Kathy Lucas

Kathy Lucas is an independent educational consultant working as a College Admissions Advisor since 2021, serving families in Marin County, California. She provides personalized college admissions consulting to help students navigate the college application process and find schools that align with their goals and aspirations. Since February 2022, she has also served as a Volunteer College Consultant at College Track in Oakland, California, an organization dedicated to supporting underserved students in their pursuit of higher education. Through her volunteer work, she demonstrates her commitment to expanding college access and providing guidance to students from diverse backgrounds who may face additional barriers in the college admissions process.

Before transitioning to college counseling, Kathy built a successful career in finance and investment banking spanning over a decade. She worked as Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at Dialpad Communications from 2000 to 2001, where she managed financial strategy for the Santa Clara-based technology company. From 1997 to 2000, she served as an Analyst in the Private Client Department at Banc of America Securities, formerly Montgomery Securities, in San Francisco, having previously worked as an Associate in the Private Client Department at Montgomery Securities from 1996 to 1997. Earlier in her career, she worked internationally as an Equity Options Trader at Chicago Research and Trading in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, from 1994 to 1995, and asan Analyst in International Corporate Banking at Dresdner Bank Aktiengesellschaft in Frankfurt from January 1993 to 1994. Her background in finance, analytical thinking and strategic planning informs her approach to college counseling, particularly in helping families understand financial aid options and make informed decisions about college affordability.

Kathy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Brown University, where she studied from 1989 to 1993. Her Ivy League education and experience working in competitive financial sectors give her deep insight into the selective admissions process and what top universities seek in applicants. Her career trajectory from international finance to educational consulting reflects her commitment to supporting the next generation of students as they prepare for their own futures.

Services Offered

• Independent college admissions consulting
• College list development and school selection guidance
• Application strategy and timeline management
• Support for underserved students through College Track volunteer work
• Financial planning perspective on college affordability
• Guidance for students applying to selective institutions
• Personalized one-on-one college counseling
• Support throughout the college application process