Leland+ for College
Popular on Leland+
Specialists vs. Well-Rounded: What Colleges Want
Should students focus deeply on one interest or try many different activities? This guide explains how admissions committees think about specialization, exploration, and how strong applicants strike the right balance.
What a Strong Extracurricular Profile Actually Looks Like
This simple visual model explains how strong applicants balance deep interests, supporting activities, and broader exploration to create a compelling extracurricular profile.
Extracurricular Secrets: What Colleges Actually Care About
A concise, insider guide that breaks down the most common misconceptions about extracurriculars and explains what admissions committees at selective colleges are actually evaluating. Designed for ambitious students and thoughtful families who want to build focused, high-impact profiles rather than guess their way through the process.
The Smart Outreach Guide: Questions to Ask MBA Alumni and Students
Guide to help users make the most out of outreach to alumni and current students of their desired program
Why Are Interviews Important?
An overview of why interviews are a critical part of the admissions process, with a focus on what colleges are looking for and how you can make a memorable impression.
Cracking College Admissions: Insights from Experts
College admissions is more competitive and complex than ever. Between building a strong academic profile, highlighting extracurricular impact, and telling your story authentically, students often wonder what really matters most to admissions officers. In this session, you’ll hear from experienced coaches Annabella G. (Columbia), Alex T. (Caltech), Lucy G. (Harvard) who will break down the college application process and share what top schools are actually looking for. We’ll cover how to approach essays and supplements, strategies for building a balanced school list, and ways to stand out beyond test scores and GPA.
Are You Ready to Submit?
A final checklist to ensure your application is polished, complete, and ready for submission to your dream school or program.
Scoring Your First Job Post Graduation
Landing your first job after graduation can be one of the most exciting—but also most uncertain—steps in your career journey. In this session—hosted in partnership with Interstride—you’ll hear directly from Matthew M. (Ex BCG, Dalberg), Kira D. (Ex Disney, Dreamworks), and Connie M. (Founder of Career Coaching Program) about what employers are really looking for in new graduates. We’ll cover how to identify the right roles, tailor your applications, and stand out during interviews and networking opportunities. This session will give you actionable insights to help you confidently launch your career!
Additional Info Essay: An Overview
A comprehensive guide to the "additional information" essay, with tips and examples for turning your weaknesses into strengths.
How to Prioritize Your Extracurriculars
Learn several methods to order and prioritize the extracurriculars list on your college applications. Grab the attention of admissions committees and learn to tell your unique story.
The Deferral Strategy
A step-by-step guide on what to do after being deferred from a college, with strategies for crafting a compelling Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) and demonstrating your continued commitment to the school.
Who to Ask & What to Write About
A comprehensive guide on identifying the best people to ask for letters of recommendation and a step-by-step process for choosing a compelling essay topic that highlights your unique story.
"Why X School" Essay Review: UPenn, Columbia, Yale Examples
A detailed breakdown and analysis of successful "Why X School" essays for UPenn, Columbia, and Yale, with strategies for crafting your own.
How to Prioritize Your Awards & Honors
Learn how to strategically prioritize your awards and honors on your application to make the strongest impression on admissions committees and stand out from the competition.
Personal Statement 2: Example & Analysis
A detailed breakdown and analysis of a second successful personal statement, with a focus on its compelling narrative structure and powerful conclusion.
Personal Statement 1: Example & Analysis
A detailed breakdown and analysis of a successful personal statement, with an explanation of its key components and a guide to crafting your own.
How to Elevate Your Writing
Learn proven strategies to elevate your writing from good to great, with tips on style, voice, and editing for a memorable application essay.
"Why Our School?": Program Question Guide
A comprehensive guide to answering the "Why our school?" question by focusing on specific programs, research opportunities, and academic offerings that align with your unique goals and interests.
Extracurriculars: What Not to Do
Avoid the most common mistakes students make when listing their extracurriculars and learn how to create a compelling narrative that showcases your impact.
BYU "Falling Short" Example Essay - Mental Health
An essay responding to the BYU application prompt about a time efforts fell short, sharing a personal story about overcoming mental health struggles.
