Leland+ for College

Optimizing for Success

Learn how to optimize your application for success with strategies for showcasing your unique strengths, crafting a memorable narrative, and making the best possible impression on admissions officers.

Personal Statement 3: Example & Analysis

A detailed breakdown and analysis of a third successful personal statement, with a focus on its compelling narrative structure and powerful conclusion.

Longer Essay: Harvard Examples Walkthrough

A detailed breakdown and analysis of successful "longer essays" for Harvard, with strategies for crafting your own and showcasing your intellectual curiosity.

Key Interview Question Styles

An in-depth guide to the different styles of interview questions, with tips on how to identify them and craft effective, tailored responses for each.

DIY Your Stand-Out Summer Program or Project that Colleges Notice

Can't afford fancy summer programs? Didn’t get around to applying to summer programs? No problem! Create a summer experience that turns heads in admissions offices ands fuels your personal interests. This workshop reveals how to design and execute impressive self-directed summer projects that both strengthen college applications and deepen your unique interests. Learn how to transform curiosity into meaningful action without expensive programs. Perfect for ambitious high schoolers seeking authentic growth opportunities that naturally translate to applications that shine.

Stanford University Admit: Excited to Learn Essay Example

Read a short essay that got me into Stanford based on this 2024 prompt: The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning.

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.

How to Prepare for Interviews

A comprehensive guide to preparing for interviews, with tips on researching the company, practicing common questions, and making a lasting impression.

Informative Essay: UPenn & Caltech Examples

A detailed breakdown and analysis of successful "informative" essays for UPenn and Caltech, with strategies for crafting your own and showcasing your intellectual curiosity.

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.

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.

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.

Cracking the Common App: A College Admissions Panel

The Common App can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. ​Join this session with Isamar V., former Assistant Director of Admissions at Stanford University, and Raina M., a Cornell University student. We’ll break down key parts of the application, offer guidance on how to approach each section strategically, and share insights to help your application stand out. ​From personal statements to activity lists and supplemental essays, this panel will offer practical tips, common pitfalls to avoid, and advice to help you move forward with confidence, wherever you are in the process.

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.

Defining a Good Mindset & Perspective

Learn how to cultivate a strong, positive mindset and perspective to tackle challenges and achieve your goals in both your career and personal life.

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.

Extracurriculars: Best Practices

Learn the best practices for showcasing your extracurriculars on your application, with tips for formatting, context, and standing out from the crowd.

Gap Year: Is It Right for You?

A comprehensive guide to the pros and cons of taking a gap year, with key questions to consider before making your decision.

How to Set Better Goals

Learn how to set more effective and achievable goals with a proven framework that will keep you motivated and on track to success.

How to Craft a Strong Narrative

Learn how to tell your personal story in a compelling and authentic way that captures the attention of admissions officers and makes your application unforgettable.