Your path to college starts with the right guide
Personalized college advising for students who want a process that tells their story, not a formula. Built on nearly 20 years in admissions and college advising.
YOUR PATH • YOUR STORY • YOUR FUTURE
WHAT I OFFER
From class selection, testing and activities strategies to college aenrollment, every step is tailored to who you are and where you want to go.
Advising built around you
Timeline & planning
I help you stay on track with roadmaps of junior and senior year including important dates and deadlines. Strategize class selection, testing, and activities to present your strongest application
Essay coaching
I help students develop a voice that's authentically theirs in college and supplemental essays
College lists
I provide curated, balanced lists grounded in experience, personalized assessments and genuine fit for students (and families!)
College enrollment
I guide students and families through evaluating admission decisions, financial aid packages and final enrollment decisions
PACKAGES
Find the right fit for your journey
Every student's path is different. Choose the level of support that matches who and where you are in the college application process.
ESSAYS
THE STORY PACKAGE
Includes brainstorming topics and college and supplemental essay coaching. The Story Package is best for students who have finished junior year and seniors
SENIOR YEAR
THE COMPASS PACKAGE
Do you already know where you’re applying to college? The Compass Package helps students complete applications, including activity lists, essay topic brainstorming and college and supplemental essay coaching
JUNIOR & SENIOR YEAR
THE PATH PACKAGE
Our most comprehensive package beginning junior year and ending with the best college for you! The Path Package includes advice on class selection, testing and activities strategies and a customized college list based on your needs. It also includes applications, essay topic brainstorming and college essay and supplemental essay coaching, college decisions, financial aid and final enrollment decisions
FOCUSED SESSIONS
Ask Me Anything
A one-on-one hourly session, no package required — bring any question about applications, essays, or the process.
The Explore Package
College campus visit planning and prep — know what to look for and how to evaluate each campus you see.
TESTIMONIALS
In their own words
Here's what families and students have to say
Ms. Klein is a student-oriented person that takes the time and effort to get to know you personally. She strives to find the perfect college fit for everyone, while keeping the financial aspect in mind. She helped me find various colleges for my niche major, and helped me not only apply, but helped me break down financial aid packages, and commit to college. She can answer any question you ask and will spend time to make sure you understand. I recommend her support to any student looking to go to college! -BT 2026
It is my pleasure to write this testimonial in recognition of Ali Klein and her exceptional support and guidance provided to my son and I throughout the college application process.
Applying to college can be overwhelming, stressful, and filled with uncertainty. When we first met, Ali had a great energy and presence about her. She took the time to truly listen, understand our concerns, and patiently answer every question, and I had several. What stood out most was not only her extensive knowledge and expertise but also the compassion and time not to rush us. One of the most valuable things she did was create a personalized spreadsheet that clearly outlined tuition costs, financial considerations, and the true cost of attendance. Made it so easy for me to pull in numbers as they kept changing and changing. Seeing everything organized in one place immediately put my mind at ease. It brought clarity to what had previously felt confusing and intimidating. After each session, I made sure to get on her calendar again, and she never hesitated. In between, I called her a lot regarding sidebar questions, and she always called back. Her patience and willingness to support us made an incredible difference.
I have complete trust in her advice and expertise, and look forward to working with her again as my twins begin their own college journeys. Knowing she will be there to guide them and myself gives me tremendous peace of mind. -DS 2026
Ali Klein is a delightful human being who prioritizes student success, capabilities, and their own wants and needs. She is a wonderful guide through the college (and scholarship) process, bringing laughter and smiles. She is thoughtful and organized. She moves with intention, and when things got hectic, she helped me build priorities and remember what's most important. In all of the massive, tedious applications and financial anxiety storm, she helped guide me through the chaos, feel confident in my college decision, and get stuff done! A superhero in the mess of applying to college, Ali is confident and knowledgeable about the application process and provides brilliant insights, insider knowledge, and a voice of reason! She will answer questions, big or small; find unique schools for your unique needs; and read over a bajillion college essays (if needed). I literally would not be where I am without Ali and the work she did with me. Plus, her personality is the cherry on top of an already amazing individual; you feel loved, important, cared for, and in capable hands in the maelstrom of college apps. -KA 2026
ABOUT
Hi, I’m Ali
FOUNDER · ALIGN COLLEGE CONSULTING
I have been an advocate of higher education for almost 20 years! For much of that time, I worked in admission offices at the University of Denver, University of Redlands, and Chapman University. I read thousands of applications, essays, and letters of recommendation and helped determine who was offered admission. For the last several years, I've worked at a large, public, comprehensive high school as a College Advisor. I found my passion working with high school students and their families and helping them navigate the college-going process.
As a true believer in education, I pursued my BA in Cultural Anthropology at Colorado State University, my Master's in Higher Education at the University of Denver, and am completing UC Berkeley's Professional Program in College Admission Consulting.
As the founder of Align College Consulting, my goal is to provide a more personalized experience to students and families during the college search, application, financial aid, and enrollment process. I work with students from a wide range of backgrounds and am also passionate about working with international students and LGBTQ students. I intentionally keep my client list small so I can dedicate more time to supporting students more thoroughly.
I am dedicated to continuous learning about colleges, college admissions and to staying on top of higher education trends. I am a member of IECA and continue to grow within the profession. I also currently serve on the Counselor Advisory Board for Grinnell College.
Whatever your path looks like, I'm here to help you.