Who You're Working With

Hi, I'm Kate!

When I applied to college, I had NO idea how. My parents weren't familiar with the college application process and my high school provided little guidance.

After researching every aspect of the college admissions process, I was eventually accepted at my dream school, Northwestern University.

However, I turned down my offer after realizing my degree would cost $160K. Coming from a humble Midwestern background, I would have been riddled with decades of debt.

Instead, I accepted my offer at the University of Missouri-Columbia, graduated in the top 1% of my class, and received $300K+ in scholarship offers (of which I accepted $100K).

This helped me graduate debt-free and dedicate my work to helping others navigate the process, find the school that is the best fit for them, and minimize the costs of attendance.

One-on-One with Kate

Meet with me as your personal college coach! I will always be the one handling your journey and ensuring no time is wasted!

Holistic and Personalized Feedback

This process is an opportunity for deep reflection. I want to portray you as the best and most authentic version of yourself to achieve your goals.

One of my favorite parts of the college application process is helping applicants draw stories from their lives and reenvision themselves in a new light.

Deep Brainstorming

How Does It Work?

Step 01. Free Consultation

Attend a complimentary, 30-minute virtual consultation with your parent or guardian to learn how Debt-Free Degrees can best serve your unique needs.

Step 02. Select Your Customized Assistance

I know that every family has different needs and budgets. We will customize a plan that only includes the assistance you need, rather than charging you extra.

Step 03. Collaborate

We will collaborate in weekly or bi-weekly calls, messages, and set up a portal of resources for your family to navigate the college admissions and financial aid processes.

Step 04. Feedback

Finalize your college applications, essays, and resumes and submit them for review for in-depth, constructive feedback!

Step 05. Apply and Celebrate!

Exceptional Expertise

For years, I have worked with students worldwide in a diverse range of life circumstances. From high school seniors to transfer students in their 30s to international students, I know how to help.

Global Experience

$300K+ Scholarship Award Winner

I'm here to help you earn money for school. During high school, I won over a dozen private scholarships that paid for my first year of college. After that, I won a national essay scholarship, a creative writing scholarship, a research scholarship, a music merit scholarship, and $200K+ of merit aid.

Skilled Writer

Before starting college essay editing, my writing was published in 4 poetry books and dozens of literary magazines, and I edited six editions of my own literary magazine. In addition, I worked as a staff writer for four newspapers and reached over 1M viewers.

Public Service is a Lifestyle

I will NEVER encourage you to pursue expedient extracurriculars for the sake of college admissions. As a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, one of the first female Eagle Scouts, and an incessant non-profit worker, I want to help you find meaning in life.

My diverse experiences put you at an advantage.

• At my university, I designed my own courses to work with graduate-level research teams and conduct lobbying work (both of which I won awards for!).

• I have experience creating and submitting successful music portfolios to colleges.

• I am passionate about storytelling and even managed and edited my own literary magazine!

• In college, I studied abroad twice - completely for free!

• Previously, I ran a non-profit and can guide you to a path of public service.

Now, I can use my experiences to help YOU create your best application!

Results

Here are schools my students have been accepted to in the past 3 years