Stanford Admissions Counseling Led By Experts

Cole is a graduate of Stanford University, where he obtained both his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree. He also obtained a second Master’s at the Yenching Academy of Peking University. 

Cole believes the college application process is an opportunity for students to crystallize what matters to them, what makes them unique, and what they hope to gain from the college experience. While Cole himself was applying to undergrad and grad school, he experienced this self-affirming impact of college applications. Cole understands that applying to college can be stressful. Still, it is also an incredibly exciting time and an amazing opportunity for students to think about what makes them who they are today. Professionally, Cole has worked at some of the most prestigious research institutions in the world, including the Center for Strategic and International Relations in Washington, DC. Currently, he works in tech policy with a focus on AI and other critical and emerging technologies, which allows him to further hone the analytical skills needed to help students identify and accomplish their goals.  

As a coach, Cole enjoys working with applicants to determine the most important 'watershed' moments that have shaped them. His strengths include: helping students incorporate past experiences and demonstrated interests to show, not tell; outlining a clear schedule with deliverables; creating a manageable application process; and creating a warm, welcoming environment in which applicants feel comfortable sharing their worries and concerns. Additionally, Cole prides himself on his ability to empathize and connect with applicants to create a stress-free and open working relationship. Cole looks forward to applying his expertise and advice to help support Quad applicants in this journey!

Students Cole has recently coached have gotten into NYU, Stanford University, McGill University, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Emory University.

Cole grew up in the Bay Area in California, the DC area, and Moscow, Russia. English is his native language, but he also speaks and reads Chinese at the intermediate-high level. Cole enjoys cooking, playing basketball, hiking, and listening to podcasts in his free time.

Cole’s Pro Tip?

It’s essential to craft an intentional, revealing, and unique narrative throughout your application that remains absolutely true to who you are and what you have done.

Dan is a graduate of Stanford University, where he obtained his MBA. He has several years of professional experience in the education sector as an admissions coach, technologist, and teacher. Dan spent 6 years on Google’s education team, where he built tools used by thousands of schools across the country.

Dan also has extensive experience helping college candidates get into their dream schools. Dan likes to use the power of coactive coaching to help Quad applicants uncover their top strengths so they can craft engaging stories that highlight those strengths in a compelling way. He is a big appreciator of the value of authenticity and helps students reflect, turning seemingly small moments into memorable anecdotes. Above all, Dan is focused on using the problem-action-impact framework to make every word of students’ application materials count.

Candidates that Dan has recently coached have been accepted to Stanford University, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, UC Berkeley, and UCLA, among other top schools.

With a passion for continuous learning, Dan finds himself glued to ‘The Great Courses’ when he isn't coaching students. He is also an outdoor enthusiast, regularly running, hiking, mountain biking, and camping.

Dan’s Pro Tip?

Sometimes it seems counterintuitive, but a humble awareness of your shortcomings can be one of your most endearing traits.

Marina received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. After her undergraduate studies, Marina received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She has since worked as a research analyst for some of the world's most reputed companies including Yahoo!, The Kraft Heinz Company, Hyatt Hotels, and Facebook.

Additionally, Marina has participated as a member of the admissions committee at the University of Chicago and as an interviewer at both UChicago and UPenn. Within these positions, she reviewed college application packages and interviewed candidates, providing recommendations to the final admissions committee. She has coached many college applicants who have achieved admission at the University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan, and the University of Chicago, among others.

Marina is passionate about helping her students determine their strengths and bring them to life through a well-thought-out application strategy. She loves to help her Quad students tell their unique stories through their applications and is energized by helping students create something they are proud of.

Marina believes the skills students can develop during college application can be life-changing. The application process allows candidates to honestly reflect and craft powerful and clear stories that are meaningful for their college applications, future careers, and personal lives. Marina has had many wonderful mentors that helped her find her path, and she dedicates herself to doing the same for her students.

In her spare time, Marina makes children's books that sing in different languages. She also loves working on puzzles with her husband and two young kids, going for hikes with their dog, and travelling.

Marina's Pro Tip?

Being honest about our failures can be incredibly powerful! Dedicating time to reflection and building self-awareness is one of the keys to a stand-out application and to getting the most out of the college experience.