Testimonials
"Thank you Kirsten for your help writing and brainstorming these essays, I am really proud of what I’ve written. Your brainstorming not only helped me with the actual essays, but also finding out my own desires and passions for things. You are so gifted at what you do! Thank you again!"
Nikolaus | High school senior accepted into university
"Thank you for all of your help, and most importantly, for believing in me. My high school counselor here tried to dissuade me from applying to Georgetown, but I’m very lucky to have had your help and faith throughout this process. If I had never taken the risk, I would’ve never been able to say “Hoya Saxa” like I can today!"
Riyah | High school senior accepted into university
"Thank you so much again for all of your help. My Michigan supplemental, for which you were so essential, I still believe was my best. Thanks so much for your encouraging words, as always."
High school senior accepted into university
"I just want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for helping me with everything. The essays are wonderful, but what is more important to me is that I actually learned so much about myself and the kind the person that I actually want to become during the sessions that we had, and I don't think anyone but you could've helped me with that."
Ada | High school senior accepted into university
"My daughter is a second year student at Emory University and she is thriving. Reflecting back on her high school experience and the pursuit of college admittance, I can say with 100% certainty that Kirsten Sharett was a positive and instrumental force in her life. Not only as an effective coach for college entrance, but also in helping my daughter to explore her many strengths and discover a beautiful, powerful personal narrative through which she couldn’t help but feel proud. She became more centered, confident and calm while working with Kirsten, no easy feat when in the midst of a highly competitive college application and selection process."
"As is her mission with young people, Kirsten helped my daughter to see her worth and potential, explore her unique story, and then craft it in a meaningful, noteworthy way – certainly worthy of any admission officer’s attention. Most importantly, my daughter’s story now continues, with confidence and determination - definitely due in part to Kirsten’s wonderful work with her. How fortunate that we attended that college planning session to hear Kirsten speak about crafting one’s life story - indeed her caring, motivating manner and purposeful work has helped our daughter tremendously."
"As is her mission with young people, Kirsten helped my daughter to see her worth and potential, explore her unique story, and then craft it in a meaningful, noteworthy way – certainly worthy of any admission officer’s attention. Most importantly, my daughter’s story now continues, with confidence and determination - definitely due in part to Kirsten’s wonderful work with her. How fortunate that we attended that college planning session to hear Kirsten speak about crafting one’s life story - indeed her caring, motivating manner and purposeful work has helped our daughter tremendously."
Sharmila | Parent of high school senior accepted into university
"In the process of my graduate school application, Kirsten provided me with tremendous assistance. She helped me thoroughly open up my thinking about writing application essays and also made me more aware of my strengths. With her help, I was admitted to the program I most wanted to attend! I am very fortunate to have received her assistance."
Derrick | High school senior accepted into university
"Thank you sosososososo much for all of your help. You were the best mentor I ever could've asked for."
Annabelle | High school senior accepted into university
"I really appreciate Kirsten spotting my highlights and guiding me in weaving them into a unique story. Conversations with her are incredibly inspiring!! I’m grateful for this wonderful experience!"
Elaine | High school senior accepted into university
"When August rolled around, the CommonApp opened, and college supplement prompts were released, I wasn’t sure where to start with my application. I was often writing essays that didn’t sound like myself—they resembled the person I wanted to project to my audience, not necessarily the person I was. After my first few calls with Kirsten, however, I was able to find my own stories and tell them accordingly—by November and January, I was submitting essays that I myself was proud of, essays that reflected who I was. Throwing around ideas for essays or sending my writing over for revision not only improved the quality of my application, but also my confidence in it. Kirsten’s honesty, constructive feedback, and unyielding support were invaluable—I am so grateful for her help throughout the process."
Lana | High school senior accepted into university
"I entered the college application process with high hopes and even higher aspirations. Kirsten not only gave me a reality check on the difficulty of the process, but paired it with advice on how to create a stand-out application. She helped me use my strengths that I otherwise hadn’t considered to improve my application, and helped me plan my application as a whole in addition to being indispensable in planning my essays. She was always available for last-minute advice over email, but most importantly she always put first my own opinions about what I wanted my application to say about me."
