Get Support from Experts in US Admissions—
We’re a two-woman team of former Stanford educators—and parents—who understand that applying to college is a vulnerable moment for students and their families.
Grounded in years of experience guiding young people through competitive admissions, we bring perspective and calm to a process that can feel chaotic and full of pressure.
We’ll challenge your child to think deeply about who they are, what they care about, and how college fits into the bigger picture of their lives—while giving you the capable support you’ve been searching for.
Dear Parents—
Before I ever started helping students apply to college, I spent years teaching and mentoring brand-new undergrads at Cambridge and Stanford. I saw, up close, what makes students thrive once they get to college…and what holds them back.
See, everyone is laser-focused on “getting in.” Getting in is a start, but we need to prepare your child for what comes next.
Bright students thrive during and after college when they pursue an authentic path. That’s why this process should be all about asking the big questions, so they can step onto campus with clarity and confidence—not just a polished application.
Now, if you’re feeling unsure, behind, or just tired of trying to figure it all out on your own, you’re not the only one. I promise you that every parent we’ve worked with felt the way you do right now.
Trust me: it only gets easier from here.
Warmly,
Alice van Harten, PhD
Founding Partner
Menlo Coaching
There’s no doubt that the college admissions process tends to induce panic.
In many ways, it feels like the culmination of all the decisions you’ve made up to this point, or like a test that will determine the rest of your child’s life.
So at the exact moment you should be focused on the big questions—What kind of school will be right for my child?, Where will they feel challenged, supported, inspired?—you’re stuck problem-solving:
So much of the stress around college admissions comes from uncertainty.
What should your child be doing right now? How should they be spending their summer? When should they ask for recommendations? Should they take the SAT again? What schools should they apply to?
Our team can answer your questions and help you sort through the logistics, start-to-finish: building a thoughtful school list, coaching your child through essays, interviews, and every application detail.
Beyond the organization and logistics, what really matters in this process is making space for your child to reflect, to ask real questions about who they are and what they want, to think beyond what sounds impressive and focus instead on what feels true.
What excites them? What do they value? Where will they grow—not just academically, but personally?
We guide students to find answers to those questions, and we help them express that thinking in their applications.
In other words, we don’t see this process as a means to an end.
We see it as an opportunity to help your child step into the next chapter of their life with clarity and confidence.
When Alice was teaching undergraduates at Cambridge—and later at Stanford—she began to notice a troubling pattern.
Her students had done everything “right.” They had the grades, the scores, the polished essays, and the stacked resumes. On paper, they were perfect admits.
But once they arrived on campus, many of them floundered.
Some struggled to make decisions without external validation. Others felt like they didn’t belong. Many were still searching for direction.
It wasn’t about intelligence or work ethic. These students were thoughtful, capable, and full of potential.
But in the rush to stand out on applications, they hadn’t had the space to reflect on who they were becoming, or what college was supposed to mean beyond admission.
That realization stayed with Alice.
She left academia for Bain & Company, where she quickly earned respect for her analytical mind—but what colleagues noticed most was her natural instinct to teach, mentor, and help people grow. Requests for admissions coaching came pouring in.
Eventually, supporting her peers became a full-time commitment, and she founded Menlo Coaching. And when those same peers eventually began referring their children, the memory of her days at Cambridge and Stanford were still vivid.
It was clear to her what was missing and what she needed to do going forward:
That’s what Menlo Coaching offers today. Together with her long-time collaborator and fellow Stanford instructor Leslie Monstavicius, PhD, Alice helps students build a grounded, true-to-life vision for college and beyond.
As always, they do it through:
The best admissions consultants in the business.
— Carrie Sealey-Morris
Grounded in a tradition of self-reflection, Alice helps students ask the kinds of questions that matter: Who are you? What do you care about? And how do you show that in your application?
Alice:
The best combination of intellectual horsepower and emotional intelligence.
— John Byrne
Leslie believes writing isn’t just about impressing an admissions committee. It’s about learning to think. She helps students articulate their values, ambitions, and voice—especially those who’ve spent too long trying to check the right boxes.
Leslie:
The best insurance policy toward ensuring your student is optimally positioned for college admissions success.
—Garrett E.
Before anything else, we get to know your child: what drives them, what challenges them, and what they value. We meet them where they are, so we can learn who they are becoming.
Together, we build a thoughtful, balanced school list. Yes, we aim high—but we aim wisely. Our focus isn’t on prestige for prestige’s sake. It’s on finding the right environment for your child to grow.
From structuring the Common App to developing and refining essays, we offer hands-on guidance at every step. We help your child stay organized, intentional, and reflective—not just in their writing, but in their approach to the process.
There’s no limit on calls or edits. We notice when motivation dips and step in early. We track progress and provide steady encouragement, accountability, and support.
For students ready to take on a deeper project—whether in service, creative work, or independent exploration—we help shape ideas into action. Many go on to create something they’re proud of, long after they’ve hit “submit.”
Throughout it all, we help your child articulate who they are and what they care about, not just for the sake of college admissions, but for the life that comes after.
Alice was more like a mentor and advocate, guiding my daughter in an encouraging environment. In the end, it was a transformative journey.
—Parent of Northwestern Grad (Class of 2028)
We work with just a few families each year—and that’s by design.
This is a highly personal process, and we take our time with each student. That’s why the first step is a free consultation, where both parents and children are encouraged to join. It’s a chance for all of us to learn more: about your goals, your child’s needs, and whether this kind of coaching is the right fit.
We’ll ask questions, guide the conversation based on your answers, and evaluate on a few, critical points: Can we add meaningful value? Are you open to thoughtful coaching? Is this a family we can serve well?
We look forward to meeting you.
