Meet Kathy Speer 

I am incredibly passionate about all things college-related, especially helping students through the complexities of the application process, including both the University of California (UC) and California State University (Cal State) applications. The college landscape today is very different than when I applied. I was lucky enough to get my B.S. in Commerce from the University of Virginia’s (UVA) McIntire School and then my M.S. in Accounting (Taxation) from UVA as well. After college, I was employed by one of the current Big 4 public accounting firms in their taxation department for over nine years. I focused primarily on legal tax research specializing in international corporate tax restructuring. As I watched my own kids start on their college journey, I found myself fascinated with the college process and began to use my research background to keep up to date on all things admissions-related. I found myself reading and researching, meeting with local high school and private college counselors, and enjoying my trips to college campuses with my kids. Through my love of research, learning, and helping others, I became a resource for not only my children but friends on application/college admissions questions. I took my passion to a new level and received the Specialized Certificate in College Counseling from the University of California, San Diego. I also had the privilege of working with a former Associate Dean of Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania in her private practice. I assisted with special projects and research, all related to college admissions. In addition, I was the UC and Cal State expert for her private Facebook groups. Throughout this experience, I gained valuable insights into how admissions officers read applications, and I learned other college admissions strategies. I also worked as a Freshman Application Evaluator for Northeastern University in Boston. I initially assisted the Northeastern University Office of Undergraduate Admissions with reading/evaluating applications for freshman admission and then performed senior reviews (2nd level) for the 2023-2024 application season.

I am a Certified Educational Planner (CEP) - one of approximately 250 educational professionals (working independently or in schools) worldwide to be credentialed by the AICEP with a specialization in Colleges. I am also a Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and a member of both the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) and the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC). Through these organizations and my network of professional connections with colleagues across the U.S., I can provide timely and accurate college admissions information. I complete significant continuing education annually and have visited colleges across the U.S. 

My goal is to help a student present their best self on their application(s) and find the college that is the best fit for them. My practice serves clients in Southern California as well as around the country, as I am able to meet with students and their families via Zoom. 

I look forward to working with you!