“Initially I was apprehensive about the college application process. Kristen used her expertise and intuition to match my desires and abilities with institutions that were right for me. We jointly worked out a plan covering the required academics, extracurriculars, and experiences that would increase the odds of my acceptance. She gave me incredibly valuable feedback on my applications and essays…. She sheperded me through the entire process, both in the U.S. and abroad. I ultimately gained admission to my dream school, the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where I am currently a 4th year student. With Kristen’s professional guidance, my dream school became my daily reality.”
— SC
“As a student, nothing is more reassuring than a teacher who truly wants you to succeed. Kristen has consistently been that person for me…. Nowhere is Kristen’s dedication to her students more evident than in the support she provides to seniors as they prepare for life after high school. Kristen spends hours upon hours every year helping students decide which post-secondary options would be the best fit for them, advising college-bound students as they choose which schools to apply to, and reading and editing draft after draft of personal and supplementary essays.”
— PMG (not pictured)
“Brilliant. Empathetic. Perceptive. These are the first adjectives that come to mind when I think of Kristen Kelley…. Over the last decade, Islesboro Central School has had a staggering percentage of our seniors accepted to some of the most selective colleges and universities in the world. I am confident that Kristen has played a large role in this outcome. She is incredibly well-versed in the process of college admissions and financial aid, oftentimes spending hours upon hours helping students polish their essays and scholarship applications.”
— Lindsey Dakers, School Counselor
“Kristen was the most dedicated, knowledgeable, and patient teacher I have ever had. She always encouraged me and went above and beyond to help me develop my creative and academic writing skills. My college essay came together when she helped me to organize my thoughts into a more structured storyline. Her feedback was always helpful, and I am forever grateful for her influence on my life.”
— BDJ
“Kristen was a lifesaver when I was applying for colleges. When I started my senior year, I didn’t know if I would be going into college out of high school, let alone where. However, Kristen helped me find the inspiration to start my college career, and guided me through the application process. She reviewed my personal statements, helped me set expectations for my life in college, and gave me a clear goal to achieve. Now, I am a full time student at Husson University, which was my top choice.”
— CP
“Kristen set us up for success and really taught us how to write. Our grades in college reflect that. She taught me essay composition, powerful word usage, and novel and poem analysis. I’m so thankful she was my English teacher!”
— AS
“There were times when applying to college felt stressful and led me to doubt myself. Kristen not only guided me through the process of writing my essays and navigating my applications, but also helped me find the confidence I needed to put my best foot forward. Her experience and wisdom were integral to my success, and helped me appreciate my strengths and feel proud of my work.”
— FG
“Kristen helped fine tune my writing skills, and instilled a confidence in myself which I wouldn’t have found without her effort, genuine kindness, and attention to detail. For this, I will be forever grateful. It is evident she truly cares about the well-being of her students and their success. Kristen was an instrumental part of my college application process. She always knew how to bring out the best, most honest and productive writer in me.”
— AM (not pictured)
“Kristen’s teaching skills are second to none, as is evidenced by the teaching awards she has received, as well as the caliber of post-secondary schools that Islesboro graduates attend. Recent ICS acceptances include Princeton, Yale, MIT, Harvard, Brown, Williams, Amherst, Swarthmore, Dartmouth, McGill, Trinity College Dublin, and St. Andrew’s. Her humility prevents her from taking too much credit for these acceptances, but as a parent and colleague, it is difficult not to draw a connection between Kristen’s nearly nine years as the entire English department at our small school and how well-equipped her students are to step into rigorous post-secondary education at world-class institutions.”
— Dr. Megan Britton, former colleague, parent of former student
“Kristen provided invaluable care throughout my college application process. She stayed after school to work with me on Common App and supplemental essay revisions and we even worked together over winter break. When I submitted my applications, I felt confident that I put my best foot forward…. I graduated from Middlebury College magna cum laude in February 2022.”
— OO