, interview prep, general application strategy or nitty-gritty details, I'm excited to work with you!

I'm a Stanford GSB graduate with a background in management, innovation, and digital transformation. As a seasoned professional I went to GSB mid-career and successfully pivoted from Oil&Gas to Tech (changing all three: industry, location and the role). After graduating, I've coached 6 applicants to Stanford GSB and 4 of them got in. My main focus is helping with GSB essays (1 and 2) and the application review, and I've also had experience providing guidance on application strategy and prepping for the interviews.

About Abdi With a proven track record of guiding over 2,000 students globally through the admissions process, Abdi is the ideal coach to help you secure admission to the MBA program of your dreams. As Chairman of Sherif Academy (formerly Easy Entry Group), he led initiatives supporting underrepresented students of color in gaining admission to top institutions like Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, Wharton, and MIT Sloan. Abdi built valuable relationships with Assistant Deans of MBA Admissions at leading programs, hosting virtual events to provide applicants with unique insights into how admissions committees evaluate candidates. Additionally, his collaboration with Poets & Quants allowed him gain unique insights into designing successful applications, generating strategies from 14+ years of data and positioning Sherif Academy as a trusted resource in admissions consulting. Passion for Coaching His journey to becoming an admissions coach was inspired by his father's dedication to providing him with the best educational resources. His father's belief in his potential led Abdi to excel academically, culminating in his admission to Harvard Business School through the 2+2 Program. This experience instilled in him a desire to provide similar opportunities to others. Greatest Strengths Abdi's coaching style is characterized by a personalized approach, helping candidates to find and express their unique stories. He collaborates closely with applicants, focusing on their strengths and aspirations to develop tailored strategies. He aims to empower candidates to own their narratives and confidently navigate the competitive admissions landscape. More About Abdi In his free time, Abdi enjoys connecting with founders from underrepresented backgrounds and indulging in his love for sports, including soccer and basketball. He is an avid fan of Arsenal and the Lakers.

Welcome to my profile! As an MBA graduate at Columbia Business School and a previous Forte Fellow Scholarship recipient, I bring a wealth of experience from both the MBA and corporate worlds to my coaching. With a background in strategy and retail from top companies like Tapestry, Rimowa, and Deloitte Consulting, combined with experience interviewing MBA candidates, I have honed my skills in guiding clients through the complexities of the MBA application process. I have successfully coached dozens of individuals, helping them craft compelling applications that highlight their unique strengths and experiences. Whether you need assistance with application strategy, essay writing, or interview preparation, I'm here to help you achieve your MBA goals. Let's connect and make your application stand out!

Welcome to my profile! As an MBA candidate at Harvard Business School, I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to help you navigate the competitive MBA admissions process. With a Bachelor's degree from Cornell University and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, I understand what it takes to succeed in top-tier programs. In addition to my academic background, I have worked in finance (IB & PE). I have personally coached my colleagues/friends and have 3 friends accepted to HBS (Round 1 C/O 2026), 2 to Wharton and 1 to GSB. With my coaching expertise and firsthand experience, I am here to guide you towards achieving your MBA goals. Let's connect and discuss how I can help you on your journey to business school success!

I have in depth experience in coaching and mentoring, specifically in the MBA admissions space. I've gone through the process myself with huge success, I've coached prospective students through private coaching, as part of corporate coaching programs, and in support of the HBS admissions process. The reason I think I stand out and have found success as a coach is because I work hard to gain a true understanding of the applicant; to understand their motivations, values, drivers, strengths, and weaknesses. All of that is critical to craft a strong application for elite schools, but maybe more importantly it is critical to provide you the best support that I can. I will be better suited tailor my coaching to your needs, ensure you stay motivated and on track throughout the process, and unlock important insights to make your application stand out.

HBS '23 (MBA with Distinction) | Cambridge MPhil | Non-Traditional Background Coach (Former Diplomat) | Former International MBA Applicant | Coached ~60 people in last decade | My MBA admissions insights are shaped by personal rejection and success across two cycles. Former consulting coach & tutor at HBS. ------------ I bring a unique perspective to MBA admissions, having experienced both rejection and success firsthand. After initially being unsuccessful in my applications, I reapplied and secured admission to Harvard Business School (HBS) – without the help of a consultant. Through significant effort and independent research, I gained the insights needed to stand out. Looking back, having a mentor like myself – someone who understands the process and how to succeed – would have made the journey far more efficient. I hold a BA (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Warwick, an MPhil in Development Economics from Jesus College, University of Cambridge, and an MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School. As a non-traditional candidate, I became a diplomat at just 25 and served in five High Commissions and Embassies, giving me a unique perspective on navigating the admissions process outside the traditional MBA applicant pool. Over the years, I have mentored numerous aspiring MBA candidates, guiding them through every step of the process, from crafting outstanding applications to excelling in interviews. My proven strategies, built on real-world experience and a track record of success, equip me to help candidates from all backgrounds achieve their MBA aspirations. I know what it takes to succeed because I have lived it – and I am here to help you do the same.