Leland+ for College

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.

"Tell Me About a Time...": Situational Question Guide

A comprehensive guide to answering behavioral and situational interview questions with the STAR method, with examples and tips for crafting compelling stories.

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.

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.

What is an Extracurricular List?

An overview of the extracurricular list, explaining its purpose in the application process and how it is used to showcase your unique passions, skills, and personal growth outside of the classroom.

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.

BYU "Tell Us Your Story" Example Essay - Listening

An essay responding to the prompt to "tell us your story," focusing on the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives to contribute to the community.

BYU "Losing Track of Time" Example Essay - Avatar

An essay responding to the prompt about a topic so engaging it makes you lose track of time, focusing on the show "Avatar: The Last Airbender."

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.

"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 "Significant Needs in the Community" Example Essay - Coaching

An essay responding to the BYU application prompt about significant needs in the community, detailing how the student coached a youth basketball team to help improve local sports.

BYU Activities Example Essay - Piano

An essay responding to BYU application prompt about extracurricular activities, detailing a long-term commitment to piano and the lessons it taught about perseverance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

High School Resume Example for Top CS College Apps

Sample resume for high school student