I could not have gotten into Stanford without Monica. Monica was there every step of the way—every acceptance, waitlist, deferral, and rejection. Even when I was overwhelmed, she was ready with the next step in the process. Monica made the stressful process of college apps enjoyable. I looked forward to every one of our conversations and her comments on my (at times unintelligible) writing. Furthermore, Monica's experience in admissions was an invaluable tool, whether she was using it to assuage my fears or help me fix my writing. Truly, I can give no better advice to those entering the college admission process than to contact Monica Brown. She will change your life for the better.
ARI
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
I was skeptical when my parents first came to me with the idea to hire a college counselor, but then I met Monica! I can’t imagine a better fit for me! She turned such a stressful process into something enjoyable. I never thought I would like writing supplemental essays, but with her guidance, I began to enjoy telling schools more about me. In addition, my parents and I brought all of our questions to Monica and she was able to answer them quickly and efficiently. I really don't believe I could have made it through my senior year without her!
HALEIGH
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Monica was very helpful during the essay writing process. She helped me come up with ideas for what to write about and also gave feedback that helped me improve the ones I’d already written. She was very friendly and nice to work with, and I really appreciate her help!
PUNYA
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
I'm truly lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Monica! She is more than a college counselor: she helped me find myself, develop as a person, and find my niche in the professional world. The most important attribute of any college counselor is speaking from the heart, and Monica does a stellar job like no other.
ARIA
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
I really enjoyed working with Monica. She was very helpful in the college application process and guided me through all the steps. She suggested colleges that were appealing and ensured that I was able to complete all of the applications in a timely manner. I am very thankful to have had her as my college counselor, and cannot think of anyone better to have guided me through this very important time of my life!
ISHAN
BROWN UNIVERSITY
Monica was enormously helpful throughout the college application process. She was always ready with editing advice and essay tips that helped me make myself more attractive to an admissions board. It was really comforting to have a trusted source approve my writing before I sent it in. I'm completely happy with and thankful for her!
SHIREEN
YALE UNIVERSITY


Monica Brown, International Counselor
Monica earned a degree in English at Stanford University and a master’s in education from Harvard. In her seven-year admissions career—three years at Wellesley College followed by four years as a senior admissions and financial aid officer at Harvard—Monica has read over 5,000 applications and also served as the director of the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative. As a senior voting member of the admissions committee at Harvard, she was also involved in determining the admissions status of hundreds of international applicants. Since becoming a counselor at Collegewise in 2013, Monica has guided students to admission at Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Dartmouth, Columbia, University of Pennsylvania, Brown, Cornell, University of Chicago, Washington University in St. Louis, Rice, and many other selective schools. Originally from Texas, Monica now calls Austin, Texas home where she is flourishing in her role as a mom to daughter, Lulu.
Education & Experience
B.A., Stanford University
M.Ed., Harvard University
Former Senior Admissions Officer, Harvard University
Former Assistant Director of Admission, Wellesley College
Professional Organization Memberships
NACAC: National Association for College Admission Counseling
International ACAC: International Association for College Admission Counseling