The college search and application process is such an exciting time. With over 3,000 choices, the sky is truly the limit for students. However, having so many choices can feel overwhelming. No matter your experience with the college process, it is hard to know where to start today.

Not only can it be helpful to have direction, but also to have an expert to guide you along the way. The choice doesn’t have to be overwhelming; it can be enlightening and maybe even fun.

From beginning to end, I assist students with all stages of the college search and application process to ensure it’s a personalized one. I introduce students to colleges that are best fits, navigate admission policies and practices, add depth to their high school extracurricular experience, and guide students to write compelling essays that will shine in the application process. I guide students every step of the way, and empower them to take action and feel more confident about their decisions.

Services

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Exploring interests, goals and talents

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Reviewing academic and testing records, assisting with curriculum and extracurricular decisions during high school

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Investigating learning styles and exploring careers

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Identifying colleges that are best suited to academic strengths and personal interests

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Managing the college application process

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Developing strategies for teacher and counselor recommendations

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Providing guidance on standardized tests including the SAT, ACT and SAT Subject Tests

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Preparing for interviews, and campus visits

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Extensive brainstorming and essay development

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Reviewing scholarship options

Packages

Comprehensive Planning Package

This option is ideal for students who are interested in guidance and hands-on assistance through every step of the college planning and application process beginning in 11th grade. My unique advising process for students includes, but is not limited to:
 

  • Exploring interests, goals and talents
  • Reviewing academic and testing records
  • Assisting with curriculum and extracurricular decisions
  • Investigating learning styles that could influence a college major
  • Identifying colleges that are best suited to academic strengths and personal interests
  • Discussing the merits of various decision plans
  • Managing all phases of the college application process, including a personalized timeline and access to an exclusive organizational tool
  • Assisting with essay brainstorming and drafts from beginning to end
  • Preparing for campus visits, interviews, and tips on demonstrating interest
  • Developing strategies for teacher and counselor recommendations
  • Providing guidance on a standardized test plan
  • Assisting with final college choices, the waitlist, and deferral letters

Premium Planning Package

This package is ideal for students who are interested in guidance and hands-on assistance through every step of the process beginning as early as 9th or 10th grade. Students are supported through the critical steps of the college planning and application process as described in the Comprehensive Planning Package.

College List Package

This is an ideal package for a student who needs guidance in identifying colleges that best fit their goals, interests, and needs. Package includes:
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  • Exploring interests, goals, and talents
  • Reviewing academic and testing records
  • Investigating learning styles that could influence a college major
  • Identifying colleges that are best suited to academic strengths and personal interests
  • Identifying resources and tips to help explore and evaluate college recommendations.
  • Recommendations about campus visits, demonstrating interest and communicating with admissions are included. Frank advice is given to the student about strengths and potential blind spots as it pertains to the student’s candidacy.

Essay and Application Package

This package is recommended to a student who has a well-balanced college list but needs guidance with essay brainstorming, revisions and preparing and reviewing admission applications. Package includes:
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  • Essay brainstorming strategies, feedback, and review
  • Support with up to 12 colleges, their applications and admission essays. Scholarship essays are not included but can be billed on an hourly basis once application work has been completed.
  • Tips on teacher/counselor evaluations and recommendation forms tied to application review
  • A personal timeline to manage application process (work and requirements), including a personal account for Custom College Plan
  • Interviewing skills and best ways to demonstrate interest to college

Additional Services

Other services available include packages for transfer and international applicants. Hourly services and express packages are dependent on availability.

Kiersten was genuinely enthusiastic about finding a school that fit me. She has the gift and the experience to convey the personality of the campus beyond the blather and statistics that you generally read about.

She turned the overwhelming issue of finding a school into a fun experience…seriously.

Melissa

College of the Holy Cross

Did you Know?

I have been an independent college counselor for:

+ Years

Years as a Professional Member of IECA