Personalized, step-by-step support to align college choices, majors, and career goals—with clarity at every stage.

Kirsten Kahn

I’m a former East High School teacher and certified career coach, and my mission is to empower students to discover their strengths and interests, develop confidence, and approach the future with clarity and purpose. 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.

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    Career & Major Discovery

    Through guided assessments, reflective exercises, and practical exploration, I help students:

    - Identify strengths, interests, and values
    - Explore possible majors and related career paths and industry trends
    - Understand how college choices align with long-term goals

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    Effective Essay Coaching

    Essays are a student’s opportunity to reflect on the experiences that have shaped them, the challenges they've faced, and the values and perspectives they'll bring to a college community.As a mentor, I guide students through the writing, and editing process to help them express their voice authentically and communicate their “why” with clarity.

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    College List Development

    I help clarify academic, personal, and financial priorities and build balanced college lists that align with those needs. Whether you have a dream school in mind or are starting from scratch, I guide students in strengthening their applications for highly selective institutions and identify schools where they will thrive.

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    Full Application Support

    I draw on my project management background to keep students organized and on track, while providing parents with clear, consistent communication. My goal is to reduce stress and protect family dynamics by guiding students through each step of this high-pressure process with structure and support.

Why 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..

Advising Options

  • Comprehensive Counseling

    Personalized, high-touch guidance to support juniors and seniors and their families through every stage of the college search and application process, including balanced list building, complete essay coaching, profile development, major exploration, and interview prep.

  • Early Start Advising

    Drawing on my experience as a former East HS teacher, I guide ninth and tenth graders and their families through course selection, extracurricular planning, and long-term strategy—empowering students to explore their interests, build strong profiles, and approach the college process with clarity and confidence.

  • College Essentials

    Focused, high-impact support to rising high school seniors during the most critical phase of the application process, offered on a limited basis.

Explore College Advising Packages

Let’s see if I’m the right fit for your family.

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.