Leland+ Content Library

Start Now: Building an Excellent Law School Application

If you’re planning to apply to law school, the strongest applications start taking shape months before the deadline. This session is designed for future applicants who want to use the early timeline strategically—before essays, recommendations, and school lists become a last-minute scramble. You’ll learn how to start building a compelling application foundation, clarify the story your materials should tell, and prioritize the steps that matter most in the months leading up to submissions.

Anatomy of a Standout Dental School Personal Statement

Writing a dental school personal statement that actually sounds like you—while still hitting the themes admissions committees care about—is harder than most applicants expect. This session is for pre-dental students who want to understand what separates a compelling personal statement from one that reads like every other application. You'll leave knowing how to structure your narrative arc, how to weave in clinical experiences without listing them, and how to convey genuine motivation for dentistry in a way that feels specific rather than generic.

Grad School and Fellowships Applications--Steps to Success!

This high level overview of the grad school and fellowships application process helps potential applicants understand how to get started, differences between graduate program and fellowships applications, how to organize the process, what to know about personal statements and essays, how to identify recommenders, and financial considerations.

Great Alternatives to the US for Grad School

For many applicants, top graduate programs outside the United States offer world-class education, strong career outcomes, and more accessible pathways to admission and visas. This session explores leading international destinations for grad school, how their application processes differ from the US, and what to consider when evaluating cost, career mobility, and long-term goals. You’ll leave with a clearer view of global options and practical guidance for building a competitive international application strategy.

How to Build a Successful Law School Application

A successful law school application takes more than strong numbers—it requires strategy, storytelling, and smart planning. This session is designed to help you understand how to build a complete, compelling law school application. In this event, you’ll learn how to strengthen each component of your application, from academics and test scores to personal statements and recommendations. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid and how to position yourself effectively in a competitive applicant pool. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your materials, you’ll leave with clear guidance and greater confidence.

Securing Excellent Recommendations for Your Law School Application

Strong letters of recommendation can significantly strengthen your law school application—but only if they’re done right. This session is designed to help you secure thoughtful, compelling recommendations that support your candidacy. In this event, you’ll learn who to ask for recommendations, how to approach potential recommenders, and how to provide them with the right materials and guidance. We’ll also cover timing, common mistakes to avoid, and how admissions committees evaluate recommendation letters. Whether you’re early in the process or finalizing your application, you’ll leave with clear next steps and greater confidence in your recommendations.

From Meh to Memorable: Law School Personal Statements

A strong law school personal statement can be the difference between blending in and standing out. In this session, top Leland coach and Harvard Law alum Dylan M. will break down what separates forgettable essays from memorable ones and why many applicants miss the mark. You’ll learn how to craft a clear narrative, highlight your motivations for law, and avoid common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong applications.

Your Path from Law School to Big Law

Breaking into Big Law takes more than strong grades—it requires strategy, timing, and a clear understanding of how the recruiting process really works. In this workshop, Teddy U.—a legal professional who has worked across multiple major markets and top Big Law firms—will share insider insights on how to navigate recruiting and land your ideal position. ​Drawing on his experience successfully recruiting in four metro markets, Teddy will walk you through how to identify the right firms for you, prepare for interviews, and manage the often-overwhelming on-campus and market recruiting processes. Whether your goal is to secure your first Big Law offer or make a strategic lateral move, this session will give you actionable guidance to chart your path with clarity and confidence.

Am I Ready to Apply to Grad School?

​Applying to graduate school is a big step—and knowing when you’re truly ready can make all the difference. In this workshop, Kelly B.—a former Stanford admissions officer with experience reviewing thousands of applications across disciplines—will help you evaluate your readiness, strengthen your application strategy, and understand what admissions committees are really looking for. ​Whether you’re still exploring programs or preparing to hit submit, Kelly will share insider insights and practical tools to assess where you are in the process, highlight your unique strengths, and position yourself as a strong candidate.

Graduate School Admissions Week (September 15-18) Kickoff

Join us for Leland's Graduate School Admissions Week (September 15–18) Kickoff! Come hear from top admissions experts coaches Tom N., Krysta F., and Amy G. who have helped candidates gain acceptance to their dream master's programs. ​You’re invited to a week of actionable insights and preparation strategies designed to help you craft a standout application and position yourself for success in the admissions process.

How To Write Outstanding Law School Application Essays

​​Your law school application essays are arguably the most important aspect of your law school applications. To have the best outcomes and plenty of options at the end of the process, you need to craft compelling essays with solid narratives that paint a picture beyond your numbers. ​​Join Indrani S., former Stanford Law School Admissions Officer, for this session focusing on topics such as different essay prompts and how best to tackle them, why it makes sense to have two 'main' essays instead of just one, and the dreaded 'why' essays.

Asking a Professor for a Law School Recommendation

A brief guide on how to ask a professor you haven't spoke to in a while for a letter of recommendation to law school.

How To Write Outstanding Law School Application Essays

Your law school application essays are arguably the most important aspect of your law school applications. To have the best outcomes and plenty of options at the end of the process, you need to craft compelling essays with solid narratives that paint a picture beyond your numbers. We will talk about different essay prompts and how best to tackle them, why it makes sense to have two 'main' essays instead of just one, how to handle optional essays and the dreaded 'why' essays.

Top 5 Tips for Your Law School Application

Join Indrani as she goes over her top 5 tips to help you put your best foot forward as you apply to law school! A great law school application requires research, authenticity and hard work, and Indrani will help you strategize. She will go over the importance of the LSAT, putting together a thoughtful school list, who should submit letters of recommendation, how to go about writing your essays and the optimal timeline for getting it all done!

Columbia Business School: Sample Essay 3: Why CBS?

Example of a "Why CBS?" essay that got the applicant into Columbia Business School.

The Amy Approach: Navigating the Grad School Search

Graduate school is an exciting opportunity to deepen your knowledge, build your expertise, and shape your career path. This guide breaks the process down into clear, manageable steps.

Columbia & Dartmouth Admit Example Resume: Media Corp Dev / Consulting

Review a successful MBA applicant's resume showcasing extensive experience in strategy, growth, and M&A within media and consulting firms.

MBA Recommendation Memo Example for Harvard Business School and Stanford GSB

This memo provides context to the recommenders for the applicant's MBA applications to Harvard Business School (HBS) and Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), outlining her aspirations, important program components (social impact, global perspective, academic rigor), and key qualities sought by the schools.

Stanford GSB Optional Essays

An essay highlighting leadership in healthcare innovation, data-driven operations, and LGBTQ+ advocacy across clinical, academic, and startup settings.

Full AMCAS Application Example | Stanford MD/PHD

Get an inside look at a successful AMCAS application. Discover how a strong combination of experiences and a compelling narrative can get you accepted.