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Kurt Isaacson

College Admissions Consultant He/Him/His
Kurt Isaacson Bright Horizons College Coach
College Admissions Consultant
Former Director of Graduate Admissions ArtCenter College of Design
Former admissions officer California Institute of the Arts
Music Department Chair New Mexico School for the Arts

My Background

Before joining College Coach, my educational and professional background specialized in the arts. As an admissions counselor for California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), I had the opportunity to review and decide on the applications of young musicians, dancers, actors, artists, animators, and filmmakers. After that, I became Chair of the Music Department of the New Mexico School for the Arts and advised high school students on their next steps into higher education—be it for an arts-based discipline, a STEM field, a future career in medicine, or a broader education in the liberal arts. While at ArtCenter College of Design, I reviewed applicants to Master’s-level programs in visual art and technical design disciplines, often engaging with creative technologists, aspiring entrepreneurs, and creative problem solvers of all types. I am fortunate to have had such a varied professional experience that has allowed me to see college admissions through many different lenses, and it is this experience that I bring with me to College Coach.
Would definitely recommend College Coach…So many questions come up throughout and it really helps to have someone you can trust to give good advice. The outcome couldn’t have been any better for [my daughter].
Parent of a Stanford University student

Why I Joined College Coach

I know that applying to college can be daunting for any student, whether they have clear goals in mind or they don’t know where to begin. I coach students to submit outstanding applications that express their creativity and discover the many different professional outlets they can pursue. I love working with students and families to find their best fit schools and demystifying the admissions process by making it accessible and easy to navigate. In thinking of my own journey, I never would have thought that my path would lead me to a music conservatory and graduate studies at Stanford, but I am grateful to have had the guidance and support to follow my passion and study something that I loved. I think every student should have that opportunity. The college admissions process is the starting point to so many possibilities and opportunities, and I am thrilled to offer support along the way.

Get to Know Me

My Education

Oberlin College Conservatory of Music Bachelor of Music, Composition
Stanford University Master of Arts, Composition
Stanford University Doctor of Musical Arts, Composition
I have worked with students interested in:
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Computer science
  • Conservatories (Music/Fine Arts)
  • Dance
  • Data science
  • Film
  • Game design
  • Graduate programs
  • Graphic design
  • Honors programs
  • Humanities
  • Large State Schools
  • Music
  • Photography
  • Science
  • Small liberal arts colleges
  • Technology
  • Theater
  • Two year colleges
  • Visual and performing arts
I have also worked with:
  • First-generation students
  • Gap year students
  • Home schooled students
  • IB program
  • International students
  • LGBTQIA+ students
  • Non-traditional students
  • Students with learning differences
  • Transfer students
Kurt Isaacson walking dog

Some of my favorite pastimes

In my free time, I am an avid trail runner, hiker, and mountaineer. My adventures have led me to climb 18,000 ft. mountain peaks in Mexico, hike through awe-inspiring landscapes in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, and run ultramarathons through starkly beautiful desert environments. I am also a bookworm who loves new and innovative fiction, popular science, and anthropology. When not out in the wilderness or cozied up with an engaging read, I love spending every moment playing with my two dogs—Chloe and Bernie.

Interested?

Interested in learning more about how our college admissions counseling services can help your student succeed?

Call 877-402-6224 or complete the form for information on getting your student started with one of our experts.

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