College Admissions & Advisory

Your student's
story is their
greatest advantage.

I'm Kiara Reece — former admissions officer at UC Berkeley and Vanderbilt, Stanford application reader, and MSW. I've reviewed over 7,000 applications and I intentionally keep my caseload small so every student gets my complete attention.

Book Free Consultation My Story

7,000+Applications Reviewed

500+Students Advised

15+Years in Admissions

Your College Advisor Kiara Reece, MSW Former AO · UC Berkeley · Vanderbilt
Stanford Application Reader
7,000+ Applications Reviewed

★ Official Partnership ★

Proud partner of
Illuminos.

Reece Consulting is an official Illuminos network partner — giving my clients access to an elite ecosystem of college prep resources, specialist connections, and a community of top-tier consultants working at the highest level of the field.

This partnership means your student doesn't just get me. They get the full weight of a network built for exceptional outcomes.

Learn More & Book a Call

Illuminos Elite College Prep Network

✓
Elite Network Access — Kiara is a vetted member of Illuminos, one of the most selective college prep networks in the country.
✓
Specialist Connections — When your student needs subject-matter depth, I connect them to the right expert within the network.
✓
Elevated Standards — Illuminos partners are held to the highest professional standards in college consulting.
✓
Broader Resources — Clients benefit from tools, research, and insights that go beyond what any single consultant can offer alone.

Get to Know Me

My story, in my own words.

Who I Am

Hi, I'm Kiara Reece, MSW.

I'm a former admissions officer at UC Berkeley and Vanderbilt, and an application reader at Stanford. I've reviewed over 7,000 applications and I know exactly what it takes to get in.

My Background

I was the student without a roadmap.

I'm a first-generation college graduate from Northern Kentucky University. I navigated this process without anyone guiding me — and that experience is exactly why I do this work.

My Career

I built my career on these campuses.

I was a key contributor to the Bridges multicultural recruitment program at Belmont University, then went on to hold admissions roles at the most selective universities in the country.

Insider Access

I was in the room where decisions were made.

Stanford ReaderUC BerkeleyVanderbilt UniversityBelmont University

Track Record

The results speak for themselves.

500+Students

15+Years

3AO Roles

Global Reach

I've guided students from around the world.

I held international admissions territory at both Vanderbilt and UC Berkeley — covering Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Middle East, and Africa. International families are always welcome.

My Approach

I don't just edit essays. I build the whole picture.

Extracurriculars, major direction, merit scholarships, intellectual vitality, testing strategy — I work with students on everything, starting as early as middle school.

Illuminos Partner

Connected to an elite network.

As a proud Illuminos partner, my clients benefit from the resources, connections, and elevated standards of one of the most selective college prep networks in the country.

Nashville, TN

Nashville warmth. Ivy League standards.

I'm from Nashville, Tennessee and I serve families across the country and around the world. Genuine care and a relationship-first approach, grounded in rigor.

Let's Talk

Ready to build something extraordinary?

Book a free 30-minute consultation. No pitch — just an honest conversation about what's possible.

Book Free Consultation

About Me

I know this process
from the inside out.

I'm not a consultant who read a book about admissions. I worked inside the offices at UC Berkeley and Vanderbilt, and served as an application reader at Stanford — reviewing over 7,000 applications, shaping evaluation criteria, and learning firsthand what separates a standout application from one that gets passed over.

As a first-generation college graduate, I navigated this entirely on my own. That is why I do this work. Every family I take on gets the guidance I wish I'd had.

Former Admissions Officer — UC Berkeley (Asst. Director) & Vanderbilt · Application Reader, Stanford
Master of Social Work (MSW) — UC Berkeley
First-Generation College Graduate — Northern Kentucky University
Key Contributor, Bridges Multicultural Recruitment Program — Belmont University
International Admissions Territory — SE Asia, Pacific Islands, Middle East & Africa at both Vanderbilt and UC Berkeley
Illuminos Partner — Elite College Prep Network

I grew up figuring this out without a roadmap. Now I am the roadmap. I care about the whole student — not just the grades. Every student I work with gets my complete attention and genuine care.

— Kiara Reece, MSW · Founder, Reece Consulting

Why Work With Me

I don't just edit essays.
I build the full picture.

🏛

I Was the Decision-Maker

I sat in the review rooms at UC Berkeley and Vanderbilt, and served as an application reader at Stanford — reading over 7,000 applications in total. I know exactly how files are read, what moves reviewers, and what quietly removes a candidate from consideration.

🎯

The Complete Picture

Major direction, extracurriculars, merit scholarships, intellectual vitality, testing strategy, demonstrated interest — including specialized guidance for pre-professional tracks and competitive STEM programs. The full application, not just the essay.

🤝

You Work With Me Directly

I deliberately keep my caseload small — I never overbook. When you hire me, you get me: my full attention, my direct number, and my complete focus on your student. You will never feel like a number.

💛

I've Been That Student

I'm a first-generation college graduate. I understand the weight this process carries for families navigating it for the first time. Zero judgment, full commitment.

🌍

International Families Welcome

I held international admissions territory at both Vanderbilt and UC Berkeley, covering SE Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Middle East, and Africa. I understand international applications from every angle.

