Kathleen Griffin
College admissions consultant for students and parents in California
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | California, United States |
| Credentials | Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) member; Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) associate member; Western Association for College Admission Counselors (WACAC) member; Seattle Area College Consultants (SACC) member; Trained in UCLA's College Counseling program; Bachelor's degree in education, St. John's University |
| Practice | American College Strategies |
Kathleen Griffin is a college admissions consultant who helps students and parents plan the path from search to application. She founded American College Strategies and works alongside her partner Lyndsay. Kathleen spent over 17 years as a school counselor in the Greater Los Angeles area. She also teaches as an adjunct professor in Loyola Marymount University's graduate counseling program. She has a special focus on first-generation college-bound students and visits campuses across the country.
What Kathleen helps with
Kathleen helps students and families understand what the admissions process requires and build a practical timeline. She also helps them find a college that fits and present their best selves in applications.
- Understanding admissions requirements
- Building a practical application timeline
- Finding the best college fit
- Showing your best self in applications
- Finishing admissions tasks before deadlines
- Strengthening specific weak areas of an application
- Starting college and career talks in middle school
- Making sense of financial aid choices
Who Kathleen works with
Kathleen works with middle school students, high school students and their families. She has a special focus on first-generation college-bound students. Some families start in senior year, while others begin earlier to plan ahead. Clients have gone on to a wide range of public and private colleges.
How Kathleen works
The practice offers three packages. The High School Package is a full program that covers the path from application to admission. The Middle School Package starts early talks about college and careers. The Tune Up Package is a limited series of focused coaching calls to finish admissions tasks or improve specific areas. Kathleen and Lyndsay also run online programs.
Background and qualifications
Kathleen founded American College Strategies and has guided thousands of students through the college search and application process. She spent over 17 years as a counselor at schools in the Greater Los Angeles area. She is also an adjunct professor in Loyola Marymount University's graduate counseling program. She holds a bachelor's degree in education from St. John's University in New York, trained in UCLA's College Counseling program, and studied for a master's degree in counseling at Loyola Marymount University. She travels often to colleges across the United States. She belongs to IECA, WACAC, HECA and SACC.
Kathleen Griffin pricing
Programs and services
- High School Package
- Middle School Package
- Tune Up Package of focused coaching calls
- Online programs
Kathleen Griffin reviews
The CoachVouch take
Kathleen combines over 17 years as a school counselor with a role teaching in a university graduate counseling program.
Best for first-generation college-bound students and families who want a clear plan for the admissions process.
Common questions
How much does Kathleen Griffin charge?
Coaching with Kathleen runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Kathleen from this page for an exact quote.
What does Kathleen Griffin help with?
Kathleen Griffin helps with understanding admissions requirements, building a practical application timeline, finding the best college fit and showing your best self in applications.
Is Kathleen Griffin certified?
Kathleen Griffin lists: Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) member; Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) associate member; Western Association for College Admission Counselors (WACAC) member; Seattle Area College Consultants (SACC) member; Trained in UCLA's College Counseling program; Bachelor's degree in education, St. John's University.
Does Kathleen work with middle school students?
Yes. Her Middle School Package starts early talks about college and careers before high school begins.
Can families get help with only part of the admissions process?
Yes. The Tune Up Package offers a limited series of focused coaching calls to finish admissions tasks or strengthen specific areas.
How do I contact Kathleen Griffin?
Send Kathleen a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.