Leland+ Content Library

Cracking College Admissions: Insights from Experts

​College admissions is more competitive and complex than ever. Between building a strong academic profile, highlighting extracurricular impact, and telling your story authentically, students often wonder what really matters most to admissions officers. ​In this session, you’ll hear from experienced coaches Annabella G. (Columbia), Alex T. (Caltech), Lucy G. (Harvard) who will break down the college application process and share what top schools are actually looking for. We’ll cover how to approach essays and supplements, strategies for building a balanced school list, and ways to stand out beyond test scores and GPA.

What BYU Admission Officers Actually Want to See From You [5/26/2026] (Recording)

After this session, you'll know exactly how BYU admission officers evaluate applications and where most candidates unknowingly lose ground. We'll cover how to frame your personal statement around BYU's specific values, what the activity and leadership sections actually signal to reviewers, and how to approach the honor code essay in a way that feels authentic rather than performative. Attending live means you can ask how these principles apply to your specific background, grades, or extracurricular history, and hear how the coach thinks through cases that don't fit a clean template. The coach works with BYU applicants regularly and will share the patterns that separate the candidates who get in from those who look similar on paper but don't.

Before You Hit Submit: Tips to Make Your College App Shine

As deadlines approach, this workshop will walk you through the final steps that take a college application from good to unforgettable. Our expert panel will cover how to polish your essays, strengthen your storytelling, and make strategic last-minute tweaks that help you stand out in competitive pools. Meet Your Coaches: Jessica F. — Harvard alum with 30 years of experience helping students get into top schools through expert essay and application guidance. Liz C. — Duke MBA and storytelling specialist with an almost 100% BYU admit rate, known for elevating nontraditional and healthcare-focused applicants. Luzy G. — Harvard graduate with 4+ years of consulting experience whose students have been admitted to top universities—and who earned full-ride scholarships herself.

What BYU Admission Officers Actually Want to See From You [7/14/2026] (Recording)

Getting into Brigham Young University takes more than strong grades and test scores. The strongest applicants understand how to present a compelling story that shows character, potential, and alignment with what the university truly values. This session is for students applying to BYU who want a clearer understanding of what stands out in the admissions process. You’ll learn what admissions officers actually pay attention to, how to strengthen your overall application, and the subtle factors that can help you rise above other qualified candidates. Join live to hear from a BYU graduate with deep admissions expertise and firsthand experience earning full-tuition and full-ride scholarships. The speaker will share the patterns they see across standout applicants, common mistakes to avoid, and practical ways to position yourself more competitively. Expect actionable advice and insider insights you can immediately apply to your application.