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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.
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.
Extracurricular List 2: Example & Analysis
A detailed breakdown and analysis of a successful extracurricular list, with tips for showcasing your leadership and impact.
The Informative Essay
An in-depth guide to writing an informative essay, with strategies for providing essential context, highlighting unique experiences, and showcasing your authentic self to admissions committees.
BYU "Significant Needs in the Community" Example Essay - Coaching
An essay responding to the BYU application prompt about significant needs in the community, detailing how the student coached a youth basketball team to help improve local sports.
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: Activities and Extracurriculars Example
See the activities and extracurriculars that got me into Stanford University.
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.
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!
"What Will You Bring to Our School?": A Guide
A comprehensive guide to answering the "contribution" question on your application, with tips for crafting a unique and authentic response.
Letter of Continued Interest: What to Write
Learn how to craft a powerful Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) by focusing on key components like reaffirming your commitment, providing meaningful updates, and showcasing why you are a perfect fit for the college.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Stanford University Admit: Short Response Examples
Read the short essay responses that got me into Stanford based on the 2024 prompts.
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.
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
