Leland+ for College

The Deferral Strategy

A step-by-step guide on what to do after being deferred from a college, with strategies for crafting a compelling Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) and demonstrating your continued commitment to the school.

Personal Statement 1: Example & Analysis

A detailed breakdown and analysis of a successful personal statement, with an explanation of its key components and a guide to crafting your own.

How to Prioritize Your Awards & Honors

Learn how to strategically prioritize your awards and honors on your application to make the strongest impression on admissions committees and stand out from the competition.

"Why Our School?": Program Question Guide

A comprehensive guide to answering the "Why our school?" question by focusing on specific programs, research opportunities, and academic offerings that align with your unique goals and interests.

How to Elevate Your Writing

Learn proven strategies to elevate your writing from good to great, with tips on style, voice, and editing for a memorable application essay.

Who to Ask & What to Write About

A comprehensive guide on identifying the best people to ask for letters of recommendation and a step-by-step process for choosing a compelling essay topic that highlights your unique story.

Personal Statement 2: Example & Analysis

A detailed breakdown and analysis of a second successful personal statement, with a focus on its compelling narrative structure and powerful conclusion.

BYU "Falling Short" Example Essay - Mental Health

An essay responding to the BYU application prompt about a time efforts fell short, sharing a personal story about overcoming mental health struggles.

How to Prioritize Your Extracurriculars

Learn several methods to order and prioritize the extracurriculars list on your college applications. Grab the attention of admissions committees and learn to tell your unique story.

The Smart Outreach Guide: Questions to Ask MBA Alumni and Students

Guide to help users make the most out of outreach to alumni and current students of their desired program

Are You Ready to Submit?

A final checklist to ensure your application is polished, complete, and ready for submission to your dream school or program.

Tips for Making the Most of Career Fairs

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

Why UChicago Essay – Economics, Research, and Community Engagement

A focused and well-researched supplemental essay outlining the applicant’s academic goals in development economics, interest in data analytics, and enthusiasm for UChicago’s research culture and civic-minded community.

Common App Submission Example– Leadership, Research, and Social Impact Profile

A comprehensive Common App submission featuring high academic achievement, extensive leadership, entrepreneurial initiatives, and a personal essay on resilience and teamwork through organizing India’s largest student-led fest.

How to Prepare Your Recommenders

Equip your recommenders with the right info to write standout letters that strengthen your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Recommendations

Don’t let weak recs sink your app—avoid these common pitfalls and set your recommenders up for success.

Making the Most of Alumni Networks

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

"Why X School" Essay Review: UPenn, Columbia, Yale Examples

A detailed breakdown and analysis of successful "Why X School" essays for UPenn, Columbia, and Yale, with strategies for crafting your own.

Extracurriculars: What Not to Do

Avoid the most common mistakes students make when listing their extracurriculars and learn how to create a compelling narrative that showcases your impact.

Additional Info Essay: An Overview

A comprehensive guide to the "additional information" essay, with tips and examples for turning your weaknesses into strengths.