Leland+ for Dental School

Your Dental School Personal Statement: What to Say, What to Avoid

Learn how to craft a powerful personal statement that showcases your passion for dentistry and gets you accepted.

Top 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Applying to Dental School

Applying to dental school can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what to expect. In this workshop, Marina P., a Columbia University dental student and research assistant, will share the top 10 things she wishes she had known before starting her own journey. From navigating prerequisites and the application timeline to writing compelling personal statements and preparing for interviews, Marina will provide practical insights to help you avoid common mistakes and strengthen your candidacy. ​Whether you’re just beginning to explore dentistry or gearing up to submit applications, this session will leave you with clarity and confidence for the road ahead.

Guide to Exploring Dental Residencies

A guide to the competitiveness and scope of dental residencies in the US.

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!

AADSAS Experiences & Letters of Rec

Your AADSAS experiences section and letters of recommendation play a major role in how dental schools evaluate your readiness for the profession. In this session, we’ll break down how to choose, frame, and write experiences that show commitment to dentistry, service, and leadership, as well as how to secure strong letters that truly strengthen your application. You’ll learn what admissions committees look for, common mistakes to avoid, and how to make every component work together to tell a cohesive story.

Don’t Guess—Ask an Admissions Insider (Dental School Q&A)

Join us for an open Q&A with UMD Admissions Insider and expert Leland coach Heywan G. who has guided countless applicants through the process. You’ll get candid answers about what committees really evaluate, how to present your clinical and academic experiences, and the pitfalls that hold applicants back. Bring your questions and walk away with clarity, confidence, and a stronger strategy for your dental school path.

How To Finance Dental School

Various ways to meet the high cost of a dental education: from scholarships to loan payback.

So You've Been Waitlisted... Now What?

Being waitlisted by a dental school can feel uncertain—but it’s not the end of the road. This workshop is designed to help you respond strategically and maximize your chances of turning a waitlist decision into an acceptance. In this session, you’ll learn how dental school waitlists work, when and how to communicate with admissions offices, and how to craft effective letters of intent or update letters. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid and how to stay proactive while managing timelines and expectations. Whether you’ve just received a waitlist decision or are navigating multiple outcomes, you’ll leave with clear next steps and a confident plan forward.

Turning Your Journey into a Strong Dental School Personal Statement

A strong dental school personal statement isn’t just about listing achievements—it’s about telling your story with purpose. This session is designed to help you transform your experiences, motivations, and journey into a compelling narrative that resonates with admissions committees. In this event, you’ll learn how to choose the right themes, structure your statement effectively, and communicate your passion for dentistry with clarity and authenticity. We’ll also cover common pitfalls to avoid and strategies for making your essay memorable without sounding generic. Whether you’re starting from a blank page or refining a draft, you’ll leave with clear guidance and greater confidence in your personal statement.

How To Fund Dental School

Professional school costs can be daunting. Review options including federal loans, scholarships and loan fogiveness programs.

Applying as a Non-traditional Applicant

Are you a non-traditional applicant? We break down how to stand out and get into dental school, no matter your background.

Crushing Your Dental School Interview

Get into your dream dental school! We give you the strategies and tips you need to prepare for and ace your interview, from common questions to powerful answers.

Dental School Applications: Ask Me Anything

​Have questions about the dental school application process? Join us for Dental School Applications: Ask Me Anything, an open Q&A session where you can get your questions answered live. Whether you're just getting started or deep in secondaries, this is your chance to get personalized advice in real time. ​Ellen W., Former Director + Assistant Dean at the Columbia College of Dental Medicine and Fordham University will be leading this session. She's helped hundreds of successful applicants get into dental school. ​Bring any and all questions! Ellen will cover topics such as: ​How to approach and write compelling secondaries ​Strategies for standing out with your personal statement ​DAT prep timelines and best practices ​Building a strong activities section ​Letters of recommendation and how to guide your writers ​Application timelines and submission strategy ​What to expect in interviews ​No question is too small—stop by, get clarity, and feel more confident in your next steps.

Back to School for Pre-Dentals Panel

​In this panel, you’ll hear from dental school experts Rachael K., Ellen W., and Amy L., as they answer key questions on how to prepare and position yourself as a strong pre-dental applicant. The conversation will cover everything from course planning and extracurriculars to application strategy, shadowing, and common mistakes to avoid. ​Whether you’re just starting your pre-dental journey or gearing up to apply soon, this session will give you actionable insights and clear next steps to help you succeed in the classroom, on the DAT, and beyond.

DDS Admissions: Ask Me Anything with Admissions Directors

Join us for an exclusive "Ask Me Anything" session with Ellen W. & Rachael K, seasoned experts in dental school admissions! With decades of DDS admissions experience between them, they can't wait to field the basic inquiries to most strategic interview & selection tactics. Let them empower you! This is your chance to get personalized advice on acing your interviews and crafting a standout application. Ellen & Rachael are passionate about helping you achieve your dreams and they are ready to share their joint expertise with you. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and gain invaluable insights into the dental school admissions process!

Dental School Interviews & The Wait: What to Do (and Not Do)

​Waiting for a dental school interview or decision can feel like one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the process—and many applicants struggle with how to stay proactive and grounded. ​In this session, Sreya P., incoming DMD student at UPenn and former pre-dental mentor at University of Virginia who gained admission to six dental schools, will guide you through what to do — and what to avoid — during the interview stage and post-application wait. ​You’ll learn how to prepare effectively for interviews, handle the emotional ups and downs of waiting, keep your application momentum going, and set yourself up for the best possible outcome. Whether you’re prepping for your interview invite or already in the waiting stage, this session will give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps.

DDS Admissions: We're In It Together! Ask Me Anything

Join me for an engaging "Ask Me Anything" session on DDS Admissions, where we're truly in it together! You are, and always will be, more than any number, score, or vote by complete strangers. Let's unpack your questions and the mysteries surrounding the selection process. With nearly a decade of experience as the Director of Dental Student Admissions, I've orchestrated the selection process for over 1,000 applicants annually and have been deeply involved with the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). My passion lies in helping you navigate the dental school admissions process with personalized strategies and insights. Whether you're curious about application strategy, interviews, or crafting a standout personal statement, this is your chance to get answers to your most pressing questions. Having coached thousands of individuals, I'm here to support you in achieving your dreams. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and let's work together to make your dental school application shine!

Beyond the Checklist – Shadowing, Volunteering & Experiences That Actually Matter

Dental schools look for far more than hours logged on a checklist. In this session, expert Leland coach and former Dean at Columbia Ellen W. will break down which shadowing, volunteering, and hands-on experiences actually move the needle in admissions—and how to approach them with intention. You’ll learn how to choose opportunities that align with your story, reflect on them effectively, and avoid common mistakes that weaken otherwise strong applications.

Personal Statement Example that Worked

From patient to practitioner: See how one student's personal health challenges and research background helped them craft a successful dental school application.

What to do from Freshman Year On

The ultimate guide for ambitious dental school students. Learn what to do each year of college to build a stand-out application.