High school senior accepted into university
"Kirsten instantly connected with my son, who planned to pursue journalism in college. She brainstormed with him, helping him with identifying his true character, which was not obvious to himself before. She challenged him to approach the essay from different angles, ultimately gaining a deeper understanding of himself. Kirsten brought expertise and calmness to the table in what otherwise would have been a stressful process, which was very helpful to us parents as well. We are extremely thankful to the guidance she has provided to our child. I recommended Kirsten to my friends and neighbors, and the feedback was simply SUPERB."
Cathryn | Parent of high school senior accepted into university
“Kirsten’s coaching has been so invaluable, not only for Ieading to a successful application outcome for his early decision choice, but also for infusing confidence and energy into Luke. Luke has has been so lucky to have received her coaching.”
Parent of high school senior accepted into university
"Truly, an email cannot do justice for the amount of help and support you have given me throughout the application process. From thoughtful brainstorming to constructive feedback, you have been an integral part of my application and acceptance, and I cannot thank you enough. I am so so thrilled to be attending such a wonderful university next year-- one that recognizes my value and offers opportunities to grow as a student and person. You have helped me get to this point, achieve my dream, and feel happy and confident about my next chapter."
Maya | High school senior accepted into university
"Kirsten was truly amazing to work with. Not only did she help me bring my personal statements to life, I could absolutely feel how passionate she was for success in my PHD process as much as I was. We spent a great deal of time putting together amazing personal statements, that truly made a difference in my application. Would definitely recommend."
La-Tasha | Assistant professor accepted into post-doctorate PHD program
"Before working with Kirsten I felt completely disorganized in the face of college applications. I had so much to say, without the means to say it. But after our first call I felt completely collected. Kirsten balances reassurance with honesty, ensuring that your writing is the best that it can be. After my applications were submitted I felt more confident as not just an applicant, but as a writer, too."
Laasya | High school senior accepted into university
"I can't say enough great things about Kirsten and her many talents. Kirsten "got" my daughter and helped her communicate the essence of her personality and story. She was central to my daughter being able to crystallize what she wanted to express in her essays. In a sea of college applications, it is vital to be able to stand out to admissions personnel and Kirsten enables students to put their best foot forward. Additionally, she was always flexible and responsive in the long process of completing the college applications."
Morgane | Parent of high school senior accepted into university
"As I approached the college application process I knew the task would be daunting. Kirsten helped me craft my story clearly and accurately for each of the college applications. She was able to help me communicate who I really am, in a way I never would have been able to do by myself. Kirsten made the process so much easier, and enjoyable too! I recommend her to everyone going through this chaotic process.”
Carys | High school senior accepted into university
"After starting the college process with absolutely zero knowledge, Kirsten’s guidance and advice gave me the confidence I needed to find my path. Creating a comfortable and understanding environment, Kirsten helped me find my voice and spin it in a way I never imagined. Day to day, essay to essay, Kirsten is always there to help - I never feel lost with her by my side, whether it’s brainstorming together or spicing up writing pieces. Even after applications are submitted, Kirsten continues to offer support and compassion, such as through practice interviews or deferral advice. Her hard work demonstrates just how much she truly cares about the people she works with. I highly recommend working with Kirsten - there’s no one else I would have chosen to help me on my journey!"
Matthew | High school senior accepted into university
"During this very stressful and daunting process, Kirsten provided me with much needed guidance and encouragement that greatly impacted my application process. It is because of Kirsten and her strong writing background and immense experience in the admissions process that I felt confident in my work and myself. At first, I was nervous to work with someone that I didn’t know to write these very personal pieces, but Kirsten instantly made me feel comfortable and created an open space for me to share my ideas. We worked very well together and could bounce ideas off one another. She pushed me to think outside the box to show the best version of myself. I would highly recommend working with Kirsten! It’s comforting to know that there’s someone as highly skilled and compassionate as Kirsten who has your back from start to finish. I can’t say enough good things about her!"
Stella | High school senior accepted into university.
“I loved the work we did together and I enjoyed digging into my experiences and pulling out valuable memories to analyze. I would definitely recommend Kirsten. I just want to thank her so much for her help throughout this whole process, I really couldn’t have done this without her!"