📚

My MSW Changes Everything

I care deeply about the whole student — not just the transcript. My MSW training means I hold space for the stress, the family dynamics, executive functioning challenges, and the emotional weight of this process. Every student I work with feels genuinely seen.

Who I Work With

Real strategy — not just essay help.

🎒

Middle Schoolers

Build the foundation before the stakes are high — course planning, activity direction, long-range positioning.

📐

Freshmen & Sophomores

Students who stand apart in senior year started building their story in 9th and 10th grade.

🎯

Juniors

Your most important year. Testing, college list, summer programs, positioning — all of it.

✍️

Seniors

Full application support: essays, supplements, ED strategy, financial aid, submission reviews.

🌏

International Students

I held international territory at both Vanderbilt and UC Berkeley. I bring that expertise directly to your family.

🏆

Merit Scholarship Strategy

Built into every student's plan from day one — the right schools, right positioning, maximum awards.

Services & Pricing

Invest in the right guidance.

Every package includes direct access to me — not an assistant. Specialized support for pre-professional tracks, STEM, and international students. Book a free consultation to discuss the right fit for your family.

Foundation

Middle School

Grades 6–8

Course selection strategy
Extracurricular planning roadmap
High school transition planning
College awareness introduction
Parent strategy sessions (2x/year)
Summer program guidance

Book Free Call

Simple. Personal. No surprises.

Free Call

30 minutes. I learn about your student. We see if we're a good fit.

Profile Review

I review grades, activities, interests, and goals before our next call.

Custom Plan

I build a tailored roadmap with clear milestones and priorities.

Ongoing Work

Regular sessions, real-time support, and parent briefings throughout.

Submit & Beyond

Full support through every deadline, decisions, and enrollment.

What Families Say

Results that speak for themselves.

★★★★★

"Kiara didn't just help our daughter with her application — she helped her understand who she is and why that matters. She got into her first-choice school and could actually articulate why she belonged there."

Parent of Class of 2024 Student

Admitted to University of Southern California

★★★★★

"We started sophomore year and that timing made all the difference. By the time applications opened, our son had a clear story and we weren't scrambling. I cannot recommend Kiara enough."

Parent of Class of 2025 Student

Admitted to University of Michigan

★★★★★

"As an international family we had no idea how this worked. Kiara explained everything clearly and our daughter received a merit scholarship we didn't even know was possible."

International Family

Admitted with Merit Award · Northeastern University

FAQ

Your questions, answered.

Why hire an independent consultant when my school has a counselor?▾

School counselors serve hundreds of students and don't have time for individualized strategic guidance. I work with a small caseload and bring 15+ years of actual admissions office experience. I know how applications are read from the inside.

When is the best time to start?▾

The earlier the better. Students who start sophomore year or earlier arrive at senior year with a clear narrative and strong activities. That said, I work with seniors and can make a real difference even starting late.

Do you work with students who have learning differences?▾

Yes — my MSW training makes me especially equipped for 2e students and students with ADHD. I know how to find the right schools, navigate accommodations conversations, and build applications that show the full picture.

Do you help with merit scholarships?▾

Absolutely. I build merit scholarship strategy into every student's plan from the beginning — identifying schools where they're competitive and positioning applications to maximize awards.

Do you work with international families?▾

Yes. I held international territory at both Vanderbilt and UC Berkeley, covering Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Middle East, and Africa. International families are always welcome.

Are payment plans available?▾

Yes. I work with families to find payment structures that make sense. Bring it up on our free call and we'll figure something out together.

Will you write my student's essays?▾

Never. I coach students — I don't write for them. Every word should be theirs. My job is to help them find their voice and present themselves with confidence.

Tell Me About Your Student

I'll reach out
within 24 hours.

No forms that go nowhere. When you fill this out it comes directly to me. I read every submission personally.

Not ready? Book a free call instead →

What happens next I review your student's profile before we ever get on a call. I come to that first conversation with real thoughts — not a sales pitch.

Your student'sstory is theirgreatest advantage.

Proud partner ofIlluminos.

My story, in my own words.

Hi, I'm Kiara Reece, MSW.

I was the student without a roadmap.

I built my career on these campuses.

I was in the room where decisions were made.

The results speak for themselves.

I've guided students from around the world.

I don't just edit essays. I build the whole picture.

Connected to an elite network.

Nashville warmth. Ivy League standards.

Ready to build something extraordinary?

I know this processfrom the inside out.

I don't just edit essays.I build the full picture.

I Was the Decision-Maker

The Complete Picture

You Work With Me Directly

I've Been That Student

International Families Welcome

My MSW Changes Everything

Real strategy — not just essay help.

Middle Schoolers

Freshmen & Sophomores

Juniors

Seniors

International Students

Merit Scholarship Strategy

Invest in the right guidance.

Simple. Personal. No surprises.

Results that speak for themselves.

Your questions, answered.

I'll reach outwithin 24 hours.

Let's build somethingextraordinary together.

Your student's
story is their
greatest advantage.

Proud partner of
Illuminos.

I know this process
from the inside out.

I don't just edit essays.
I build the full picture.

I'll reach out
within 24 hours.

Let's build something
extraordinary together.