Associates

Kristen Hesby

Kristen’s philosophy is that success in college advising means clients enrolling at good-fit programs and also achieving greater self-awareness and motivation to pursue their goals. Kristen loves helping teenagers communicate their unique voices within their college essays as well as instilling a strong sense of ownership in the overall application process. She enjoys connecting with students by drawing on her background as a volunteer in high schools and a parent of two teenagers, and she employs a healthy sense of humor and empathy while setting high standards regarding responsibility.

Kristen has evaluated thousands of essays, transcripts, and letters of recommendation and has interviewed hundreds of applicants over her 20 years of professional experience in holistic admissions, both as a full-time officer and part-time reader for Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. With an undergraduate degree in English from Duke University and a pending Certificate in College Admissions Advising and Career Planning from UC Berkeley, she brings an academic yet down-to-earth mindset when developing balanced college application lists and composing personal essays. Having lived near both coasts as well as in the Midwest, Kristen’s familiarity with the wide range of college options within California and across the country allows for open-minded exploration of programs, tailored to each client’s priorities.