Leland+ Content Library

Cracking College Admission Week: Kickoff

The students who stand out in college admissions usually aren’t the ones doing everything, they’re the ones who know how to tell the right story. This kickoff session is designed to help you approach the application process with more clarity, strategy, and confidence from the very beginning. You’ll learn how to think about essays, extracurriculars, and overall positioning, along with the common patterns admissions professionals see across successful applicants.

Secrets of the Admissions Office: AMA With a Former AdCom Member [10/15/2026] (Recording)

Admissions committees read for things applicants rarely think to control: whether an essay's examples actually match the activities list, whether recommendation letters describe the same person the application does, and whether an interview report contradicts anything on the page. This AMA is a chance to ask directly about what a reader notices in the first few minutes of a file, and what quietly moves an application to the maybe pile instead of the no pile. Skyler Adams spent years reading applications on the inside at Northwestern and Chicago Booth before advising students from the other side, so the answers come from having actually sat in committee meetings, not from guessing at what committees want. Bring your specific questions. This is the rare chance to ask them directly to someone who's been in the room.

Why Getting Started Now Matters for College Applications

The strongest college applications are built over time, not rushed together senior year. In this panel, admissions experts will break down why starting early gives you a meaningful edge and what students should actually be doing now to stay ahead. You’ll learn how to think strategically about academics, extracurriculars, leadership, and narrative development long before applications open. Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, or junior, this session will help you understand how small decisions today can shape stronger outcomes later.

Inside MBA Admissions Decisions: Roundtable Discussion with M7 Admissions Officers

MBA admissions at top programs are highly selective, and small strategic decisions can make a big difference in how your application is evaluated. In this exclusive roundtable, you’ll get an inside look at how admissions decisions are actually made at M7 business schools—and what separates successful candidates from the rest. This session is designed to help you better understand how your profile is read, discussed, and ultimately decided on behind closed doors. The discussion will feature former admissions officers from multiple M7 programs who have collectively reviewed thousands of MBA applications. Drawing on their firsthand experience, they’ll share how admissions committees evaluate academics, work experience, leadership, and personal narratives, as well as common mistakes applicants make and how to avoid them. You’ll also gain insight into how schools compare candidates, handle borderline cases, and think about fit across different rounds. Whether you’re just starting to explore an MBA or preparing to apply in an upcoming cycle, this roundtable will give you rare clarity and a sharper strategic lens for approaching the process.

How to Create A Competitive College Application

​College admissions are more competitive than ever, and standing out requires more than just good grades and test scores. In this session, Kirsten S. (Admissions Committee @ Princeton), William F. (Director of Graduate Admissions @ UPenn), and Skyler A. (Assistant Director of Admissions @ Northwestern) will break down how to craft a cohesive, authentic application that highlights your unique strengths and story. ​You’ll learn how to approach your essays, choose the right recommenders, showcase your extracurriculars, and tie everything together into a compelling narrative that resonates with admissions officers. Whether you’re just getting started or finalizing your materials, this event will give you practical strategies and insider insights to put forward your strongest possible college application.

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.​​​

Writing a College Essay That Doesn't Sound Like Everyone Else's [9/16/2026] (Recording)

The best college essays don't just tell admissions officers what you've done. They reveal something about who you are that the rest of your application cannot. This session is for students who want to write a personal statement that feels authentic, memorable, and distinctly their own. You'll learn how to find a compelling topic, develop a unique personal narrative, and avoid the common traps that make strong experiences blend in with thousands of other essays. Join live to hear from a former admissions officer at Northwestern University who evaluated more than 2,000 applications each year. The speaker will share firsthand insights into what makes an essay stand out in the admissions process, along with practical strategies for turning your experiences and ideas into a story admissions readers will remember. Bring your questions and leave with a clearer approach to writing an essay that sounds like no one else's.