Clarity in the College
Admissions Journey

Christine Barnes, LCSW

Combining clinical insight with admissions expertise to help students find their path — with less stress and more confidence.

Schedule a Free Consultation

How I Can Help

A holistic approach to college admissions that supports the whole student.

College List Strategy

Most families build a list based on name recognition and rankings. I build it around your student -- their academic profile, how they learn, what kind of environment they will actually thrive in, and where they have a real shot at merit aid.

Comprehensive Admissions Strategy

For students who want to compete for selective programs, the work starts well before senior year. I identify opportunities tailored to each student that strengthen and differentiate their profile over time, then carry that narrative all the way through to submission.

Essay & Application Support

For families coming to the process in senior year. My clinical background means I am good at helping students figure out what their real story is -- not a polished version of what they think admissions wants to hear. That difference shows up on the page.

A Different Kind of Admissions Consultant

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker turned admissions consultant, I bring something most consultants can't — a deep understanding of mental health, family dynamics, and what it actually takes to help a young person present their most genuine self.

I've seen firsthand how the admissions process can amplify anxiety and erode confidence. My practice is built to counter that — offering structure, support, and a calm presence when things feel overwhelming.

LCSW Evidence-Based Student-Centered

Clinical Expertise
Meets Admissions Strategy

The Clearheaded Approach

1

Listen

Understanding the whole student — goals, fears, strengths

2

Plan

Building a timeline and strategy that reduces overwhelm

3

Create

Crafting authentic essays and applications together

4

Decide

Navigating decisions with clarity and confidence

Investment in Your Student's Future

Every engagement is one-on-one with Christine. No assistants, no outsourcing. Payment plans are available.

College List Strategy

$3,500

A strategically built school list grounded in your student's academic profile, goals, and fit — not just rankings. Research-backed positioning, not a spreadsheet.

  • Deep-dive student intake and assessment
  • Honors program and scholarship research
  • Fit analysis: academic, social, and financial
  • Written rationale for every school on the list
  • Two follow-up calls for questions and revisions
Most Comprehensive

Comprehensive Admissions Strategy

$7,500

Starting junior year or earlier

Long-horizon strategy for students who want to compete for selective programs. The full engagement — from profile-building to submission day.

  • Everything in College List Strategy
  • Long-term positioning and activity strategy
  • Test prep planning and retake strategy
  • Conference, organization, and opportunity identification
  • Academic resume and brag sheet development
  • Recommender strategy and letter guidance
  • All essays, supplements, and application review
  • Ongoing mindset and stress coaching throughout

Essay & Application Support

$4,500

For families coming to the process late. Focused on helping your student find and tell their authentic story — with clinical insight most consultants don't have.

  • Student intake and narrative assessment
  • Personal statement coaching and revision (multiple rounds)
  • Supplemental essay support
  • Activity list and resume review
  • Full application review before submission

Campus Visit Support

Add-On

$1,500 per day + travel expenses

High-stakes decisions deserve a second set of trained eyes. Christine can accompany your family on campus visits — asking the questions you won't think to ask, reading the environment with a clinician's instincts, and helping your student process what they're feeling in real time. Available as an add-on with any package.

All packages are one-on-one with Christine. Payment plans available. Schedule a free consultation to discuss which option fits your student.

Let's Talk

Schedule a free 20-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit.

(254) 355-3900