Matthews-Bray College Consulting helps students and families navigate the college admissions process with clarity, confidence, and personalized support. The firm is led by Dr. Kate Matthews-Bray, a former college athlete, coach, and higher-education executive with more than a decade of experience in admissions, enrollment management, philanthropy and student success.

Kate began her career in Ivy League medical school admissions at Columbia University, where she developed deep expertise in application evaluation, holistic review, financial aid, essay coaching, and scholarship program development. Her experience there gave her an insider’s understanding of how highly selective institutions make decisions and what helps students stand out.

Today, Kate serves as an executive leader in Institutional Advancement at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Her background spans enrollment management strategy, financial aid, student development, and higher-education leadership. This broad perspective shapes a consulting approach that is informed, practical, and student-centered.

Kate is also an expert in college essay development and scholarship applications. She helps students refine their voice, craft authentic narratives, and submit strong applications for both merit-based and need-based opportunities.

Most of all, Kate is committed to making the college process exciting, not stressful. She supports students in telling their story, finding their best-fit schools, and moving forward with confidence.