Leland+ for Dental School
Popular on Leland+
Your Dental School Personal Statement: What to Say, What to Avoid
Learn how to craft a powerful personal statement that showcases your passion for dentistry and gets you accepted.
DDS Admissions: Ask Me Anything with Admissions Directors
Join us for an exclusive "Ask Me Anything" session with Ellen W. & Rachael K, seasoned experts in dental school admissions! With decades of DDS admissions experience between them, they can't wait to field the basic inquiries to most strategic interview & selection tactics. Let them empower you! This is your chance to get personalized advice on acing your interviews and crafting a standout application. Ellen & Rachael are passionate about helping you achieve your dreams and they are ready to share their joint expertise with you. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and gain invaluable insights into the dental school admissions process!
Dental School Interviews & The Wait: What to Do (and Not Do)
Waiting for a dental school interview or decision can feel like one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the process—and many applicants struggle with how to stay proactive and grounded. In this session, Sreya P., incoming DMD student at UPenn and former pre-dental mentor at University of Virginia who gained admission to six dental schools, will guide you through what to do — and what to avoid — during the interview stage and post-application wait. You’ll learn how to prepare effectively for interviews, handle the emotional ups and downs of waiting, keep your application momentum going, and set yourself up for the best possible outcome. Whether you’re prepping for your interview invite or already in the waiting stage, this session will give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps.
DDS Admissions: We're In It Together! Ask Me Anything
Join me for an engaging "Ask Me Anything" session on DDS Admissions, where we're truly in it together! You are, and always will be, more than any number, score, or vote by complete strangers. Let's unpack your questions and the mysteries surrounding the selection process. With nearly a decade of experience as the Director of Dental Student Admissions, I've orchestrated the selection process for over 1,000 applicants annually and have been deeply involved with the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). My passion lies in helping you navigate the dental school admissions process with personalized strategies and insights. Whether you're curious about application strategy, interviews, or crafting a standout personal statement, this is your chance to get answers to your most pressing questions. Having coached thousands of individuals, I'm here to support you in achieving your dreams. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and let's work together to make your dental school application shine!
Beyond the Checklist – Shadowing, Volunteering & Experiences That Actually Matter
Dental schools look for far more than hours logged on a checklist. In this session, expert Leland coach and former Dean at Columbia Ellen W. will break down which shadowing, volunteering, and hands-on experiences actually move the needle in admissions—and how to approach them with intention. You’ll learn how to choose opportunities that align with your story, reflect on them effectively, and avoid common mistakes that weaken otherwise strong applications.
Guide to Exploring Dental Residencies
A guide to the competitiveness and scope of dental residencies in the US.
How To Finance Dental School
Various ways to meet the high cost of a dental education: from scholarships to loan payback.
Don’t Guess—Ask an Admissions Insider (Dental School Q&A)
Join us for an open Q&A with UMD Admissions Insider and expert Leland coach Heywan G. who has guided countless applicants through the process. You’ll get candid answers about what committees really evaluate, how to present your clinical and academic experiences, and the pitfalls that hold applicants back. Bring your questions and walk away with clarity, confidence, and a stronger strategy for your dental school path.
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.
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.
Comprehensive Guide to Dental Specialties
A comprehensive guide to dental specialties.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Preparing for a Kira Interview
A KIRA interview is an online, asynchronous video interview used in dental admissions to assess communication, professionalism, etc.
Dental School Reapplicant Strategy Guide
This guide offers basic advice for a reapplicant to build on, including the importance of seeking reliable advising.
