Barbara Barnett
College admissions consultant for middle and high school students in California
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | California, United States |
| Credentials | HECA member |
| Practice | College Guidance |
Barbara Barnett is a college admissions consultant who helps middle school and high school students and their parents plan for college. She founded College Guidance in 1987 and has over 32 years of experience. She directs the application process for juniors and seniors and reviews applications. Before that, she was a Guidance Assistant at Villa Park High School in California. She also started a district parent college guidance program in 1984.
What Barbara helps with
Barbara helps students and parents plan the path to college, from middle school course choices to the final application. She also advises on graduate school admission.
- Choosing academic courses in middle and high school
- Planning college entrance test timelines
- Picking extracurricular activities
- Building a college list
- Standing out as a unique college applicant
- Directing and reviewing college applications
- Writing college application essays
- Applying to graduate school
Who Barbara works with
Barbara works with middle school students, high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors, and their parents. Programs are matched to grade level. For seniors, the program level depends on how selective the student's college choices are.
How Barbara works
College Guidance uses grade-based programs. The Discovery Program is for 6th to 8th graders and prepares them for a college-preparatory high school track. The Prime and Plus Programs give freshmen, sophomores and juniors step-by-step tasks for each school year. Seniors join the Platinum, Prime or Plus Program, based on how selective their college choices are. Seniors also get the Senior Writing Tutorial Program for application essays.
Background and qualifications
Barbara has over 32 years of experience helping middle school and high school students and parents prepare for college admission. Before starting her own practice, she worked as a Guidance Assistant at Villa Park High School in Villa Park, California. In 1984, she chartered and directed the Orange Unified School District's Parent University College Guidance Program. That work included writing and publishing a monthly Academic Bulletin for the district's four high schools. In 1987, she founded College Guidance. She is a member of HECA.
Barbara Barnett pricing
Programs and services
- Discovery Program for grades 6 to 8
- Platinum, Prime and Plus Programs for seniors
- Senior Writing Tutorial Program for application essays
Barbara Barnett reviews
The CoachVouch take
Barbara ran a school district parent college guidance program in 1984 and has run her own practice since 1987.
Best for families who want a step-by-step college plan that starts as early as middle school.
Common questions
How much does Barbara Barnett charge?
Coaching with Barbara runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Barbara from this page for an exact quote.
What does Barbara Barnett help with?
Barbara Barnett helps with choosing academic courses in middle and high school, planning college entrance test timelines, picking extracurricular activities and building a college list.
Is Barbara Barnett certified?
Barbara Barnett lists: HECA member.
Does Barbara Barnett help with graduate school admission?
Yes. College Guidance also advises on graduate school admission.
Can middle school students work with College Guidance?
Yes. The Discovery Program is for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students and their parents. It helps with academic choices and prepares students for a college-preparatory high school program.
How do I contact Barbara Barnett?
Send Barbara a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.