Brian K. “BK” Smith
Dean of College Counseling and English Instructor
Marlborough School (CA)
What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
My path to admissions grew directly out of my work as a student ambassador and tour guide. Connecting with families and demystifying the college search process truly energized me. I recognized early on how critical clear communication, empathy, and equity are in admissions. As such and probably like many in the field, I wanted to turn that student-facing experience into a long-term profession in which I could help widen access, advocate for applicants, and shape a supportive incoming class. After all, as a first-generation college graduate, the process was new to me and once I engrossed myself in it, I was all in.
What is your favorite part of the job?
While I love so many facets of this field, my absolute favorite part is seeing the sheer joy on a student’s face when they receive their first acceptance letter. After walking alongside them through the stress, the draft revisions, and the waiting, seeing their hard work finally pay off is deeply rewarding. Admittedly, that moment — seeing relief and pride spread across the faces of the student and their family members — is a powerful reminder of why we do this work.
How has NACAC played a role in your career?
NACAC has been the single most transformative anchor of my professional development. Ever since attending my very first national conference in San Francisco back in the mid-90s, NACAC has served as a constant source of innovation, learning, and camaraderie — and I haven’t missed a conference since. The mentorship I received early on shaped how I work today and having the platform to present and pass that knowledge along to the next generation has been a career highlight. Moreover, the network of brilliant, passionate colleagues I’ve built through NACAC is an invaluable resource that keeps me sharp, informed, and deeply inspired.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
AI would be my answer. I believe one of the greatest challenges facing our profession today is the risk of losing human personalization to an over-reliance on artificial intelligence. While technology can streamline administrative tasks, counseling is inherently relational, not algorithmic. A computer can analyze test scores and GPA averages, but it cannot listen to a student’s unspoken anxieties, understand their nuanced family dynamics, or spot the quiet potential that often shows up on a transcript. Developing a meaningful, curated college list requires real conversations and trust. Our biggest challenge — and responsibility — is ensuring that tech remains a tool to support our work, rather than a replacement for the human heart of college counseling.
When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
When am I not working? But seriously — when I’m not writing letters of recommendation, meeting with families, or reading up on admission trends, you’ll typically find me traveling or playing or watching tennis. I love exploring new cultures and destinations and I’m always quick to jump on a plane for a new adventure. One of my favorite ways to combine those two passions is traveling to watch live tennis tournaments around the world. It’s the ultimate way for me to recharge and bring fresh energy back to my work.
What five words would you use to describe yourself?
Active, driven, intellectually curious, voracious reader, and empathetic.
Published Nov. 2, 2026