Leland+ for College

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.

Example Activity List: Honors That Land Admissions

Learn how to showcase your extracurriculars and honors to build a compelling activity list that stands out to top admissions committees.

Example of a Complete Vanderbilt Application

Learn how to craft a winning application for Vanderbilt University. This guide covers essays, letters of recommendation, and more to get you accepted.

UC Berkeley Essay: Crafting a Personal Narrative

A deep dive into a successful UC Berkeley essay. Learn how to craft a compelling personal narrative that highlights your experiences and gets you accepted.

Additional Info Application Example: Turning Your Passions into a Resume

Learn how to transform your passions and accomplishments into a powerful 'additional information' document that makes your application unforgettable.

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!

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

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.

Unlocking Your Story for BYU Essay #4

This worksheet will help you turn your “ordinary” experiences into powerful stories and give you 2–3 solid essay ideas.

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.

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!

Activity List for the Common App [Prep Template]

Activity List for the Common App [Prep Template]

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.

Letter of Continued Interest: How to Submit

Learn how to write and submit a compelling Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) to a college after being deferred or waitlisted, including what to include, common mistakes to avoid, and where to send it.

College Application Timeline Tracker

Stay organized with key deadlines and milestones to manage every part of your college application process.

Stanford & MIT Essay: Engineering for Global Impact

A powerful story of building a biodigester in Costa Rica and discovering a lifelong passion for sustainable engineering and social equity.

Vanderbilt Personal Essay – Growing Up on Her Own Terms

A coming-of-age story about medical uncertainty, self-advocacy, and redefining adulthood through confidence, curiosity, and inner growth.

Strategies for Crushing the New HBS Essays

​The Harvard Business School essays have changed—and so has the strategy you’ll need to stand out. In this workshop, Leland coach Andy P. will walk you through proven approaches for tackling the new prompts with clarity and impact. ​You’ll learn how to identify the stories that best showcase your leadership, values, and potential, while avoiding common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong applications. Andy will also share practical tips for structuring your essays, weaving a cohesive narrative across your application, and highlighting the qualities HBS is really looking for. Whether you’re just getting started or refining a draft, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to make your essays rise to the top.

Choosing the Right Recommenders

Learn how to pick recommenders who will advocate for you and elevate your application.

The Amy Approach: What Parents Need to Know About the College Search Process

A guide to help parents help with the college-search process