Leland+ for College
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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.
Winning Resume/CV Bank Template
Whether you're applying to a professional position or an academic program, use this template to organize your experiences in one cohesive document.
Cracking the Common App: A College Admissions Panel
The Common App can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Whether you’re just getting started or putting finishing touches on your application, this panel will help you avoid common pitfalls, craft a standout narrative, and submit with confidence. Meet Your Panelists Amanda W. – Former Director of Admissions and Regional Enrollment Director, with 5+ years of coaching experience helping students gain admission to top universities including UCLA, Cornell, UPenn, Duke, and BYU. Alex L. – Stanford MBA and Northwestern alum, former Stanford admissions interviewer, and marketing executive with 20+ years of experience helping candidates differentiate themselves and gain admission to competitive programs. Skyler A. – Former Associate Director of Admissions at UChicago Booth and Assistant Director at Northwestern, with 10+ years of experience reading applications and helping hundreds of students gain admission to Yale, MIT, Berkeley, USC, Northwestern, and more.
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.
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.
Stanford University Admit: Short Response Examples
Read the short essay responses that got me into Stanford based on the 2024 prompts.
Stanford University Admit: Activities and Extracurriculars Example
See the activities and extracurriculars that got me into Stanford University.
BYU College Panel: Writing Standout BYU Application Essays
In this panel, experienced admissions coaches Afton K., Christian H. (prior BYU admissions committee member), and Anna G. will share insider guidance on how to stand out as a strong applicant to BYU. From building a balanced application and writing compelling essays to highlighting your extracurriculars and values, you’ll learn what it takes to present your story in a way that resonates with BYU’s admissions committee. You’ll also hear strategies for avoiding common mistakes, strengthening your overall profile, and approaching the process with confidence. Whether you’re just starting your application or putting the final touches on your materials, this session will give you actionable insights to maximize your chances of admission.
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.
Unlocking Your Story for BYU Essay #4
This worksheet will help you turn your “ordinary” experiences into powerful stories and give you 2–3 solid essay ideas.
Developing a Winning College Application
In this session, join Christine B. (former admissions officer with 25+ years experience) as she discusses key elements that make a college application sing. From developing your personal story, determining your essay topic, highlighting your achievements and community engagement, and getting the most out of your recommender. We will discuss the pillars of what schools are looking for in their students, and how to differentiate yourself from the competitive applicant pool.
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
Video Walkthrough: GMAT Data Sufficiency
Comprehensive video walkthrough of examples for GMAT Data Sufficiency questions
3 Tricky GRE Quant Questions
Example of 3 tricky quantitative GRE questions
Unlock Your Story: Writing a Powerful BYU Essay #4
Essay #4 is one of the most important—and most personal—parts of the BYU application. In this session, you’ll learn how to transform your experiences, values, and aspirations into a compelling narrative that resonates with admissions officers. We’ll cover what BYU is really looking for in this essay, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical strategies to make your writing authentic, memorable, and powerful. The session will be led by Darla T., a Leland coach with extensive experience guiding students through competitive admissions processes. She’ll share frameworks and actionable tips to help you unlock your story and approach Essay #4 with confidence.
Unlock Your Story: Writing a Powerful BYU Essay #4
Essay #4 is one of the most important—and most personal—parts of the BYU application. In this session, you’ll learn how to transform your experiences, values, and aspirations into a compelling narrative that resonates with admissions officers. We’ll cover what BYU is really looking for in this essay, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical strategies to make your writing authentic, memorable, and powerful. The session will be led by Darla T., a Leland coach with extensive experience guiding students through competitive admissions processes. She’ll share frameworks and actionable tips to help you unlock your story and approach Essay #4 with confidence.
GMAT or GRE: Which Test to Choose and How to Decide
GMAT vs GRE - which test to choose and how to decide
Comprehensive Guide to Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation can make or break a graduate school application—but too often, applicants underestimate their importance or don’t know how to manage the process strategically. In this session, we’ll cover everything you need to know: whom to ask, when to ask, how to prepare your recommenders, and how to ensure your letters complement and strengthen the rest of your application. You’ll also learn how to approach potential recommenders with confidence, provide the right context and materials, and avoid common pitfalls. With clear guidance from Jennifer P., a Harvard master’s graduate and experienced coach, you’ll walk away with a roadmap to securing strong, authentic recommendations that highlight your strengths and align with your overall story.
FAFSA 101
Leland is excited to partner with CareerVillage to host this free event on navigating FAFSA! Paying for college or graduate school starts with understanding financial aid—and that means knowing how to navigate the FAFSA. In this session, Leland coach Loubna B., who has years of experience guiding students through competitive admissions and funding opportunities, will walk you through the FAFSA process step by step. You’ll learn how to complete the application accurately, avoid common mistakes, and maximize your eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your FAFSA, this session will give you the clarity and confidence you need to take control of your financial aid journey.
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.
