Leland+ for College

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.

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.

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.