About Stride
I’m Holly Kelly, founder of Stride College Consulting and an Independent Educational Consultant passionate about helping students navigate the college admissions process with clarity and confidence.
My journey into college consulting began when our oldest child started exploring colleges. I dove into the process alongside him, researching schools, managing applications and timelines, and learning the ins and outs of athletic recruiting. That experience opened my eyes to how complex the college process can be, and it sparked a deep interest in helping students find the right path forward.
The name Stride is a nod to that experience. It reflects our son’s time as a track athlete, but it also speaks to something broader: helping students find their pace, build confidence, and move forward with purpose. Whether students are aiming for competitive admissions, managing uncertainty, or simply trying to figure out where they’ll thrive, I believe every student can find the right stride for their journey.
Since guiding our oldest, I’ve supported our other children on their own unique journeys, each with different strengths, goals, and needs. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when a student finds a school where they feel challenged, supported, and excited to grow. I’m passionate about helping other families experience that same success.
I have an engineering degree from Duke University and have taken classes through UCLA’s College Counseling program. I have served as a Duke alumni interviewer and mentor college-bound students through UStrive, a national nonprofit. My earlier careers in engineering and finance sharpened my skills in organization, problem-solving, and data analysis, all of which I now bring to my work with students and families.
At Stride, I offer personalized, thoughtful guidance to help students discover their strengths, tell their stories authentically, and find the colleges where they’ll truly thrive.

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