Leland+ for Dental School

Rounding Out Your Activities Section

Dental schools look closely at how your experiences show real commitment to dentistry—not just what you’ve done, but how you’ve grown. In this session, you’ll learn how to choose and describe your shadowing, clinical work, service, and extracurriculars so they tell a clear, cohesive story. We’ll cover common mistakes and simple ways to highlight impact and readiness. Whether you’re polishing your application or still building experiences, you’ll leave with a practical framework to strengthen your activities section with confidence.

Dental School Week Kickoff 2026

Dental School Week is here—and this kickoff session sets the stage for a week focused on navigating the dental school admissions process with confidence. Join us for an opening event designed to introduce the week’s themes and help you make the most of the events ahead. In this session, we’ll preview upcoming workshops, share how to approach the application journey strategically, and discuss what it takes to build a strong dental school application. Whether you’re early in the process or preparing for an upcoming cycle, this kickoff will help you start the week with clarity and momentum.

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.

AMA: Dental School Interviews [9/28/2026] (Recording)

Are you gearing up for dental school interviews and feeling a bit anxious? Join me, Ellen, for an insightful AMA session where we'll dive into the intricacies of dental school interviews. With my extensive experience as a former Assistant Dean at Fordham University and Columbia University, and as a member of the admissions committee at Columbia College of Dental Medicine, I've guided countless applicants through the interview process. This is your chance to ask questions and gain valuable insights to help you shine in your interviews. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot!

AMA - Dental School Applications [7/9/2026] (Recording)

The 2026-27 AADSAS Application opened on May 12, and the first day to submit was June 2. WHere do you stand? Are youstillperfectingh tat application? Struggling with program materials and secondaries? Are you preparing to take the Kira exam? Join former Columbia University College of Dental Medicine Director of Admissions for an open Q&A on the basics. You ask, Ellen answers. Bring your questions!

Dental School: Interview Overview [7/14/2026] (Recording)

After this session, you will know how to walk into a dental school interview with a clear understanding of what evaluators are actually assessing. We will cover the most common interview formats used by dental programs, how to structure answers that demonstrate clinical awareness and genuine motivation, and what separates candidates who advance from those who stall at this stage. Attending live means you can bring your specific situation, whether it is a gap in your application or uncertainty about how to discuss a low GPA, and get a direct response rather than a general one. The coach works with dental school applicants regularly and will share the patterns they see across candidates who succeed, giving you a honest look at how this process is evaluated from the inside.

AADSAS is Open--Lets Talk Strategy! [6/22/2026] (Recording)

Are you gearing up to submit your AADSAS application but feeling unsure about the final touches? Join me for an insightful session focused on perfecting your dental school application. With over two decades of experience in prehealth advising and admissions at prestigious institutions like Columbia University and Fordham University, I've guided countless applicants to success. During this event, I'll share key strategies to enhance your application and ensure it stands out. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and boost your confidence before hitting submit. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot!

Calling All Early Birds--AADSAS 2027 is Closer Than You Think! [9/8/2026] (Recording)

A new academic year means new beginnings--even if you are out of school. The most well-prepared dental school applicants begin early, and this is the prefect time to assess where you stand for the next cycle. Join me as we talk about how to reflect on your achievements, fill-in gaps and plan to finish strong. AADSAS 2027 opens in 9 months--imagine how polished your application will be if you begin preparing now. Whether you're a traditional or non-traditional applicant, this session will equip you with the strategies you need to shine in the competitive dental school admissions landscape. *Deep Discounts will be in place for those who purchase 2027 application packages in Fall 2026! Details announced in this program*

Dental School Early Bird Series: Your Personal Statement; Start the Story Now [10/13/2026] (Recording)

Your personal statement should not begin when AADSAS opens. Join Ellen W., top Leland Dental Coach, for a 30-minute Early Bird session on how to start developing your story now, identify the experiences that belong in your statement, and avoid the common mistake of simply repeating your résumé. We’ll talk about what makes a dental personal statement memorable, what you should be working on this fall, and how to give yourself plenty of time to develop, revise, and refine your story before AADSAS 2027. Early Birds will also get a preview of special 2027 coaching opportunities and discounts available to applicants who start early.

