Meet Karen!

Karen Kimball, College Counselor

With over 25 years in education, Karen is an expert at guiding students through self-discovery and thoughtfully positioning their unique strengths on college applications. Regardless of a student’s grades, test scores, or resume, Karen is able to empower the student to reflect, identify, and celebrate who they are. In doing so, Karen guides the students to take courses, engage in activities, and apply to colleges where they will thrive. Each student who works with Karen will feel supported and armed with clear goals to continue their growth in college.

While teaching at the University of North Texas Honors College, Karen designed and implemented the department’s Capstone project: a required project-based course for college seniors that prepares them for their next steps. Now as a college counselor, Karen draws upon her refined organization and prioritization skills to create clear timelines and structure for students. She is known for breaking large projects into small, manageable chunks, all with an encouraging smile.

As a parent whose child has been through the college application process, Karen understands the stress the process can place on students and parents. With a Master’s in Communication Studies, it’s no surprise that Karen is masterful at communicating in a way that keeps the entire family feeling informed and prepared at every step. Families who have worked with Karen describe her as calm, kind, and firm, with a great sense of humor. Her students have been admitted to a myriad of programs (including business, computer science, and psychology) at colleges such as UCLA, LMU, Clemson, Boulder, and Gonzaga. She is also experienced in working with students pursuing a rigorous curriculum (including International Baccalaureate) and students with learning differences.

When she’s not guiding students in their college application process, you can find Karen spending time creating pottery, reading a good book, or chasing after her corgi Bess.

Education & Experience

College Counseling Certificate, UC San Diego

M.A. in Communication Studies, University of North Texas

B.A. French, Trinity University

Professional Organization Memberships

NACAC: National Association for College Admission Counseling