College Admissions Advisory

Your student's story is their greatest advantage.

Expert strategy from someone who spent years inside the rooms where decisions are made at Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Vanderbilt. Now that experience works for your family.

Kiara Reece MSW

Kiara Reece, MSW | Senior Admissions Consultant

Stanford University
Asst. Director of Admissions
UC Berkeley
Asst. Director + MSW
Vanderbilt University
Admissions Officer
College Track
Nonprofit College Counseling
Proud partner of Illuminos Academic Coaching & Executive Function
Kiara Reece
15+
Years in Admissions

Strategy grounded in real inside knowledge

I know what a strong application looks like because I spent years reading thousands of them at Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Vanderbilt. I served as an assistant director at two of the most selective universities in the world, and I bring that perspective to every student I advise.

As a first-generation college graduate myself, I have a deep personal understanding of what it takes to navigate a system that was not built with every student in mind. Whether your student is a high achiever looking to stand out, an early planner in middle school, or a student who processes and learns differently, I meet them exactly where they are.

My work is thoughtful, strategic, and personalized. Every student has a story worth telling well.

Every student deserves expert guidance

🎓
High School Students

Freshmen through seniors building a compelling, strategic college application. From early positioning to final submission, I guide every step with clarity and confidence.

📚
Middle School Early Starters

Middle school is the ideal time to start thinking intentionally about interests, activities, and academic direction. Early planning gives students a genuine head start on their story.

🌟
Students with ADHD and Learning Differences

I work with students who think and learn differently, adapting timelines and communication to fit how they actually function. My process meets every student where they are.

Strategy built on real admissions experience

01
Narrative Strategy

I identify the throughline in your student's experiences and build a cohesive story that is authentic, strategic, and memorable to admissions readers.

02
Personalized Positioning

Every student is different. I develop an individualized approach that reflects their actual strengths rather than a generic formula.

03
Adaptive Process

For students with ADHD or learning differences, I adapt timelines and deliverables to work with how your student actually functions best.

04
Full Application Management

From college list building to essay review to final submission, I stay actively engaged so nothing falls through the cracks.

Choose the right level of support

Early Start
Middle School Planning
  • Curriculum and activity planning starting in 6th to 8th grade
  • Interest exploration and early positioning
  • High school transition strategy
  • Summer program identification
Book a Call
High School
Strategic Advising
  • Freshman through junior year positioning
  • Course selection and GPA strategy
  • Extracurricular and leadership planning
  • Professor outreach and research opportunities
Book a Call

What families are saying

★★★★★

"Kiara did not just help my daughter with her application. She helped her understand who she is and how to communicate that. The process felt personal from start to finish."

Parent of a College Senior
★★★★★

"My son has ADHD and Kiara adapted her entire process to work with him. He stayed on track and submitted a strong application we are all proud of."

Parent of a High School Junior
★★★★★

"We started working with Kiara in 8th grade. By the time my daughter applied to colleges, she had a clear story, strong activities, and real confidence."

Parent, Early Start Client

Common questions

When should we start working with you?

The earlier the better. I work with students as early as middle school. Starting in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade allows us to intentionally build the experiences and story that will make a genuine difference in the application years later. That said, it is never too late. I also work with juniors and seniors applying in the current cycle.

Do you work with students who have ADHD or learning differences?

Yes. I adapt my communication style, timelines, and deliverables to work with how your student actually functions. The college advising process does not have to be one size fits all, and for students who think differently it should not be.

What is your connection to Illuminos?

I am proud to be a partner of Illuminos, an academic coaching and executive function organization. I handle the college advising side. For families who need additional academic or executive function support alongside college planning, I can connect you with their team.

Do you work with first-generation students?

Yes, and it is an area close to my heart. I am a first-generation college graduate myself and understand the complexity of navigating a system that was not built with every student in mind.

How do I get started?

Book a free 30-minute consultation using the link on this page, or fill out the student info form below and I will follow up within 48 hours.

Submit your student's info

Tell us a bit about your student and I will be in touch within 48 hours.