Leland+ Content Library

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.

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.

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.

How to Get Into Dental School Panel

​Applying to dental school can feel daunting, but the right strategy makes all the difference. In this panel, you’ll hear from Ellen W (Admissions at Columbia), Rachael K (Admissions at Iowa) and Zach W (UCLA and UCONN) who will share practical advice on how to stand out in the application process. ​We’ll cover everything from building a competitive academic and extracurricular profile, to crafting compelling personal statements, preparing for the DAT, and securing strong letters of recommendation. Panelists will also discuss common pitfalls to avoid and share their insider tips for navigating interviews with confidence. Whether you’re just starting to explore dentistry or are deep in the application process, this session will give you the clarity and tools to succeed.

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.

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

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

You've Submitted, Now What? 5 Strategies for a Successful Application Year [9/15/2026] (Recording)

You’ve submitted your applications. Now what? The months that follow can be an exciting but also stressful time, filled with uncertainty, waiting, and plenty of wondering about what you should be doing next. Join Ellen and Melinda, health professions advisors with over 45 years of collective experience advising applicants for health professional schools. In this session, we’ll explore five strategies for making the most of your application year and discuss how to stay engaged and intentional while navigating the uncertainty of the process. You’ll come away with a clearer sense of what to focus on now, what you can control, and how to make the most of the months ahead. RSVP Today!

You've Submitted, Now What? 5 Strategies for a Successful Application Year [10/13/2026] (Recording)

You’ve submitted your applications. Now what? The months that follow can be an exciting but also stressful time, filled with uncertainty, waiting, and plenty of wondering about what you should be doing next. Join Ellen and Melinda, health professions advisors with over 45 years of collective experience advising applicants for health professional schools. In this session, we’ll explore five strategies for making the most of your application year and discuss how to stay engaged and intentional while navigating the uncertainty of the process. You’ll come away with a clearer sense of what to focus on now, what you can control, and how to make the most of the months ahead. RSVP Today!

Should I Reapply This Cycle? I'm So Confused! [7/24/2026] (Recording)

Feeling uncertain about whether to reapply to dental school this cycle? Join me for an insightful session where we'll tackle this common dilemma together. With decades of experience in prehealth advising and admissions, including my role as Director of Admissions at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, and Assistant Dean at both Fordham University and Columbia University, I've guided countless applicants through the complexities of the dental school application process. Whether you're considering reapplying with the same material, or retooling your whole application, this session will provide you with the clarity and confidence you need to make informed decisions.