Leland+ for College

The Waitlist Strategy

A step-by-step guide on what to do after being waitlisted by a college, with strategies for writing a compelling Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) and maximizing your chances of admission.

Stanford/MIT Essays: Examples & Analysis

An in-depth breakdown of successful application essays for Stanford and MIT, with a focus on what makes them compelling and how to apply those strategies to your own writing.

The "Why?" Essay

A guide to mastering the "Why this school?" or "Why this major?" essay, with strategies for showcasing genuine interest, specific research, and a compelling connection between you and the institution.

What is an Extracurricular List?

An overview of the extracurricular list, explaining its purpose in the application process and how it is used to showcase your unique passions, skills, and personal growth outside of the classroom.

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.

Additional Info Essay 1: Example & Analysis

Learn how to use the optional "additional information" essay to strengthen your application and address weaknesses.

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.

"Why BYU?" Example Essay - Camp Experience

An essay responding to the prompt about why the student wants to learn at BYU, connecting a transformative camp experience to the university's spiritually strengthening environment.

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.

BYU "Tell Us Your Story" Example Essay: Physical Difference

An essay responding to the BYU application prompt to "tell us your story," sharing a personal experience of growing up with a physical difference and what it taught about self-acceptance.

Oxbridge Degree Application Tracker

Manage your Oxbridge degree application with ease. Stay organized and on track for Oxford & Cambridge admissions!

Additional Info Essay 2: Example & Analysis

An in-depth analysis of an "additional information" essay.

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.

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.

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.

BYU "Tell Us Your Story" Example Essay - Listening

An essay responding to the prompt to "tell us your story," focusing on the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives to contribute to the community.

The Interview: What Not to Do

Avoid the most common mistakes in your interviews, from poor body language to unprepared answers, to make a lasting and positive impression on your interviewer.

Additional Info Essay 3: Example & Analysis

A detailed breakdown of a compelling additional information essay.

How to Prioritize Content for the Additional Info Essay

Learn how to strategically use the optional "additional information" essay to address weaknesses, provide context for unique circumstances, and strengthen your overall application.

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.