Leland+ for College
Popular on Leland+
Before You Apply: 5 College Admissions Myths Busted!
Join Will F. (former admissions officer at Penn Engineering and Fox School of Business, Senior Counselor at InGenius Prep) and Annabella G. (college admissions expert with 20 years guiding students to the right schools) as they host a webinar dispelling the biggest myths about the college admissions process. They'll cut through the hype and the chatter from talking heads, podcasts and your neighbor's uncle's best friend, and tell you why what you've heard on TikTok or read on Facebook isn't going to be the "secret" to getting into a top school. They'll also take part in an AMA, answering your toughest questions with honest answers about a complex process - making sense of college admissions.
Why UChicago Essay – Economics, Research, and Community Engagement
A focused and well-researched supplemental essay outlining the applicant’s academic goals in development economics, interest in data analytics, and enthusiasm for UChicago’s research culture and civic-minded community.
Making the Most of Alumni Networks
Tap into alumni communities for mentorship, referrals, and real-world insights that boost your career.
Common App Submission Example– Leadership, Research, and Social Impact Profile
A comprehensive Common App submission featuring high academic achievement, extensive leadership, entrepreneurial initiatives, and a personal essay on resilience and teamwork through organizing India’s largest student-led fest.
Tips for Making the Most of Career Fairs
Make strong impressions, ask smart questions, and turn quick chats into real opportunities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Recommendations
Don’t let weak recs sink your app—avoid these common pitfalls and set your recommenders up for success.
How to Prepare Your Recommenders
Equip your recommenders with the right info to write standout letters that strengthen your application.
MBA Self-Discovery Workbook: Unlock Your Narrative & Write Freely
This is a reflection-focused, 13-section workbook for MBA applicants to uncover and build your story before embarking on the complex, layered process of writing your essays. This resource is informed from my time in Stanford GSB's Interpersonal Dynamics (Touchy Feely), my time helping dozens of other GSB classmates find their voice as the Managing Editor for Stanford GSB's Paper (Nondisclosure), and in helping over 500 MBA applicants self-reflect in a way that feels genuine, personal and clarifying. I wrote this resource with just enough structure (but not too much), and with a practical eye towards covering the ground you'll need for your MBA apps. You'll go deep, but every question has a purpose. I also use this with everyone I work with, and it's something we'll cover at the very beginning of our process. My hope is that this resource, in addition to being a big help, feels like we're in conversation. The goal is just to get to know you a little better, one step at a time, in a way that feels natural, even enjoyable. Even if you're the only one who ever sees it, I've tried to write this in a way that I'd speak about this kind of thing with you. Because I think humans are the best way to help other humans see themselves a little deeper. And trust me, plenty of "coaches" could use more of that too ;) This workbook will cover your background, motivations, short and long-term goals, values, behavioral stories, and more. A PDF is attached here, but there's also a downloadable Word file I recommend using to make things much easier for you to fill out as you go. This took me about 20-30 hours of time to put together, and I suggest putting at least 5-10 into filling this out. Some go at it all at once, but most do it in a few sittings. Long walks are good to interperse between writing sessions, and I actually recommend you reflect and go back to this to update your answers several times throughout your MBA process. Save new versions as you go and you'll be able to see your application pixellate over this monthslong process. If you're reapplying, I'd push you to compare what you end up with here with what you submitted last time. The differences may be revealing. I hope ends up a real tool for you, and that it helps you find answers you might not have found otherwise. It also will give you a glimpse into what coaching together feels like. Don't hesitate to reach out if you feel like sharing this. Working on your writing and applications together is a natural byproduct of the kind of reflection you'll be doing here, and it's my favorite thing to help someone with. Happy writing :) -Ben
Crafting a Winning Narrative: A Former Admissions Officer and Stanford Graduate Break Down Elite College Admissions
Elite college admissions are driven by story, not just stats, and knowing how admissions officers read applications can transform how you present yourself. In this session, a former admissions officer and Stanford graduate will break down how top schools evaluate candidates, what makes a narrative feel authentic and compelling, and how to connect your experiences, values, and goals into a cohesive story across essays, activities, and recommendations. You’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls, highlight impact and growth, and position yourself in a way that resonates with highly selective admissions committees.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Resume Writing
Many people have asked me a set of questions frequently. These questions will answer some of your questions quickly!
Free
International Students & US Master's Admissions
Learn what Admissions Committees in the US look for in your graduate application.
How To Step From Participation to Leadership in your Extracurriculars
A step by step framework for turning extracurricular involvement into leadership and impact.
From Freshman to Senior: Extracurricular Roadmap
A clear, year-by-year guide to help students build a stand out extracurricular profile. Learn what to focus on at each stage of high school -- from exploration to meaningful impact -- so you can make confident decisions and build an extracurricular profile that demonstrates what makes you unique.
Ask Me Anything with Former Ivy League Admissions Reader + Journalist
What does it really take to get into an Ivy League? Watch questions being answered by a former admissions reader and journalist in this exclusive AMA!
Informative Essay: UPenn & Caltech Examples
A detailed breakdown and analysis of successful "informative" essays for UPenn and Caltech, with strategies for crafting your own and showcasing your intellectual curiosity.
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.
Cracking the Common App: A College Admissions Panel
The Common App can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Whether you’re just getting started or putting finishing touches on your application, this panel will help you avoid common pitfalls, craft a standout narrative, and submit with confidence. Meet Your Panelists Amanda W. – Former Director of Admissions and Regional Enrollment Director, with 5+ years of coaching experience helping students gain admission to top universities including UCLA, Cornell, UPenn, Duke, and BYU. Alex L. – Stanford MBA and Northwestern alum, former Stanford admissions interviewer, and marketing executive with 20+ years of experience helping candidates differentiate themselves and gain admission to competitive programs. Skyler A. – Former Associate Director of Admissions at UChicago Booth and Assistant Director at Northwestern, with 10+ years of experience reading applications and helping hundreds of students gain admission to Yale, MIT, Berkeley, USC, Northwestern, and more.
Stanford University Admit: Distinctive Contribution Example
Read a short essay that got me into Stanford based on this 2024 prompt: Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.
Stanford University Admit: Deferred Essay Examples
Read the deferred essay responses that got me into Stanford based on the 2024 prompts.
