Dione Chen
College and MBA admissions consultant with career services, California
| Hourly rate range | $130 to $300 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | College admissionsCollege essaysMBA admissionsGrad school and PhDInternational studentsFinancial aid and scholarshipsCareer changeInterview coachingResume and LinkedInCareer clarity and purposeNew grads and students |
| Works with | Students and Professionals |
| Also coaches | Career coach |
| Based in | California, United States |
| Sessions | Online |
| Credentials | BA, Stanford University, Phi Beta Kappa; MBA, Stanford; Member, Western Association of College Admission Consultants; Member, HECA |
| Practice | Strategic Admissions Consulting |
Dione Chen is an admissions consultant and career coach who helps students and professionals with college and MBA applications. She runs Strategic Admissions Consulting and serves clients locally, across the US and abroad. Dione has read applications as an admissions reader for Stanford. She also worked in Silicon Valley tech in consulting, channel management and marketing. She holds a BA and an MBA from Stanford and works with a select number of clients.
What Dione helps with
Dione helps clients plan and submit strong applications to college and graduate school. She also supports career planning for students and working professionals.
- Building a balanced college school list
- Choosing recommenders for applications
- Developing college essays
- Planning MBA and grad school applications
- Explaining "Why you?" and "Why this school? Why now?"
- Scholarship and special program applications
- Mock interview preparation
- Resume updates and personal branding
Who Dione works with
Dione works with college applicants, graduate school and MBA applicants, college students planning ahead, and young professionals early in their careers. She also helps people at any career stage who want to take a next step. Clients are local, national and international. She understands the challenges international applicants face when applying to schools abroad.
How Dione works
Work starts with a kick off meeting that is a deep dive into the client's background, requirements and goals. Clients then get ongoing support by phone, video and email, with regular check ins to revisit the action plan. The work covers an application strategy and timeline, a balanced school list, and essay brainstorming, strategy and feedback. Clients who need less can book hourly retainers for specific parts of an application.
Background and qualifications
Dione earned a BA from Stanford, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a double major in Economics and Communication. She worked in corporate communications and product forecasting in the electronics, telecommunications and energy sectors. She then returned to Stanford for an MBA and joined Silicon Valley tech. There she held roles in business consulting, international channel management, field communications and marketing at startups, nonprofits and large companies. She has lived and worked in the US, Europe and Asia. She has been an admissions reader for Stanford and is a Senior MBA Admissions Consultant with Stacy Blackman Consulting.
Dione Chen pricing
Programs and services
- Free 30-minute introductory meeting
- Comprehensive admissions partnership
- Hourly retainers for targeted support
- College consulting
- Grad school and MBA consulting
- Career services
Dione Chen reviews
The CoachVouch take
Dione has served as an admissions reader for Stanford and also interviewed applicants for Stanford School of Medicine.
Best for college and MBA applicants who want one-on-one help with school lists, essays and application strategy.
Common questions
How much does Dione Chen charge?
Coaching with Dione runs $130 to $300 an hour. Message Dione from this page for an exact quote.
What does Dione Chen help with?
Dione Chen helps with building a balanced college school list, choosing recommenders for applications, developing college essays and planning MBA and grad school applications.
Does Dione Chen coach online?
Dione is based in California, United States. Sessions are online.
Is Dione Chen certified?
Dione Chen lists: BA, Stanford University, Phi Beta Kappa; MBA, Stanford; Member, Western Association of College Admission Consultants; Member, HECA.
Does Dione Chen work with international applicants?
Yes. She serves clients locally, nationally and internationally. She has lived and worked in Europe and Asia and understands the challenges international applicants face.
Can Dione help with just part of an application?
Yes. Hourly retainers cover targeted needs like scholarship applications and mock interview preparation.
How do I contact Dione Chen?
Send Dione a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.