Helping students find their best-fit schools and apply with confidence .

Applying to college doesn’t have to be such a fraught process. I focus on early preparation to help students de-stress and succeed.

By the time your child gets to high school, you’ve only got four years left with them at home. You don’t want to spend the precious remaining time arguing about college visits and nagging them to fill out applications.

That’s where I come in.

I’m a mom—but not YOUR kid’s mom. I’m an objective and experienced guide for students, helping them take ownership of a process that is ultimately for them. And more important, my involvement takes one more (big) point of friction out of the parent-teen relationship.

There are 4,000+ colleges in the U.S.—let’s find the best ones for you.

Early
Preparation

Starting in 9th grade, guidance for choosing courses and activities that let your best qualities shine.

Completing Applications

Step-by-step timeline for filling out airtight college applications, including supplemental essays.

Building the College List

Personalized exploration of the types of schools that best fit your interests and needs.

Writing Great Essays

Professional 1:1 coaching to help craft a standout personal statement that captures the true essence of YOU.

I understand the teen brain, employing easy-to-use methods that keep students engaged and on track.

Associate Member,
Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

Candidate for Certificate in Professional College Consulting, UC Berkeley Extension

About Me

A proud graduate of James Madison University (B.A. Communications) and Northwestern University (M.S. in Journalism), I started my career as a journalist. My time as Editor of the magazine at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education in Washington, DC, introduced me to the world of higher education, and I transitioned into a 20-year consulting career working for college admissions and marketing offices, conducting research and developing marketing and branding programs to help them recruit, enroll, and retain students.

I’ve visited more than 120 campuses and worked with some of the best admissions and marketing directors in the country, and I love bringing that depth of experience to my high school clients!

I live in Alexandria, VA with my husband, two teen daughters, and our dog, and in my free time I love to hike and explore in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

"Kristen truly cared about our sons' success and went above and beyond to make certain they had the best possible chance of getting into their desired schools."

—Parent of two students at Virginia Tech
"Thanks for all the help and guidance you gave our daughter this past year. You made us all feel a lot more confident and took much of the stress out of the process. We’re very grateful for your responsiveness and advice."

—Parent of a senior who will be attending the University of Notre Dame
"Kristen guided me through each step by giving me weekly goals, providing feedback, and helping me create an application that shows off my personality and strengths."

—Student at James Madison University
"Kristen has helped our son prepare for college interviews, putting him at ease and helping build his confidence. He is comfortable going to her for guidance, advice, and reassurance, relieving stress during an otherwise challenging time."

—Parent of a student at the University of Virginia
"Hiring Kristen has been an invaluable investment ... it has allowed my daughter and me to spend her senior year focusing on the fun parts, which has been a gift for both of us."

—Mom of a student at James Madison University
"Finding KC College Consulting was the best thing that happened in our household during the high school years. We're so thankful for all of Kristen's expertise and her friendly working approach. I wish we'd found her during our daughter's freshman year."

—Parents of a senior who will be attending JMU
"Hiring Kristen allowed us to maintain our role as parents while she expertly handled the complexities of applications and deadlines. Thanks to her support, our son felt confident in his choices, and we felt at ease knowing everything was on track. We highly recommend her to any family navigating the college admissions journey!”

—Parent of a senior who will be attending VCU

Let's talk

Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.

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Student Information

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How did you hear about me?

Helping students find their best-fit schools and apply with confidence .

Applying to college doesn’t have to be such a fraught process. I focus on early preparation to help students de-stress and succeed.

There are 4,000+ colleges in the U.S.—let’s find the best ones for you.

I understand the teen brain, employing easy-to-use methods that keep students engaged and on track.

About Me

"Kristen truly cared about our sons' success and went above and beyond to make certain they had the best possible chance of getting into their desired schools."

"Thanks for all the help and guidance you gave our daughter this past year. You made us all feel a lot more confident and took much of the stress out of the process. We’re very grateful for your responsiveness and advice."

"Kristen guided me through each step by giving me weekly goals, providing feedback, and helping me create an application that shows off my personality and strengths."

"Kristen has helped our son prepare for college interviews, putting him at ease and helping build his confidence. He is comfortable going to her for guidance, advice, and reassurance, relieving stress during an otherwise challenging time."

"Hiring Kristen has been an invaluable investment ... it has allowed my daughter and me to spend her senior year focusing on the fun parts, which has been a gift for both of us."

"Finding KC College Consulting was the best thing that happened in our household during the high school years. We're so thankful for all of Kristen's expertise and her friendly working approach. I wish we'd found her during our daughter's freshman year."

Let's talk

Let's talk Let's talk

Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.

Kristen Creighton College Consulting

Let's talk