Claire Mangrum
College admissions and career planning consultant in Houston, Texas
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | College admissionsGrad school and PhDInternational studentsCareer clarity and purposeNew grads and students |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Also coaches | Career coach |
| Based in | Houston, Texas, United States |
| Credentials | HECA member |
| Practice | Bright Futures Consulting, LLC |
Claire Mangrum is an independent college consultant with Bright Futures Consulting in Houston, Texas. The firm helps high school students and their parents plan for college and careers. Bright Futures has guided families since 1999. The team starts with the Birkman Assessment to help students learn their strengths. Consultants have visited over 300 colleges. The firm also serves graduate school applicants and professionals who want to change careers.
What Claire helps with
The firm helps students choose careers, find best-fit colleges and manage the application process. It also supports grad school planning and career pivots.
- Finding best-fit colleges
- Building a college application strategy
- Telling a student's unique story in applications
- Understanding strengths and career paths
- Planning in 8th and 9th grade
- Choosing graduate school programs
- Changing careers as a professional
- Planning for college costs
Who Claire works with
The firm works with students from middle school through high school seniors, and with their parents. It also serves college students and professionals who are looking at graduate programs. It has services for international students, both abroad and in the United States.
How Claire works
The process has three steps: Know Yourself, Make a Plan, and Follow the Plan. Students take the Birkman Assessment to learn their strengths, stressors and best environments. The consultant then builds a plan that changes as the student grows. Consultants coach students through each step of applying. Parents can follow along through college planning software while the student leads.
Background and qualifications
Bright Futures Consulting was founded in 1999 by Dr. Beth Dennard, who is a licensed professional counselor. She spent 30 years in the United States Air Force, including 15 years as an admission officer for the US Air Force Academy. She also spent 10 years as Head of College Guidance at two Houston-area private schools. The team has over 60 years of combined experience in college admissions and transitions.
Claire Mangrum pricing
Programs and services
- Undergraduate college planning
- 8th and 9th grade packages
- College planning packages
- Hourly advising
- Summer workshops
- Graduate school planning
Claire Mangrum reviews
The CoachVouch take
The firm's founder spent 15 years as an admission officer for the US Air Force Academy.
Best for Houston-area families who want a plan for college admission that starts with knowing the student's strengths.
Common questions
How much does Claire Mangrum charge?
Coaching with Claire runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Claire from this page for an exact quote.
What does Claire Mangrum help with?
Claire Mangrum helps with finding best-fit colleges, building a college application strategy, telling a student's unique story in applications and understanding strengths and career paths.
Is Claire Mangrum certified?
Claire Mangrum lists: HECA member.
Does Bright Futures Consulting help with graduate school?
Yes. The firm offers graduate school planning for college students and professionals. It also has professional pivot advising for career changes.
Can parents take part in the process?
Yes. The firm uses college planning software that lets parents follow along. The student leads the process.
How do I contact Claire Mangrum?
Send Claire a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.