Monique von Scheven

Monique von Scheven is an independent educational consultant and founder of College Prep Marin, which she established in January 2011 in San Anselmo, California. College Prep Marin works with a limited number of families to provide prompt personal attention to each student, committed to helping identify colleges that are the best matches academically, socially and financially. Her goal is to inspire and empower students throughout the college search and application process by providing expert guidance and tools to present their best selves in all application components. Through collaboration and structured support, she minimizes the anxiety and stress inherent in this journey of self-discovery.

College Prep Marin provides expert guidance to high school students and families, determining unique factors most important to each student and identifying colleges and universities that are the best fit academically, socially and financially. Services include coaching on college research, extensive essay and interview support, guidance on early decision and early action options, help weighing offers of admission and support with final decisions. Since August 2020, Monique has served as Educational Consultant and Mentor at ScholarMatch in the San Francisco Bay Area, making college possible for underserved youth by helping create college lists, working on applications and essays and supporting financial aid processes. From 2017 to August 2020, she worked as an Essay Coach at SHE-CAN, providing college essay guidance for high potential low income young women from post conflict countries applying to U.S. colleges. From September 2011 to May 2014, she mentored low-income students in Marin County through 10,000 Degrees, providing resources to help access, enroll in and complete college.

Before entering college counseling, Monique built a successful career in finance. From 1986 to 1993, she worked as Vice President and Investment Manager at Merus Capital Management in San Francisco, responsible for managing over 100 million dollars in client equity and fixed income assets and co-managing the equity common trust fund. From 1983 to 1986, she served as Financial Planner at Investors Diversified Services/American Express in San Francisco. Monique holds a Certificate in College Counseling from the University of California, Berkeley and a BA in Economics from San Francisco State University. She speaks Dutch at a professional working proficiency level and English.

Services Offered

• Curriculum planning and academic course selection
• Standardized test timelines and recommendations
• Guidance in extracurricular activities, summer enrichment and internships
• Interest and aptitude assessments with major and career path recommendations
• Identification of unique fit factors most important to each student
• Development and refinement of balanced college lists created exclusively for each student
• Essay topic brainstorming and comprehensive writing support
• Individualized timelines, including tasks and target deadlines
• Interview preparation and practice
• Information on merit scholarships and financial aid applications
• Special planning for Visual & Performing Artists, Athletes and students with Learning Differences
• Assistance with final college choice and offer comparison