Leland+ for Dental School

Applying as a Non-traditional Applicant

Are you a non-traditional applicant? We break down how to stand out and get into dental school, no matter your background.

Personal Statement Example that Worked

From patient to practitioner: See how one student's personal health challenges and research background helped them craft a successful dental school application.

Crushing Your Dental School Interview

Get into your dream dental school! We give you the strategies and tips you need to prepare for and ace your interview, from common questions to powerful answers.

What to do from Freshman Year On

The ultimate guide for ambitious dental school students. Learn what to do each year of college to build a stand-out application.

Harvard, OOS TX, and OOS CA Essay

This personal statement gained admission into top dental schools including Harvard, UCLA (OOS), and UT Houston (OOS.

CASPer Tips for Dental School

The CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is a situational judgment test (SJT) used by many dental schools

STAR Assessment Model

The STAR assessment model is a structured method used to answer behavioral interview questions by outlining a specific past experience.

Comprehensive Guide to Dental Specialties

A comprehensive guide to dental specialties.

Preparing for a Kira Interview

A KIRA interview is an online, asynchronous video interview used in dental admissions to assess communication, professionalism, etc.

Top 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Applying to Dental School

Applying to dental school can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what to expect. In this workshop, Marina P., a Columbia University dental student and research assistant, will share the top 10 things she wishes she had known before starting her own journey. From navigating prerequisites and the application timeline to writing compelling personal statements and preparing for interviews, Marina will provide practical insights to help you avoid common mistakes and strengthen your candidacy. ​Whether you’re just beginning to explore dentistry or gearing up to submit applications, this session will leave you with clarity and confidence for the road ahead.

Filling in the Gaps: What Pre-Dentals Need to Know

​The path to dental school is competitive, and even strong candidates often overlook key areas that admissions committees care about most. In this session, we’ll cover the “gaps” that pre-dentals need to address—whether in academics, clinical exposure, extracurriculars, or personal narrative—and how to strategically strengthen your application. You’ll gain clarity on what dental schools are really looking for and how to present a balanced, compelling profile. ​The session will be led by Christian N., a Leland coach who has guided aspiring dentists through every stage of the application process. Drawing from his own experiences and insights, he’ll share actionable advice to help you identify blind spots, build confidence, and maximize your chances of admission.

Dental School Interview AMA

​In this AMA, Leland coach Marina P. (Columbia College of Dental Medicine) will share insider tips on how to excel in the dental school interview process. From traditional questions to MMI formats, she’ll break down what admissions committees are really looking for and how you can stand out with confidence and authenticity. ​Whether you’re preparing for your very first interview or looking to refine your responses, this session is your chance to get candid advice from someone who’s been on both sides of the process.

How to Get Into Dental School Panel

​Applying to dental school can feel daunting, but the right strategy makes all the difference. In this panel, you’ll hear from Ellen W (Admissions at Columbia), Rachael K (Admissions at Iowa) and Zach W (UCLA and UCONN) who will share practical advice on how to stand out in the application process. ​We’ll cover everything from building a competitive academic and extracurricular profile, to crafting compelling personal statements, preparing for the DAT, and securing strong letters of recommendation. Panelists will also discuss common pitfalls to avoid and share their insider tips for navigating interviews with confidence. Whether you’re just starting to explore dentistry or are deep in the application process, this session will give you the clarity and tools to succeed.

How To Fund Dental School

Professional school costs can be daunting. Review options including federal loans, scholarships and loan fogiveness programs.

How to Write a Unique Dental School Personal Statement

A detailed breakdown of a compelling personal statement that got an applicant into dental school, with key strategies for making your own application stand out.