About Kate

Kate Brazzale is a Smart College Selection Consultant.

Kate began her career in higher education in 2005 and spent eleven years in undergraduate admissions at Marquette University, where she ultimately served as Regional Assistant Dean of Admissions. In that role, she evaluated applications, supervised scholarship selection, and served as the admissions liaison for Division I athletics. Later, she worked as an application reader for the Tepper School of Business for Carnegie Mellon University, gaining additional perspective on how selective institutions evaluate candidates.

Kate joined Smart College Selection in 2017 to work more directly with students and families. At Smart, Kate guides students through each stage of the college search and application process, helping them identify best-fit schools and develop thoughtful, authentic applications that reflect the very best of who they are.

Known for her steady presence, practical insight, and sense of humor, Kate combines her college knowledge with a structured approach that eases family anxiety while keeping students focused and accountable. She is especially skilled at helping students uncover their strengths and translate their experiences into compelling, genuine applications. Kate regularly presents to families and schools on topics such as testing policies, college fit, and navigating the evolving admissions landscape.

Kate holds an M.Ed. in Higher Educational Policy and Leadership from Marquette University and a degree in public relations from Creighton University. She is a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and the Indiana Association of College Admission Counseling (IACAC) and periodically serves as a scholarship reader for the Boone County Foundation.

Kate lives in Zionsville, Indiana, with her husband and their three children. As both an admissions professional and a parent, she understands the pressures families face and believes that selecting a college can be both thoughtful and even enjoyable with the right guidance.

“Kate was a coach, a mentor, a project manager, a dreamer, a therapist, and an editor all wrapped up into one during what is likely one of the most stressful seasons of a student's life.”