Kathleen Vital-Herne
5.0
(4)
Former Columbia Admissions Director | Elevate Your Application
Studied at Columbia University - Teachers College
Admissions Committee at Columbia University in the City of New York
Available Thursday at 5:00 PM UTC
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Kathleen's Coaching Offerings
Custom hourly · $200/hr
Get help with Letters of Recommendation, Essays, and .
Kathleen’s Master’s Programs Qualifications
Coaches professionally
10+ people coached for Master’s Programs
I’ve spent several years working in graduate admissions across multiple schools within Columbia University, and I’m genuinely passionate about helping people navigate this process with clarity and confidence. Over time, I’ve evaluated thousands of applications across highly competitive programs—including Engineering, Public Administration, and International Affairs—so I understand both the big picture and the small details that truly matter. Through that experience, I’ve developed a strong eye for what makes an applicant stand out and how to position each piece of an application strategically. I know the nuances—what admissions committees are really paying attention to, where applicants can strengthen their story, and how to avoid common missteps. I’m here to demystify the graduate admissions process and help you approach it in a way that feels informed, intentional, and aligned with your goals. My goal is to give you both the insight and the confidence to put your strongest application forward.
Kathleen can help with:
Letters of Recommendation
Essays
Application Strategy
Resume
General Exploration
Interviews
Editing
School Selection
About Kathleen
I help clients navigate two defining moments in their journey: getting into graduate school and advancing in their careers. As a first-generation college graduate, I had to learn how to navigate both worlds through trial and error. Now, I help others move through them with clarity, strategy, and confidence. I’ve spent 10+ years in higher education, including studying and working at Columbia University, where I gained an insider perspective on what truly makes candidates stand out. I hold a Master’s in Higher and Postsecondary Education and have reviewed thousands of graduate applications, interviewed candidates, and built and trained admissions teams. Alongside this, I support professionals in high-stakes career moments—especially interviews and negotiation conversations—helping them clearly communicate their value and advocate for what they deserve. If you’re feeling unsure how to position yourself, tell your story, or take your next step, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I bring both lived experience and insider insight to help you move forward with intention—and get results that reflect your potential.
Why do I coach?
I coach because I want to demystify the critical moments in one's journey. I want to equip people with the tools I wish I had as a graduate student navigating school and career decisions. I'm here to empower, educate, and help in any way I can.
Work Experience
Assistant Director of Admission
Vassar College
September 2021 - September 2022
Admissions Committee
• Developed and executed recruitment plan and budget for assigned geographic territories; traveled 4-6 weeks and represented the College both in-person and virtually at college fairs, high schools, and community-based organizations • Evaluated and read 1,100 applications for admission and participated in the admission committee to recommend decisions Writing, Enrollment Management and +9 skills
Associate Director of Admissions
Columbia University in the City of New York
May 2020 - September 2021
Admissions Committee
• Developed and implemented virtual recruitment programs designed to attract and recruit high caliber students; created mini lecture series to highlight faculty members and research opportunities to prospective applicants • Advised and provided information on program structure, application, and financial aid processes to prospective applicants through mailings, telephone conversations, e-mail, individual meetings, social media, and recruiting events Writing, Enrollment Management and +10 skills
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions
Columbia University in the City of New York
June 2018 - May 2020
Admissions Committee
• Managed diversity student recruitment by identifying colleges and universities to diversify the graduate student population; attended national affinity organization fairs; arranged information sessions and meetings; collaborated with institutional partners to prepare agreements; tracked conversion and yield rates from universities and colleges visited • Prepared ad-hoc admission and enrollment reports as needed for annual surveys, grant applications, and other data reporting needs as well as tracking conversion rates of applicants from various outreach efforts and evaluated the effectiveness of recruitment efforts • Managed all print and digital marketing materials; developed and maintained communication plans by curating email and social media campaigns to target and attract high achieving prospective applicant pool • Collaborated with academic department chairs and faculty reviewers to facilitate the application review process of over 13,000 applications annually Enrollment Management, Leadership and +7 skills
Student Services Officer
Columbia University in the City of New York
July 2014 - May 2018
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Program Assistant
Fordham University
December 2015 - May 2016
• Assist the Assistant Director in the advisement of student clubs, program development, and leadership training • Assist in maintaining the online event and room request reservations. • Advise the FACE Committee (Fordham Advocates Cultural Enrichment), a week of multicultural educational programs in March • Advise Commuting Students' Association, a governing body that represents and advocates for commuter students at Lincoln Center campus • Supervise evening and weekend programming. • Organize Club Advisor Appreciation Events throughout the academic year • Assist in the supervision of a team of student Event Managers
Exam Proctor
Columbia Law School
April 2015 - December 2015
Education
Columbia University - Teachers College
Master of Arts, Higher and Postsecondary Education
2014 - 2016
State University of New York at Stony Brook
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology
2010 - 2013
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