Dawn Blanchard
College admissions consultant for students and parents in North Carolina
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Also coaches | Career coach |
| Based in | North Carolina, United States |
| Credentials | HECA member; Follows NACAC ethical standards |
| Experience | 20 years coaching |
| Practice | Early Light Educational Consulting, Inc. |
Dawn Blanchard is an independent college admissions consultant who helps students and their parents through the college search and application process. She runs Early Light Educational Consulting in North Carolina. Over 20 years, she has worked with more than 700 college bound students and their parents. Her services cover college list building, essay editing, applications, and interview prep. She also offers AchieveWORKS assessments to help students understand their strengths.
What Dawn helps with
Dawn helps students and parents plan for college, from picking schools to finishing applications. She also supports families during the change that comes with this stage.
- Finding best fit colleges based on interests and grades
- Choosing topics for college essays and editing them
- Preparing and proofing college applications
- Building a resume or activities list
- Picking high school courses and reviewing transcripts
- Choosing between Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular deadlines
- Preparing for college interviews with mock interviews
- Responding to a wait list offer
Who Dawn works with
Dawn works with college bound students and their parents together. Families meet with her to talk through expectations before they commit. She also advises students who have special circumstances, such as physical limitations or diagnosed learning disabilities, on how to talk with admissions staff.
How Dawn works
Dawn offers a free 45-minute intro meeting with the parents and student, with no obligation. Families then choose from three packages: A Basic Package of 24 hours, a Mid-Size Package of 30 hours, or a Plus Package of 36 hours. She meets one-on-one with students to explore their interests, gifts, and values.
Background and qualifications
Dawn Blanchard leads Early Light Educational Consulting, Inc., an independent college consulting practice in North Carolina. She has worked with more than 700 college bound students and their parents over the past 20 years. She is a member of HECA and follows the ethical standards of NACAC. Her practice also gives students access to AchieveWORKS assessments on personality, intelligences, learning and productivity, and skills.
Dawn Blanchard pricing
Programs and services
- Free 45-minute intro meeting
- Basic Package, 24 hours
- Mid-Size Package, 30 hours
- Plus Package, 36 hours
- One-on-one student counseling
- AchieveWORKS assessments
Dawn Blanchard reviews
The CoachVouch take
Has guided more than 700 students and parents through college admissions over 20 years, and offers AchieveWORKS assessments.
Best for families who want hands-on help with college lists, essays, and applications, plus support for parent and student communication.
Common questions
How much does Dawn Blanchard charge?
Coaching with Dawn runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Dawn from this page for an exact quote.
What does Dawn Blanchard help with?
Dawn Blanchard helps with finding best fit colleges based on interests and grades, choosing topics for college essays and editing them, preparing and proofing college applications and building a resume or activities list.
Is Dawn Blanchard certified?
Dawn Blanchard lists: HECA member; Follows NACAC ethical standards.
Does Dawn Blanchard help students with learning disabilities?
She advises families on how to write to admissions staff about special circumstances, such as diagnosed learning disabilities or physical limitations.
How do I contact Dawn Blanchard?
Send Dawn a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.