Kristen Fenn

Kristen Fenn is an independent college consultant and founder of Kristen Fenn College Consulting, where she has worked with students and families since January 2017 in Orinda, California. She guides students through every stage of the college application process with a calm, structured approach that reduces stress while keeping goals and deadlines on track. Her work emphasizes self-discovery, college research skills and informed decision-making so students can identify and apply to best fit colleges.

From August 2016 to May 2024, Kristen served as College Access Advisor at Holy Names High School in Oakland, California. She collaborated with the counseling team and college advisors to plan and implement school-wide college programming, meeting with students beginning in junior year to conduct self-assessments, plan testing schedules, research colleges and build lists focused on best fit. She presented workshops on financial aid and the college application process for parents, aiming to reduce stress by providing clear information, guidance and support to students and families.

Kristen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from the University of California, Berkeley and a Certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning from UC Berkeley Extension. Her certificate coursework included Career Planning, Counseling for Educators, College Advising A and B, a practicum course and an additional class on Recruiting the High School Athlete, preparing her to support a wide range of students, including prospective college athletes.

Services Offered

• Student self-assessments and goal setting?
• College research instruction and exploration strategies?
• College list development focused on the best fit?
• Academic course and testing plan guidance?
• Deadline planning and application timeline management?
• Decision plan analysis for Early Decision, Early Decision II and Early Action?
• Financial aid education and resource guidance?
• Essay organization, review and editing support?
• Parent workshops on financial aid and the application process (school-based background)?