Leland+ for College

"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.

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.

Additional Info Essay: An Overview

A comprehensive guide to the "additional information" essay, with tips and examples for turning your weaknesses into strengths.

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.

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.

Making the Most of Alumni Networks

Tap into alumni communities for mentorship, referrals, and real-world insights that boost your career.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Honors List for the Common App [Prep Template]

Use the sheet (or the Google Sheets version) to draft your honors descriptions. Check your character count & list order before you paste to the app!

Developing a Winning College Application

​In this session, join Christine B. (former admissions officer with 25+ years experience) as she discusses key elements that make a college application sing. From developing your personal story, determining your essay topic, highlighting your achievements and community engagement, and getting the most out of your recommender. We will discuss the pillars of what schools are looking for in their students, and how to differentiate yourself from the competitive applicant pool.

Ask. Me. Anything. AMA with a Former Stanford Admissions Officer

Join me for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session to get answers to your college admissions questions. I'm Isamar, a former Stanford Admissions Officer, a Harvard grad, proud first-generation college graduate, and an experienced college admissions coach. With years working with students from all backgrounds, including US-based, international, and first-generation applicants, I'm here to help you navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to provide thoughtful, empathetic, and strategic guidance. Whether you're a high school student or parent, don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a seasoned professional.

Unlock Your Story: Writing a Powerful BYU Essay #4

​Essay #4 is one of the most important—and most personal—parts of the BYU application. In this session, you’ll learn how to transform your experiences, values, and aspirations into a compelling narrative that resonates with admissions officers. We’ll cover what BYU is really looking for in this essay, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical strategies to make your writing authentic, memorable, and powerful. ​The session will be led by Darla T., a Leland coach with extensive experience guiding students through competitive admissions processes. She’ll share frameworks and actionable tips to help you unlock your story and approach Essay #4 with confidence.

Ask Me Anything with a Former Stanford Admissions Officer

Join me for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session to get answers to your college admissions questions. I'm Isamar, a former Stanford Admissions Officer, a Harvard grad, proud first-generation college graduate, and an experienced college admissions coach. With years working with students from all backgrounds, including US-based, international, and first-generation applicants, I'm here to help you navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to provide thoughtful, empathetic, and strategic guidance. Whether you're a high school student or parent, don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a seasoned professional. Note: Feel free to ask about any college admissions topic, regardless of your target school. This AMA is not exclusively focused on Stanford admissions.

Breaking Through: How International Students Can Shine in U.S. College Admissions

Are you an international student dreaming of studying at a U.S. university? Join Kevin P. for an interactive session where he will demystify the American college application process and share tips on how you can stand out from the crowd. ​With over a decade of experience supporting students students across the world, he will guide you through the essentials—from highlighting your unique strengths to navigating key application steps and understanding what matters most to U.S. colleges. ​Topics include: - ​Application essentials - ​Standing out ​- Scholarships & visas