Leland+ for College

Your College Application "Brain Dump" to Beat Writer's Block

A step-by-step guide to finding your most compelling stories for college essays and personal statements, even if you don't know where to start.

What makes a Great BYU Admissions Essay [6/2/2026] (Recording)

Standing out in the BYU admissions process often comes down to how clearly and authentically you communicate your story in your application essay. This session is designed for prospective applicants who want to understand what makes a strong BYU admissions essay and how to avoid common mistakes that weaken otherwise solid applications. You’ll learn how to structure your essay, highlight meaningful experiences without overcomplicating your narrative, and communicate your values in a way that aligns with what admissions readers are looking for. Attending live gives you the chance to ask questions about general essay ideas and get real-time feedback on your approach. The speaker works closely with applicants and will share the patterns they see across successful essays, along with what they look for when evaluating writing quality and authenticity. If you want more clarity on how to approach your BYU admissions essay, it’s worth joining live.

What BYU Admissions is Looking For

Applying to BYU but unsure what actually moves the needle in admissions? Strong grades matter—but they’re only part of the picture. In What BYU Admissions Is Looking For, you’ll get a clear breakdown of how to position yourself strategically for Brigham Young University. The speaker regularly works 1:1 with applicants navigating competitive admissions, and this session offers rare access to the evaluation frameworks typically shared in private coaching conversations. Who This Is For - High school students planning to apply to BYU - Transfer applicants seeking clarity on positioning - Students with strong academics who want a more compelling application - Applicants unsure how faith, leadership, and extracurriculars fit into their story What You’ll Walk Away With - What BYU weighs most heavily beyond GPA and test scores - How to present leadership, service, and character authentically - The patterns admissions see across successful applicants - The common positioning mistakes I correct in 1:1 sessions - How to align your essays with BYU’s mission and values

What You NEED to Know Before Submitting Your BYU App (From a Former Admissions Officer)

Get an inside look at how BYU evaluates applications from someone who used to help make the decisions. In this session, expert Leland coach and former BYU’s Admissions Committee Christian H. will break down what truly matters in your essays, activities, and recommendations—and what applicants often misunderstand. You’ll learn how to present your story with authenticity, avoid common red flags, and highlight the qualities BYU values most. Perfect for anyone who wants to maximize their chances before hitting “submit.”

BYU College Panel: Writing Standout BYU Application Essays

In this panel, experienced admissions coaches Afton K., Christian H. (prior BYU admissions committee member), and Anna G. will share insider guidance on how to stand out as a strong applicant to BYU. From building a balanced application and writing compelling essays to highlighting your extracurriculars and values, you’ll learn what it takes to present your story in a way that resonates with BYU’s admissions committee. You’ll also hear strategies for avoiding common mistakes, strengthening your overall profile, and approaching the process with confidence. Whether you’re just starting your application or putting the final touches on your materials, this session will give you actionable insights to maximize your chances of admission.

Ask a Former Adcom: How to Get Into BYU

A former BYU admissions officer breaks down the holistic review process and shares what they're really looking for in applications.