Kurt Isaacson

College Admissions Consultant

Former Director of Graduate Admissions at
ArtCenter College of Design
Former admissions officer at
California Institute of the Arts
Music Department Chair
New Mexico School for the Arts
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About Kurt IsaacsonCollege Admissions Consultant

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.

My Education

Oberlin College Conservatory of Music
Bachelor of Music, Composition
Stanford University
Master of Arts, Composition
Stanford University
Doctor of Musical Arts, Composition

Get to Know Me

KI List

Why I Joined Bright Horizons 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.

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.