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 Yenching Academy of Peking University.

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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.

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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!

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Student’s Cole has recently coached have gotten into Stanford University, McGill University, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Emory University.

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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.

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Cole’s Pro Tip?

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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.

James earned a Bachelor's of Science at Stanford University. He previously worked at Stanford as an admissions officer and as an educator. With over 20 years of cumulative experience in coaching and higher education, James has helped his students get into top universities such as Stanford, Harvard, MIT, Yale, Duke, Brown, Dartmouth, UC Berkeley, and Cornell, among many others.

James brings a breadth of experience coaching his students through the college application process. He is passionate about helping his students make the best choices for them. He integrates the knowledge he has gained as an admissions officer and educator with his Quad students, helping them create compelling applicant profiles that go beyond just test scores and grades. James aims to remove all the stress connected to college applications for each student, especially when it comes to personal statements and supplemental essays. He excels in helping his students tell their stories in a meaningful and impactful way. He deeply cares about his students and always acts with their best interests in mind–helping them with thorough planning, college selection, and staying resilient throughout the application process.

When James isn't coaching, he loves to read, create art, and never misses an opportunity to go spearfishing.

James' Pro Tip?

Your SAT scores and overall GPA isn't all that colleges look for. As you apply for college, the crucial question is: "what does each top university want to see in its students?"

Sidra is a graduate of Stanford University, where she obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science.

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Sidra has extensive experience with the college admissions process, working on the admissions team at Stanford to help set criteria used for screening transfer applicants. She also has a wealth of knowledge about the financial aid application process and has helped many students secure funding. Sidra has several years of professional experience in the education sector, working as both a tutor and a teaching assistant. Professionally, Sidra has experience as a Software Engineer at Blackrock, one of the world’s largest financial services organizations in New York.

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When it comes to working with Quad applicants, Sidra understands the apprehension that comes with applying to college. Her goal is to take the stress out of the process and be there for Quad applicants every step of the way. 

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Sidra strongly believes that all students have the potential to excel in college but often find themselves not gaining admissions just because they failed at marketing themselves. That’s where she aims to make a difference. As a coach, Sidra works diligently with applicants to ensure they craft an application based on their needs, strengths, and interests. 

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Applicants that Sidra has recently coached have gotten accepted at Harvard University, Yale University, Duke University, and Swarthmore College, among other top schools.

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When she isn’t coaching students, Sidra can be found reading, writing, painting, or spending time with family and friends.