Leland+ for College

How to Stand Out in Your Application

Learn how to differentiate your application from the competition with strategies for crafting a compelling narrative, showcasing your unique skills, and making a lasting impression.

Optimizing for Success

Learn how to optimize your application for success with strategies for showcasing your unique strengths, crafting a memorable narrative, and making the best possible impression on admissions officers.

Stanford/MIT Essays: Examples & Analysis

An in-depth breakdown of successful application essays for Stanford and MIT, with a focus on what makes them compelling and how to apply those strategies to your own writing.

Personal Statement 3: Example & Analysis

A detailed breakdown and analysis of a third successful personal statement, with a focus on its compelling narrative structure and powerful conclusion.

Supplemental Essays: An Overview

A comprehensive guide to understanding supplemental essays, with tips on why they're important, how to approach them, and how to make them stand out.

The Interview: What Not to Do

Avoid the most common mistakes in your interviews, from poor body language to unprepared answers, to make a lasting and positive impression on your interviewer.

Why is the Additional Info Essay Important?

An overview of why the optional "additional information" essay is a critical part of your application, with a focus on how to use it to provide context, explain special circumstances, and showcase your achievements.

Planning for and Succeeding in the College Scholarship Process

Learn how to find, apply for, and win college scholarships. We break down the entire process to help you get the funding you need for school.

Why is the Extracurricular Section Important?

An overview of why the extracurricular section is a vital part of your application, with a focus on how it showcases your passions, time management skills, and potential contributions to the campus community.

"Why BYU?" Example Essay - Camp Experience

An essay responding to the prompt about why the student wants to learn at BYU, connecting a transformative camp experience to the university's spiritually strengthening environment.

BYU Activities Example Essay - Leadership through United Sound

An essay responding to the BYU applicatino prompt about extracurricular activities, detailing participation in United Sound and how it developed leadership and communication skills.

BYU "Tell Us Your Story" Example Essay: Physical Difference

An essay responding to the BYU application prompt to "tell us your story," sharing a personal experience of growing up with a physical difference and what it taught about self-acceptance.

Example of a Complete Vanderbilt Application

Learn how to craft a winning application for Vanderbilt University. This guide covers essays, letters of recommendation, and more to get you accepted.

Stanford Accepted Personal Statement: Crafting a Story of Identity

A deep dive into a powerful personal statement. Learn to craft a unique, compelling narrative from your own life experiences to stand out to admissions.

UC Essay Examples

A deep dive into the essays that earned a spot at a top UC school. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative that stands out to admissions committees.

The Stanford Essays That Got Me Accepted

A deep dive into the essays that earned a spot at Stanford. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative that stands out to admissions committees.

Oxford Personal Statement Example

A deep dive into an impactful Oxford personal statement. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative that showcases your personal experiences and analytical skills.

Additional Info Application Example: Turning Your Passions into a Resume

Learn how to transform your passions and accomplishments into a powerful 'additional information' document that makes your application unforgettable.

What To Think About When Thinking About College

These questions will help guide you in thinking about your college(s) "Fit." It's important to think about what matters to you outside the classroom, too, because most of your time at college is spent there.

Proven Brainstorming Q's to Ace Your College Essay

Effective questions to help you create a college admissions essay that will open doors for you.