About Kirsten
My mission is to empower students to discover their strengths and interests, develop confidence, and approach the future with clarity and purpose.
I’m Kirsten Kahn, a former East High School business teacher, certified career coach, and skilled operator with a background leading cross-functional teams and high-profile initiatives across tech and start-ups, and have spent the past 20 years interviewing prospective students as a Dartmouth alumnus.
After a couple years working with clients part-time and guiding countless high school students through essays, scholarships, college list building, interviews, resumes, and career and major exploration, I saw firsthand how transformative a personalized, hands-on approach can be. That experience inspired me to fully commit to college advising and launch my practice with intention and purpose.
Relationship building is the key to my success, and with over ten years experience teaching and mentoring high school students, I excel at forging authentic connections and getting to know each client on an individual basis. Having recently gone through the college application process with my own two East HS grads (Whitman College ‘25 and Colorado College ‘27), I understand how powerful an independent counselor can be for a family, helping minimize stress and foster healthy family dynamics.
I continue to partner with - and be mentored by - Princeton, NJ-based counselor Johanna Baum of Objective Insight. Johanna has twenty years of experience providing comprehensive college advising services to high-performing students across the US. As an Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), I’m committed to delivering high-quality, ethical guidance while continually developing my admissions expertise. I work one-on-one with each student, providing a high-touch, personalized experience throughout the entire process. When you work with me, I’m involved at every stage—nothing is outsourced, including essays and other key components.
I bring a combination of expertise, intuition, and a deep belief in each student’s potential to every family I work with. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter approaches—because no two students (or families) are the same. My role is to help students uncover and articulate their unique stories, so their college applications reflect not just where they’ve been, but who they’re becoming.
Why clients chose me
I bring structure and calm to a complex process.
I guide students and families through the college application process with structure and clarity, managing each step using project management skills developed over years of leading high-impact tech initiatives. I keep students organized and on track and parents informed, reducing stress and ensuring a strategic, well-managed experience from start to finish.
I understand high school from the inside.
As a former East High School teacher, I draw on firsthand experience to guide students through course selection, extracurricular development, and key school processes. I coach them on building strong relationships with teachers, advocating for themselves, and securing impactful recommendations—ensuring they stay on track and approach the journey with confidence.
I know what colleges are looking for.
With nearly 20 years of experience interviewing applicants for my alma mater, Dartmouth College, I understand how to help students present themselves authentically and strategically. I work with students to build compelling, well-rounded profiles grounded in their unique strengths and interests and tap into my teaching skills to help them craft compelling personal statements and essays.
I focus on fit - academic, social and financial.
Using the latest tools and research, I guide students through a thoughtful college list building process that reflects their goals and values. As a parent who’s been through this process myself, I know how to balance dreams with practicality—and how to find the right college at the right price.
I develop future-ready students.
As a certified career coach and former DECA advisor, I’ve helped students sharpen their presentation and interview skills, develop leadership, and create meaningful impact. I guide students in exploring potential career paths early, so they enter college with greater clarity and direction. I also use this background to prepare students for interviews and help them craft strong, focused resumes.
I believe in each student’s potential.
While coaching East’s DECA team—one of the top programs in Colorado—my motto was “You Kahn Do It!” I bring that same energy and belief to my college advising practice, helping students build clarity and confidence about their futures..
Let’s connect about your student’s future.
If you're looking for more than just a project manager or essay coach, and want someone who can guide your student through a thoughtful, student-centered college process and help them discover their best-fit path, let’s talk.