Leland+ for College

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.

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.

The Informative Essay

An in-depth guide to writing an informative essay, with strategies for providing essential context, highlighting unique experiences, and showcasing your authentic self to admissions committees.

Gap Year: Is It Right for You?

A comprehensive guide to the pros and cons of taking a gap year, with key questions to consider before making your decision.

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.

Defining a Good Mindset & Perspective

Learn how to cultivate a strong, positive mindset and perspective to tackle challenges and achieve your goals in both your career and personal life.

Extracurricular List 3: Example & Analysis

A detailed breakdown and analysis of a successful extracurricular list, with tips for showcasing your impact and leadership in a community setting.

Longer Essay: Harvard Examples Walkthrough

A detailed breakdown and analysis of successful "longer essays" for Harvard, with strategies for crafting your own and showcasing your intellectual curiosity.

Extracurricular List 1: Example & Analysis

A detailed breakdown and analysis of a successful extracurricular list, with tips for showcasing your unique experiences and achievements.

Awards & Honors: Example & Analysis

A detailed breakdown and analysis of a successful awards and honors list, with tips for showcasing your achievements and making a strong impression on admissions committees.

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.

Additional Info Essay 2: Example & Analysis

An in-depth analysis of an "additional information" essay.

Additional Info Essay 1: Example & Analysis

Learn how to use the optional "additional information" essay to strengthen your application and address weaknesses.

Awards & Honors: An Overview

Learn how to effectively showcase your achievements on your application, with tips for formatting, context, and standing out.

"What Will You Bring to Our School?": A Guide

A comprehensive guide to answering the "contribution" question on your application, with tips for crafting a unique and authentic response.

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.

Letter of Continued Interest: What to Write

Learn how to craft a powerful Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) by focusing on key components like reaffirming your commitment, providing meaningful updates, and showcasing why you are a perfect fit for the college.

The Waitlist Strategy

A step-by-step guide on what to do after being waitlisted by a college, with strategies for writing a compelling Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) and maximizing your chances of admission.

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.