Leland+ for College
Popular on Leland+
Stanford University Admit: Distinctive Contribution Example
Read a short essay that got me into Stanford based on this 2024 prompt: Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.
Stanford University Admit: Activities and Extracurriculars Example
See the activities and extracurriculars that got me into Stanford University.
UC Application Power Workshop: Maximize Your Essays + Activities List
Join expert college admissions coach Hillary H. for an engaging UC Essay & Activities Workshop designed to help students craft compelling and authentic responses to the University of California Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) and maximize the impact of their Activities & Awards List. In this session, we’ll explore how to choose the right prompts to showcase your strengths, align your writing with UC’s 13 Comprehensive Review Factors, and present a cohesive, well-rounded application. Students will learn how to write with clarity and purpose, make their four essays distinct yet connected, and elevate the activities section to support their narrative. Whether you're just getting started or refining your drafts, this workshop will give you the tools and confidence to write with impact.
Stanford University Admit: Deferred Essay Examples
Read the deferred essay responses that got me into Stanford based on the 2024 prompts.
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.
GMAT or GRE: Which Test to Choose and How to Decide
GMAT vs GRE - which test to choose and how to decide
Panel: Get Accepted to Your Dream College
Join Abigail L., Mel B., and Benito N., top Leland college admissions coaches and former admissions officers, for a panel packed with actionable advice to help you stand out in today’s competitive college landscape. We’ll cover everything from building a balanced school list and writing compelling essays to showcasing your extracurriculars and avoiding common mistakes. Whether you’re just getting started or deep in the application process, this session will give you the insights and confidence to apply strategically—and successfully. Let's get you into your dream school!
The Amy Approach: A Real Talk Guide to Picking the Right College
A step-by-step guide to picking the right college.
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
Cracking the Common App: A College Admissions Panel
The Common App can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Whether you’re just getting started or putting finishing touches on your application, this panel will help you avoid common pitfalls, craft a standout narrative, and submit with confidence. Meet Your Panelists Amanda W. – Former Director of Admissions and Regional Enrollment Director, with 5+ years of coaching experience helping students gain admission to top universities including UCLA, Cornell, UPenn, Duke, and BYU. Alex L. – Stanford MBA and Northwestern alum, former Stanford admissions interviewer, and marketing executive with 20+ years of experience helping candidates differentiate themselves and gain admission to competitive programs. Skyler A. – Former Associate Director of Admissions at UChicago Booth and Assistant Director at Northwestern, with 10+ years of experience reading applications and helping hundreds of students gain admission to Yale, MIT, Berkeley, USC, Northwestern, and more.
Permutations and Combinations for the GMAT and GRE
Permutations and Combinations for the GMAT and the GRE - basic and advanced concepts with questions
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.
College Workshop: Three-Month Application Plan to Land Your Early Decision School
Are you a high school student aiming to apply Early Decision (ED) to your top-choice U.S. university? Join Kevin P. for an interactive session that lays out a focused three‑month plan—from now to the Nov 1–15 deadlines—so you can craft a standout ED application on time and with confidence.With over a decade of experience supporting students across the world, he will guide you through the essentials—from weekly milestones and essay drafting to coordinating recommendations, understanding ED’s binding and financial implications, polishing your activities list, and building a smart backup plan for EA/RD. Topics include: 90‑day ED timeline and task checklist (mid‑Aug → Nov 1–15): essays, supplements, testing, recommenders, and school documents Standing out fast: personal statement and “Why Us?” strategy, activities impact, and recommendation packets Readiness and backup: score strategy, financial/aid planning for ED, portal tracking, and an EA/RD contingency if ED doesn’t land
Before You Apply: 5 College Admissions Myths Busted!
Join Will F. (former admissions officer at Penn Engineering and Fox School of Business, Senior Counselor at InGenius Prep) and Annabella G. (college admissions expert with 20 years guiding students to the right schools) as they host a webinar dispelling the biggest myths about the college admissions process. They'll cut through the hype and the chatter from talking heads, podcasts and your neighbor's uncle's best friend, and tell you why what you've heard on TikTok or read on Facebook isn't going to be the "secret" to getting into a top school. They'll also take part in an AMA, answering your toughest questions with honest answers about a complex process - making sense of college admissions.
UVA Choice Essay: Community with Quirks
This is a successful essay for an undergrad UVA applicant's choice essay about the quirks the applicant will bring to the community.
Stanford University Admit: Short Response Examples
Read the short essay responses that got me into Stanford based on the 2024 prompts.
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.
How to Ask the Interviewer the Right Questions
Learn how to ask strategic, insightful questions during your interview that demonstrate your interest and help you determine if the company is the right fit for you.
Supplemental Essays: An Overview
A comprehensive guide to understanding supplemental essays, with tips on why they're important, how to approach them, and how to make them stand out.
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.
