Founded and operated by Kate Isenberg in San Francisco's Bay Area, True Voice Advising serves students and families seeking the highest quality in 1:1 support on college preparation and essays.
With a holistic approach, Kate helps students develop their personal voice in high school and college, fostering not only admissions chances but self-awareness and persuasive presentation skills for lifetime success.
Who is Kate Isenberg? Just the facts:
Empathic college-preparation consultant with 10+ years' experience in helping students gain admission to top schools (see Results)
Harvard honors graduate (AB English with department's top GPA; magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa)
Expert storyteller, teacher, editor, and mentor who loves helping others find their voice
Multimedia artist and New Yorker cartoonist
UCLA film school graduate (MFA animation)
UCLA filmmaking instructor (4 years)
Writer/editor for national magazines, marketing agencies, and Fortune 500 companies (20+ years)
Proofreader (20+ years)
Why I do this work
Telling our own story is a vital part of claiming our past experiences and future potential. For many students, writing their personal statement (or, for UCs, PIQs) is the first time they have reflected on their lives in writing. I encourage students to embrace this process, strengthening their sense of self as they step into adulthood.
I enjoy supporting families who want the best for their student but may not know how to assist, bringing positivity and guidance to what may otherwise feel like a stressful or confusing application process. Families can give their student responsibility for writing their own essays, reassured that they have an experienced, caring professional on their team.
I love helping young people tell a personal, unique story from their life journey, translating school-learned writing skills into successful application essays. I have supported hundreds of students to weave their experiences into compelling essays that helped earn admission to selective US secondary schools, colleges, universities, and graduate programs.
I believe effective writing fosters effective thinking and expression. In a world where anyone can use AI, honing a distinctive and compelling written voice provides a competitive edge.
Higher education unlocks opportunities and nurtures vibrant communities. In addition to working professionally as a college-application mentor, I volunteer yearly to help first-generation students with their essays.