Leland+ for College

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.

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.

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.

Example Activity List: Honors That Land Admissions

Learn how to showcase your extracurriculars and honors to build a compelling activity list that stands out to top admissions committees.

Stanford Accepted Personal Statement: Crafting a Story of Identity

A deep dive into a powerful personal statement. Learn to craft a unique, compelling narrative from your own life experiences to stand out to admissions.

The Stanford Essays That Got Me Accepted

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

Example of a Complete Vanderbilt Application

Learn how to craft a winning application for Vanderbilt University. This guide covers essays, letters of recommendation, and more to get you accepted.

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.

"Why BYU?" Example Essay - Camp Experience

An essay responding to the prompt about why the student wants to learn at BYU, connecting a transformative camp experience to the university's spiritually strengthening environment.

BYU "Tell Us Your Story" Example Essay - Listening

An essay responding to the prompt to "tell us your story," focusing on the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives to contribute to the community.

BYU "Tell Us Your Story" Example Essay: Physical Difference

An essay responding to the BYU application prompt to "tell us your story," sharing a personal experience of growing up with a physical difference and what it taught about self-acceptance.

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."

BYU "Significant Needs in the Community" Example Essay - Coaching

An essay responding to the BYU application prompt about significant needs in the community, detailing how the student coached a youth basketball team to help improve local sports.

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.

Ask Me Anything with Former Ivy League Admissions Reader + Journalist

What does it really take to get into an Ivy League? Watch questions being answered by a former admissions reader and journalist in this exclusive AMA!

Planning for and Succeeding in the College Scholarship Process

Learn how to find, apply for, and win college scholarships. We break down the entire process to help you get the funding you need for school.

Why is the Additional Info Essay Important?

An overview of why the optional "additional information" essay is a critical part of your application, with a focus on how to use it to provide context, explain special circumstances, and showcase your achievements.

What Not to Include in the Additional Info Essay

Avoid the most common mistakes on the "additional information" essay, including using it as a third personal statement, making excuses for poor grades, or simply repeating information found elsewhere in your application.

Why is the Extracurricular Section Important?

An overview of why the extracurricular section is a vital part of your application, with a focus on how it showcases your passions, time management skills, and potential contributions to the campus community.

What is an Extracurricular List?

An overview of the extracurricular list, explaining its purpose in the application process and how it is used to showcase your unique passions, skills, and personal growth outside of the classroom.