About Darien Academic Advisors


About the Founder

Kristin White has been a college and boarding school admissions counselor since 2005. She enjoys working with students and helping them to identify their interests and passions as they put their best foot forward in the admissions process. She has a calm and encouraging demeanor and is a helpful resource for both parents and students. Kristin is also the Director of Secondary School Counseling at a K-8 independent school in Fairfield County, CT.

Kristin has worked with students from all over the world, including 23 different countries, many states, and in her local area. She has worked with hundreds of students with successful placements at schools and colleges throughout the US.


Kristin is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and the New England Association of College Admissions Counselors. Kristin regularly visits colleges and schools and attends professional development meetings. 

Education

She is a graduate of Georgetown University and has an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.


Publications

Kristin is the author of “The Complete Guide to the Gap Year,” in its second edition, and “It’s the Student, Not the College: The Secrets of Succeeding at Any School Without Going Broke or Crazy.”  

 

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE GAP YEAR

This is the go-to book for anyone considering a year to re-charge, to follow a passion, to become immersed in another culture, or to find their love of learning again. It includes everything a student, parent, or guidance counselor would want to know about the gap year; including what a gap year is, what it is not, and why it can have a positive impact on a young life.

 

IT’S THE STUDENT NOT THE COLLEGE

TO: All students wondering “Can I get into my dream college?”

CC: All parents wondering “Can we afford it?”

FROM: Educational consultant Kristin M. White

MEMO: COLLEGE RANKINGS DON’T MATTER. This claim might sound crazy, but it’s true: Research shows that where you go to school makes little difference to future financial success or quality of life—personal qualities such as ambition, perseverance, and a sense of purpose are all more important.