Riya | High school senior accepted into university
"Having begun the college process with debilitating apprehension, Kirsten was able to pull me out of the pit and helped me craft an application that was true to myself and piqued individualism which I find is vital to the contemporary application landscape. She provided unmatched guidance in unearthing my voice, a modern muse for my writing. This, in harmony with her paramount knowledge of the application-reviewing process, allowed me to convey exactly what I desired to colleges, and successfully! Kirsten is second to none and I can’t recommend her strongly enough."
Emily | High school senior accepted into university
"To have Kirsten by our senior's side was an absolute blessing, and she was there for him every step of the way! Her working with our student to craft essays that were focused, presented all his aspects, and most importantly provided an accurate and holistic reflection of him as a person - was pivotal towards his admission success. She was 100% invested, took the time to develop a unique relationship, and patiently explored every aspect of not just his activities and achievements but also his personality. We believe this was key to his acceptance. Working with Kirsten never felt rushed, her insights were well researched and thoughtful, and in many ways, she became a mentor that went well beyond just guiding through the essay process. We appreciated Kirsten's special knack for recognizing the person behind our student and helping showcase the 'full picture' in applications that can quickly become daunting or overcrowded. Her guidance, cheerleading, unique insights into the admissions process and just being there for our son all rolled into a VERY successful outcome! Thank you again, Kirsten!"
Prad | Parent of high school senior accepted into university
"Choosing to work with Kirsten throughout my college application process is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Instantly, our personalities clicked and she understood the best version of me I wanted to get across in my essays. There was not one moment where I felt she wanted me to compromise my voice and worked with everything that I had to say. Not only did she help me with my essays, but also provided vital guidance on which colleges to apply to and preparing for alumni interviews. Kirsten struck that perfect balance between friend, confidant, and advisor. I recommended Kirsten to all of my friends who needed a college counselor, and strongly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a trusted advisor for their college search and application journey."
Aliza | High school senior accepted into university
"As a parent, navigating the college admission process was very daunting for us. Our child’s personal essay and mini essays needed to be right to tell his story. For my son, it was the “make it or break it” for his future at the university of his choice. Having a professional like Kirsten guide us through this process made all the difference! Her patience, ability to connect with our son, and to quickly understand who he is made the process efficient, effective and empowering for our whole family. Kirsten, being a mom as well, understands the nuances of parenthood, the struggles of our story and our son’s vulnerability during this process. I would HIGHLY recommend Kirsten to any family who is looking to help their child’s light shine through in their personal essays. Her grace and kindness made this process seamless for our son and thanks to her guidance, he has been accepted to all of the schools he has applied to thus far."
Tina | Parent of high school senior accepted into university
"Kirsten's presentation to our school community was engaging, informative, and most importantly, honest. She shared excellent insights into what happens behind the closed doors of college admissions, and that is a rare and welcome change for our school community. Parents and students were given clear points to consider when searching for colleges, assessing the right fit, and how to tackle the all-important personal essays. We look forward to working with Kirsten in the future."
Shazia | Co-President Princeton High School PTO.
"At a time when rising college freshman are navigating the uncertainty of what it means to choose a college that is in fact the right fit, or how best to present oneself as colleges themselves scramble to reset the admissions process and requirements, Kirsten has been a remarkable source of clarity. As the parent of a student whose high school journey was derailed by a medical condition, my son’s transcript and college application is in no way traditional. Kirsten not only guided my son in presenting his story in the most authentic and deeply meaningful way, she also provided a calming presence throughout. Somehow, in the end not only did my son write a remarkably poignant personal essay, he also came to accept that he will land exactly where he is meant to be. Kirsten focuses on joy, and truly celebrates the uniqueness of the individual applicant. Her knowledge of the process, and her care and guidance is a true gift. I am grateful as I too was able to relax, and that in fact, is a testament to her unique approach"
Sue | Parent of high school senior accepted into university
"Today I received my first acceptance letter for accelerated nursing programs! I am overwhelmed with joy and excitement, and I would not have this opportunity without your help. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for re-inspiring my passion for nursing and helping me find my story. It takes someone like you who genuinely saw my potential to have led me to this moment. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and time that you dedicated to working with me in creating my personal statement. I truly admire people who are “meant” to be in their profession, and I see that in you. I am so grateful you are able to help me and many others in their journey."
Gabrielle | College graduate student accepted into an accelerated nursing program.
