Business Details
33 Years
experience
Expert College Admissions Counseling in Issaquah, WA
Murphy College Consultants has been dedicated to transforming the college admissions journey since 1993. With over three decades of experience in admissions and school counseling across primary, secondary, and college settings, our founder, Kiersten Murphy, brings unparalleled expertise to personalized college matching. Holding advanced degrees from Gettysburg College and the College of Saint Rose, we combine rigorous academic training with hands-on experience to guide students toward institutions where they will thrive academically and personally. Our commitment to excellence is underscored by our status as a Professional Member of IECA, the oldest and most respected organization for independent educational consultants.We maintain deep industry knowledge through annual visits to over 350 colleges globally and continuous professional development via national conferences and university programs. Our approach prioritizes individualized attention, with a client base limited to ensure personalized guidance that far exceeds the average 38 minutes of advising received by public high school students. Recognized in national media outlets and trusted by families worldwide, we empower students to navigate the admissions process with confidence and clarity.
Services
Comprehensive Planning
Premium Planning
College List
Essay and Application
Transfer Applicants
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- Personalized approach with 350+ college visits for accurate matches
- Founder has 30+ years in admissions counseling and IECA membership
- Small client base ensures dedicated, high-quality guidance
- Recognized expert quoted in USA Today, Forbes, and The Seattle Times
- Proven track record: 4x more likely to attend private colleges
Associations and certifications
- IECA
- NACAC
What people say
Personalized attention
Helped find dream school
Stress-free process
Expertise in admissions
4x more likely to attend private colleges
Services
Comprehensive Planning
This end-to-end service guides students through every admissions stage, from academic planning to final college selection. Ideal for juniors and seniors, it includes personalized timelines, essay development, and strategic application management. Our approach ensures students present their strongest profiles to colleges while making informed decisions aligned with their goals.
College List
Focused assistance in identifying institutions that match academic strengths and personal preferences. Includes analysis of learning styles, career interests, and campus culture fit. We provide data-driven recommendations to create balanced college lists that maximize admission chances while ensuring long-term student satisfaction with their chosen institutions.
Essay and Application
Specialized help with essay brainstorming, revisions, and application strategy for up to 12 colleges. We guide students in crafting authentic narratives that highlight their unique qualities. This service includes feedback on supplemental essays, recommendation strategies, and timeline management to ensure timely submission of polished applications.
Premium Planning
Designed for students beginning college planning in 9th or 10th grade, this service builds long-term strategies for academic and extracurricular development. Includes early identification of college readiness milestones, standardized test planning, and continuous guidance to shape a cohesive application profile that reflects the student's evolving interests and achievements.
Transfer Applicants
Tailored support for students seeking to transfer institutions. We analyze academic records to identify optimal transfer opportunities, develop compelling narratives for applications, and provide strategic advice on meeting deadlines and requirements. Our expertise ensures seamless transitions to new academic environments that better align with students' goals.
People
Kiersten Murphy
Founder & Lead Consultant
With 30+ years in college admissions counseling, Kiersten holds a Master's in Education from the College of Saint Rose. As a Professional Member of IECA since 2001, she has guided students to top institutions globally. Her expertise includes 350+ college visits and teaching roles at UC-Irvine. Recognized in Forbes and USA Today, she specializes in personalized college matching.
Questions
How many college visits have you completed?
I have personally visited over 350 colleges across the U.S., U.K., and Canada to provide data-driven recommendations.
Can you guarantee admission to specific colleges?
No ethical consultant can guarantee admission, but I help create balanced college lists that maximize acceptance chances at well-matched institutions.
What makes your counseling approach unique?
My personalized method combines 30+ years of experience, extensive campus visits, and small client cohorts to ensure tailored guidance exceeding industry standards.
Do you work with international students?
Yes, I support students globally with college applications to U.S. and international institutions, including specialized guidance for UCAS processes.
How do you stay current with admissions trends?
I maintain industry leadership through annual conferences, direct college admissions counselor meetings, and continuous professional development via university programs.
What service packages are available?
We offer Comprehensive Planning, Premium Planning, College List, Essay and Application, and Transfer Applicant packages tailored to different student needs and timelines.
