Leland+ Content Library

Don’t Guess—Ask an Admissions Insider (Dental School Q&A)

Join us for an open Q&A with UMD Admissions Insider and expert Leland coach Heywan G. who has guided countless applicants through the process. You’ll get candid answers about what committees really evaluate, how to present your clinical and academic experiences, and the pitfalls that hold applicants back. Bring your questions and walk away with clarity, confidence, and a stronger strategy for your dental school path.

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.

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.

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 School Interviews & The Wait: What to Do (and Not Do)

​Waiting for a dental school interview or decision can feel like one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the process—and many applicants struggle with how to stay proactive and grounded. ​In this session, Sreya P., incoming DMD student at UPenn and former pre-dental mentor at University of Virginia who gained admission to six dental schools, will guide you through what to do — and what to avoid — during the interview stage and post-application wait. ​You’ll learn how to prepare effectively for interviews, handle the emotional ups and downs of waiting, keep your application momentum going, and set yourself up for the best possible outcome. Whether you’re prepping for your interview invite or already in the waiting stage, this session will give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps.

Top 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Applying to Dental School

Applying to dental school can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what to expect. In this workshop, Marina P., a Columbia University dental student and research assistant, will share the top 10 things she wishes she had known before starting her own journey. From navigating prerequisites and the application timeline to writing compelling personal statements and preparing for interviews, Marina will provide practical insights to help you avoid common mistakes and strengthen your candidacy. ​Whether you’re just beginning to explore dentistry or gearing up to submit applications, this session will leave you with clarity and confidence for the road ahead.

Session 1 - Application Strategy and Fundamentals

Session 1 from Mar26 Dental School bootcamp

Filling in the Gaps: What Pre-Dentals Need to Know

​The path to dental school is competitive, and even strong candidates often overlook key areas that admissions committees care about most. In this session, we’ll cover the “gaps” that pre-dentals need to address—whether in academics, clinical exposure, extracurriculars, or personal narrative—and how to strategically strengthen your application. You’ll gain clarity on what dental schools are really looking for and how to present a balanced, compelling profile. ​The session will be led by Christian N., a Leland coach who has guided aspiring dentists through every stage of the application process. Drawing from his own experiences and insights, he’ll share actionable advice to help you identify blind spots, build confidence, and maximize your chances of admission.

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.

Harvard, OOS TX, and OOS CA Essay

This personal statement gained admission into top dental schools including Harvard, UCLA (OOS), and UT Houston (OOS.

Personal Statement — University of Maryland School of Dentistry

An aspiring dental student's personal statement, covering her journey from family pressure to mentorship and global health outreach.

Preparing for a Kira Interview

A KIRA interview is an online, asynchronous video interview used in dental admissions to assess communication, professionalism, etc.

Roseman University Statement of Purpose

A detailed breakdown of a statement of purpose that successfully got an applicant into Roseman University's College of Dental Medicine.

ADEA AADSAS - Activity List Examples

I have added example descriptions for each of the different categories for the experiences section of the Dental School Application portal.

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.

What to do from Freshman Year On

The ultimate guide for ambitious dental school students. Learn what to do each year of college to build a stand-out application.

Applying as a Non-traditional Applicant

Are you a non-traditional applicant? We break down how to stand out and get into dental school, no matter your background.

Personal Statement Example that Worked

From patient to practitioner: See how one student's personal health challenges and research background helped them craft a successful dental school application.