
The Most Common College Application Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Applying to college is exciting, but it’s also stressful. Between essays, recommendation letters, standardized tests and financial aid
Lead College Counselor
Kim brings over 10 years of experience in college counseling, including 7 years as a high school college counselor. With a background in career services at universities including Rice and Duke, she has supported students in earning admission to institutions such as Cornell, Johns Hopkins, UT Austin, Rice, Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, University of Michigan, and Boston University.
Kim Shipman brings over 10 years of experience in college counseling, including 7 years as a high school college counselor. She has supported students in earning admission to institutions such as Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Rice, Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, University of Michigan, and Boston University.
Kim began her career in university career services, working at Rice and Duke University, where she designed career programming to support student success initiatives, including programs focused on first-generation college students. These experiences shaped her belief that college planning should be rooted in long-term goals, not just admissions outcomes.
Kim’s counseling approach blends strategic admissions planning with career and personal development, with her areas of expertise including Ivy and highly selective admissions, major exploration and career discovery, and liberal arts colleges. She works especially well with LGBTQ+ students, and those struggling with motivation, helping them build confidence and a clear sense of direction.
Having navigated the college search largely on her own, Kim is passionate about helping students feel understood, confident, and empowered throughout the admissions process. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, camping, attending community theater, and exploring new restaurants together.
Location
Warsaw, VA
Area of Expertise
Kimberly's Education and Certifications

Applying to college is exciting, but it’s also stressful. Between essays, recommendation letters, standardized tests and financial aid

Purdue University is one of the most recognized public universities in the United States, particularly among students interested

Based on a 2024 article from Virginia Tech, only 35% of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)

When it comes to college admissions, every little decision you make can affect your outcomes. One of the

College has gotten expensive—you know that, I know that, and even my dog knows it! With costs rising

With the cost of college rising annually and recent changes to the FAFSA decreasing the number of families