Leland+ for College

Cracking the Common App: A College Admissions Panel

The Common App can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. ​Join this session with Isamar V., former Assistant Director of Admissions at Stanford University, and Raina M., a Cornell University student. We’ll break down key parts of the application, offer guidance on how to approach each section strategically, and share insights to help your application stand out. ​From personal statements to activity lists and supplemental essays, this panel will offer practical tips, common pitfalls to avoid, and advice to help you move forward with confidence, wherever you are in the process.

Stanford University Admit: Excited to Learn Essay Example

Read a short essay that got me into Stanford based on this 2024 prompt: The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning.

Networking Follow-Up Strategies

The following tool is designed to offer ideas on how to follow-up with networking contacts after initial conversation to maintain relationship.

Strategies for Crushing the New HBS Essays

​The Harvard Business School essays have changed—and so has the strategy you’ll need to stand out. In this workshop, Leland coach Andy P. will walk you through proven approaches for tackling the new prompts with clarity and impact. ​You’ll learn how to identify the stories that best showcase your leadership, values, and potential, while avoiding common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong applications. Andy will also share practical tips for structuring your essays, weaving a cohesive narrative across your application, and highlighting the qualities HBS is really looking for. Whether you’re just getting started or refining a draft, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to make your essays rise to the top.

Stanford University Admit: Letter to Rommate Example

Read a short essay that got me into Stanford based on this 2024 prompt: Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate – and us – get to know you better.

Oxford Personal Statement Example

A deep dive into an impactful Oxford personal statement. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative that showcases your personal experiences and analytical skills.

Blank Page to Clear Outline: Get Unstuck on Your Personal Essay

​Feeling stuck on your personal essay? You're not alone. Trust, you are not the only senior who keeps putting off writing their application essay. You're sure you'll be able to finish once you start. You just need to put something - anything - on the page, but going from 0 to 1 feels harder than going from 1 to 100. And advice like "just start!", "show who you are," "brainstorm some ideas," isn't working, right? ​Join Isamar V., a former Stanford admissions officer and college application coach, in this workshop where she will guide you as you complete 3 exercises to go from a blank page to a clear essay outline in 1 hour. Get your pen and paper (or laptop) ready because this isn't just a lecture. You are going to put in the work in this workshop. ​If you have no idea what you want to write about --> You'll leave with several ideas, topics, and stories to choose from If you have an idea or story but don't know if it's good --> You'll leave with personal reflections to make it good If you have a story that you're excited about, but just haven't sat down to write --> You'll leave with an outline If you already have an outline, but just no written draft --> You'll have a dedicated hour to write ​You'll also get some tips for how to go from outline to a first written draft. Whether you're just starting or need a fresh perspective, the goal for you is to feel unstuck and excited to write your story.

Activity List for the Common App [Prep Template]

Activity List for the Common App [Prep Template]

BYU Activities Example Essay - Piano

An essay responding to BYU application prompt about extracurricular activities, detailing a long-term commitment to piano and the lessons it taught about perseverance.

Additional Info Application Example: Turning Your Passions into a Resume

Learn how to transform your passions and accomplishments into a powerful 'additional information' document that makes your application unforgettable.

From Strong to Unforgettable: Crafting Essays That Break Into the Ivies

Applying to college can feel overwhelming—but with the right strategy, your application can truly stand out. In this workshop, Abigail L.—a Harvard-educated admissions consultant who has guided 600+ students to top schools including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT—will share what sets successful applicants apart.

Stanford University Admit: Distinctive Contribution Example

Read a short essay that got me into Stanford based on this 2024 prompt: Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.

Application Power Hour: Standout Resume, Essay, & Recommendation Tips

Applying to college or graduate school can feel overwhelming - but with the right approach, you can make every part of your application shine. In this power-packed hour, you’ll learn how to: - Build a resume that shows who you are and what you’ve accomplished. - Write an essay that’s authentic and memorable. - Secure letters of recommendation that strengthen your story. Whether you’re just getting started or polishing your final draft, this session will give you the tools and confidence to submit your strongest application.

Video Walkthrough: GMAT Data Sufficiency

Comprehensive video walkthrough of examples for GMAT Data Sufficiency questions

UC Essay Examples

A deep dive into the essays that earned a spot at a top UC school. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative that stands out to admissions committees.

GMAT or GRE: Which Test to Choose and How to Decide

GMAT vs GRE - which test to choose and how to decide

Stanford University Admit: Deferred Essay Examples

Read the deferred essay responses that got me into Stanford based on the 2024 prompts.

BYU "Losing Track of Time" Example Essay - Avatar

An essay responding to the prompt about a topic so engaging it makes you lose track of time, focusing on the show "Avatar: The Last Airbender."

The Amy Approach: A Real Talk Guide to Picking the Right College

A step-by-step guide to picking the right college.

BYU Activities Example Essay - Leadership through United Sound

An essay responding to the BYU applicatino prompt about extracurricular activities, detailing participation in United Sound and how it developed leadership and communication skills.