Leland+ Content Library

Med School Admissions 101

Personal Statement Mastery for Dental Applicants

Rounding Out Your Activities Section
Dental schools look closely at how your experiences show real commitment to dentistry—not just what you’ve done, but how you’ve grown. In this session, you’ll learn how to choose and describe your shadowing, clinical work, service, and extracurriculars so they tell a clear, cohesive story. We’ll cover common mistakes and simple ways to highlight impact and readiness. Whether you’re polishing your application or still building experiences, you’ll leave with a practical framework to strengthen your activities section with confidence.

Dental School Week Kickoff 2026
Dental School Week is here—and this kickoff session sets the stage for a week focused on navigating the dental school admissions process with confidence. Join us for an opening event designed to introduce the week’s themes and help you make the most of the events ahead. In this session, we’ll preview upcoming workshops, share how to approach the application journey strategically, and discuss what it takes to build a strong dental school application. Whether you’re early in the process or preparing for an upcoming cycle, this kickoff will help you start the week with clarity and momentum.

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.

Medical School Week 2026
Dental School: Interview Overview [7/14/2026] (Recording)
After this session, you will know how to walk into a dental school interview with a clear understanding of what evaluators are actually assessing. We will cover the most common interview formats used by dental programs, how to structure answers that demonstrate clinical awareness and genuine motivation, and what separates candidates who advance from those who stall at this stage. Attending live means you can bring your specific situation, whether it is a gap in your application or uncertainty about how to discuss a low GPA, and get a direct response rather than a general one. The coach works with dental school applicants regularly and will share the patterns they see across candidates who succeed, giving you a honest look at how this process is evaluated from the inside.
AMA - Dental School Applications [7/9/2026] (Recording)
The 2026-27 AADSAS Application opened on May 12, and the first day to submit was June 2. WHere do you stand? Are youstillperfectingh tat application? Struggling with program materials and secondaries? Are you preparing to take the Kira exam? Join former Columbia University College of Dental Medicine Director of Admissions for an open Q&A on the basics. You ask, Ellen answers. Bring your questions!
AADSAS is Open--Lets Talk Strategy! [6/22/2026] (Recording)
Are you gearing up to submit your AADSAS application but feeling unsure about the final touches? Join me for an insightful session focused on perfecting your dental school application. With over two decades of experience in prehealth advising and admissions at prestigious institutions like Columbia University and Fordham University, I've guided countless applicants to success. During this event, I'll share key strategies to enhance your application and ensure it stands out. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and boost your confidence before hitting submit. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot!
Free

CASPer and AAMC PREview Guide
This resource provides a comprehensive overview of the CASPer and AAMC PREview exams, two of the most widely used situational judgment tests in health professions admissions. It covers the format, timing, and core competencies each exam assesses, along with sample scenarios and answer strategies, the STAR method for structuring responses, and practical strategies for managing pressure on test day. The guide closes with guidance on preparing through practice with an experienced admissions professional.
Last Chance to Ask Questions for the Dental Early Admit… [6/1/2026] (Recording)
Dental early admission timelines move quickly, and many applicants reach the final stretch still unsure about how their application will actually be evaluated. This session is for students preparing to submit or finalize their dental early admit applications who want clarity before deadlines arrive. You’ll learn what admissions committees focus on most, the common mistakes that weaken otherwise strong applications, and how to make sure your essays, experiences, and overall narrative are working together effectively. Join live for an opportunity to hear directly from an experienced admissions coach who works closely with dental applicants throughout the process. You’ll be able to get real-time answers to key application questions and hear the kinds of insights and patterns typically discussed in 1:1 coaching conversations before submission deadlines.
Last Chance to Ask Questions for the Dental Early Admit… [6/1/2026] (Recording)
Dental early admission timelines move quickly, and many applicants reach the final stretch still unsure about how their application will actually be evaluated. This session is for students preparing to submit or finalize their dental early admit applications who want clarity before deadlines arrive. You’ll learn what admissions committees focus on most, the common mistakes that weaken otherwise strong applications, and how to make sure your essays, experiences, and overall narrative are working together effectively. Join live for an opportunity to hear directly from an experienced admissions coach who works closely with dental applicants throughout the process. You’ll be able to get real-time answers to key application questions and hear the kinds of insights and patterns typically discussed in 1:1 coaching conversations before submission deadlines.

What You Need to Have Ready Before Dental School Applications Open
Many applicants wait until dental school applications open before realizing how much groundwork should already be in place. This session is designed for pre-dental candidates who want to approach the cycle prepared, not scrambling at the last minute. You’ll learn what admissions committees expect applicants to have ready before submitting, including clinical experiences, letters of recommendation, personal statement drafts, and a clear timeline for completing the AADSAS primary.

Dental Interviews 101
Dental school interviews can feel high-stakes, but with the right preparation, they’re an opportunity to bring your application to life. In this session, you’ll learn what dental schools are really evaluating in interviews, how to answer common questions with confidence, and how to communicate your motivation, experiences, and professionalism effectively. You’ll walk away with practical strategies, preparation tips, and a clear game plan to approach your interviews prepared and poised.

Developing a Compelling Dental School Personal Statement
A compelling dental school personal statement clearly communicates your motivation for dentistry, your commitment to patient care, and the experiences that shaped your path. In this session, you’ll learn how to identify meaningful clinical and academic moments, structure your narrative for clarity and impact, and avoid common mistakes that make essays feel generic. Whether you’re starting fresh or refining a draft, you’ll leave with a practical framework to craft a thoughtful, authentic, and memorable personal statement.

How to Craft Memorable Medical Personal Statements
A standout medical personal statement does more than explain why you want to be a doctor, it demonstrates reflection, growth, and a clear commitment to patient care. In this session, you’ll learn how to identify the defining moments in your journey, structure a compelling narrative, and avoid common clichés that weaken otherwise strong essays. Whether you’re drafting your first version or refining a revision, you’ll leave with practical strategies to write a personal statement that feels authentic, focused, and memorable.

Personal Statements Deep-Dive
Your medical school personal statement is more than a summary of achievements—it’s how admissions committees assess your motivation, character, and readiness for medicine. In this session, you’ll learn how to structure a compelling narrative, highlight meaningful clinical and service experiences, and avoid common pitfalls that weaken strong applicants. Whether you’re drafting from scratch or refining a final version, you’ll leave with a clear framework to tell your story with focus and authenticity.

Personal Statement Jumpstart
Get a strong start on one of the most important parts of your dental school application. In this session, you’ll learn how to choose the right story, structure your personal statement, and clearly communicate your motivation for dentistry in a way that resonates with admissions committees. You’ll leave with proven frameworks, common pitfalls to avoid, and concrete next steps to begin drafting a compelling, authentic personal statement.

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.

How to Plan an Effective Medical School Application Process
A successful medical school application is built on thoughtful planning, clear strategy, and strong execution. In this session, you’ll learn how to map out the entire application process, from timelines and school selection to essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews. We’ll cover how to prioritize experiences, avoid common pitfalls, and stay organized and confident throughout a demanding cycle. Whether you’re early in your pre-med journey or preparing to apply soon, this workshop will help you approach the process with clarity and purpose.
