Kara McMahon is a college admissions counselor with almost two decades of experience helping students and families navigate the increasingly complex college application process with clarity and confidence.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Villanova University, a Master’s in Counseling from Fordham University, and a degree in Educational Administration from Hofstra University. Kara spent 10 years as a college counselor at a public high school on Long Island, supporting students with diverse academic profiles and postsecondary goals. She later served as the Director of Counseling at an all-girls Catholic high school in Milwaukee, where she oversaw the college planning process and guided students throughout all four years of high school.

Earlier in her career, Kara worked for approximately three years as an alumni admissions liaison at Villanova University. In that role, she interviewed applicants for admission and scholarships and participated in admissions committee discussions, giving her firsthand insight into how applications are reviewed, discussed, and evaluated behind closed doors.

Kara founded Admissions by Design with a singular focus: helping students present a cohesive, compelling story rather than a collection of disconnected accomplishments. Her strength lies in curating each student’s academic choices, activities, essays, and experiences into an intentional narrative that clearly communicates who the student is, what matters to them, and where they are headed. Known for her calm, supportive style and highly organized systems, Kara works with students nationwide to create customized roadmaps, guide long-term planning, and ensure every piece of the application works together as one cohesive story.