I never thought I wanted to go to college but started to realize there wasn’t just one way to do college so I started that whole journey with Kim. I have a very complicated, long story that Kim fully engulfed herself in and helped me find my strengths when I thought I didn’t have any. It has been a struggle to find confidence in the school process and I have a tendency to shut down but Kim stayed with me and kept her patience the whole time. She helped me not only find a college that I’m very happy with but helped me with my confidence in school.

MEGAN

CORNISH COLLEGE OF THE ARTS

Having a senior in high school is already wrought with emotions; a dread at the thought of them leaving home, worry that you haven't prepared them thoroughly so you are scrambling to play catch-up, along with an eagerness for them to move on to college. Adding the labor intensive college process to this swirl would have been a lot. Thankfully, we engaged the help of Kim and Collegewise and because of this, have been able to savor these precious fleeting moments of having our daughter at home. All the stress, strategizing, and labor of finding the right college was being handled in a thorough, personalized, fun-loving way by Kim. It's hard to adequately express what a difference this made for our daughter, who decided on a school that was not initially on our radar, and our entire family. A collegewise counselor is an investment in your future, and sanity!

MARGARET, PARENT OF ANABELLE

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - MADISON

My experience with Collegewise was great! Ms. Kimberly helped me so much with the nerves I had about applying and reassured me that I was right for picking harder level schools. She was just as enthusiastic as me and her love and appreciation for me was very respected. She’s a great counselor and might I say friend. Any student would be lucky to have her on this journey.

CHRISTEL

COLGATE UNIVERSITY

The college application process is confusing and tedious, and Collegewise really helped with that process. It was reassuring to go over my application with my counselor so that we could make sure that I had a better chance of getting in!

KYRA

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY

Kimberly Malin pattern

Kimberly Malin, College Counselor

Kim has always found a way to advocate for others and is at her best (and happiest) when helping people. Her approach is hands-on, detail-oriented, and focused on empowering students to take ownership of their future.

 

Kim understands that while the college application process involves some stress and hard work, it should also be an exciting time filled with the power of possibility and potential. More than just helping students get into college, Kim believes this process is about guiding young people through one of their first significant life decisions.

 

Drawing from a unique background in psychology and law, Kim works with students across a diverse spectrum of interests—from aspiring engineers to passionate artists, humanities scholars to future business innovators. Her method is direct yet compassionate: she challenges students and holds them accountable, while making the process engaging and even enjoyable.

 

Kim doesn't just work with students; she connects with them. By understanding their lives beyond applications, she builds meaningful relationships that transform the college counseling experience. Her students have gone on to attend top institutions, including:

 

  • Ivy League universities like Princeton
  • All University of California campuses
  • Liberal arts colleges such as Wesleyan and Colby
  • STEM-focused institutions like RIT and Colorado School of Mines
  • Popular state universities, including Michigan and Florida State
  • Urban hub colleges like NYU and Boston University
  • Specialized art schools such as Cornish College of the Arts

 

A University of Michigan psychology graduate, Kim began her career as an AmeriCorps volunteer before earning her law degree from USC. Her professional journey includes:

 

  • Working as a litigator in both LA and NYC
  • Advocacy work at the Children's Law Center
  • Pro-bono legal work supporting at-risk populations
  • Volunteer attorney fighting for appellate rights
  • Transition to education with a college counseling certificate from UCLA

 

In her free time, Kim loves to hang out with her three sons, binge Netflix, read tons of books, go for long walks, and obsess over the relentless cuteness of all her rescued pets.

Education & Experience

B.A., Psychology, University of Michigan
J.D., University of Southern California Law School
Certificate of College Counseling, UCLA

 

Professional Organization Memberships

NACAC: National Association for College Admission Counseling
WACAC: Western Association for College Admission Counseling

Contact

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