Last Chance to Ask Questions for the Dental Early Admit… [6/1/2026] (Recording)

Dental early admission timelines move quickly, and many applicants reach the final stretch still unsure about how their application will actually be evaluated. This session is for students preparing to submit or finalize their dental early admit applications who want clarity before deadlines arrive. You’ll learn what admissions committees focus on most, the common mistakes that weaken otherwise strong applications, and how to make sure your essays, experiences, and overall narrative are working together effectively. Join live for an opportunity to hear directly from an experienced admissions coach who works closely with dental applicants throughout the process. You’ll be able to get real-time answers to key application questions and hear the kinds of insights and patterns typically discussed in 1:1 coaching conversations before submission deadlines.

Last Chance to Ask Questions for the Dental Early Admit… [6/1/2026] (Recording)

Dental early admission timelines move quickly, and many applicants reach the final stretch still unsure about how their application will actually be evaluated. This session is for students preparing to submit or finalize their dental early admit applications who want clarity before deadlines arrive. You’ll learn what admissions committees focus on most, the common mistakes that weaken otherwise strong applications, and how to make sure your essays, experiences, and overall narrative are working together effectively. Join live for an opportunity to hear directly from an experienced admissions coach who works closely with dental applicants throughout the process. You’ll be able to get real-time answers to key application questions and hear the kinds of insights and patterns typically discussed in 1:1 coaching conversations before submission deadlines.

What You Need to Have Ready Before Dental School Applications Open

Many applicants wait until dental school applications open before realizing how much groundwork should already be in place. This session is designed for pre-dental candidates who want to approach the cycle prepared, not scrambling at the last minute. You’ll learn what admissions committees expect applicants to have ready before submitting, including clinical experiences, letters of recommendation, personal statement drafts, and a clear timeline for completing the AADSAS primary.

Dental Interviews 101

Dental school interviews can feel high-stakes, but with the right preparation, they’re an opportunity to bring your application to life. In this session, you’ll learn what dental schools are really evaluating in interviews, how to answer common questions with confidence, and how to communicate your motivation, experiences, and professionalism effectively. You’ll walk away with practical strategies, preparation tips, and a clear game plan to approach your interviews prepared and poised.

Developing a Compelling Dental School Personal Statement

A compelling dental school personal statement clearly communicates your motivation for dentistry, your commitment to patient care, and the experiences that shaped your path. In this session, you’ll learn how to identify meaningful clinical and academic moments, structure your narrative for clarity and impact, and avoid common mistakes that make essays feel generic. Whether you’re starting fresh or refining a draft, you’ll leave with a practical framework to craft a thoughtful, authentic, and memorable personal statement.

Personal Statement Jumpstart

Get a strong start on one of the most important parts of your dental school application. In this session, you’ll learn how to choose the right story, structure your personal statement, and clearly communicate your motivation for dentistry in a way that resonates with admissions committees. You’ll leave with proven frameworks, common pitfalls to avoid, and concrete next steps to begin drafting a compelling, authentic personal statement.

AADSAS Experiences & Letters of Rec

Your AADSAS experiences section and letters of recommendation play a major role in how dental schools evaluate your readiness for the profession. In this session, we’ll break down how to choose, frame, and write experiences that show commitment to dentistry, service, and leadership, as well as how to secure strong letters that truly strengthen your application. You’ll learn what admissions committees look for, common mistakes to avoid, and how to make every component work together to tell a cohesive story.

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.

Back to School for Pre-Dentals Panel

​In this panel, you’ll hear from dental school experts Rachael K., Ellen W., and Amy L., as they answer key questions on how to prepare and position yourself as a strong pre-dental applicant. The conversation will cover everything from course planning and extracurriculars to application strategy, shadowing, and common mistakes to avoid. ​Whether you’re just starting your pre-dental journey or gearing up to apply soon, this session will give you actionable insights and clear next steps to help you succeed in the classroom, on the DAT, and beyond.

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.