Francine Schwartz
College admissions consultant serving students in Connecticut and worldwide
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | Connecticut, United States |
| Sessions | Online and in person |
| Practice | Pathfinder Counseling LLC |
Francine Schwartz is a college admissions consultant who helps students and families plan for college. She founded Pathfinder Counseling LLC in 2010. From 2007 to 2010 she worked under contract with The Norwich Free Academy, where she built and ran the college consulting program. She serves students in Connecticut, New England, the rest of the US and abroad. Clients can meet her face to face or by video.
What Francine helps with
She guides students through the full college search and application process, from choosing schools to paying for them.
- Finding college matches suited to each student
- Writing effective college essays
- Preparing for college interviews
- Making the most of campus visits
- Navigating financial aid and scholarships
- Choosing courses, standardized tests and summer programs
- Exploring majors, interests and careers
- Weighing gap year, two year, technical, military and transfer options
Who Francine works with
Francine works with students and their families. Her clients live in Connecticut, New England, across the US and in other countries. At Norwich Free Academy she worked with a diverse student body, many of whom were first generation college students.
How Francine works
Francine offers packages and hourly services. Sessions are private and one on one, either face to face or by video. Students and families also get a 24-7 online college planning tool. In it they can explore colleges, register for tests, track applications and email their consultant. Everything stays in one place.
Background and qualifications
From 2007 to 2010, Francine was under contract to The Norwich Free Academy, an independent high school serving a diverse group of students, many of them first generation. There she developed and put in place the college consulting program. In 2010 she started Pathfinder Counseling LLC, where she is founder and president. She now provides full college planning services to students in Connecticut, New England, the US and other countries.
Francine Schwartz pricing
Programs and services
- Comprehensive college planning packages
- Hourly sessions
- Face to face sessions
- Video sessions
- 24-7 online college planning tool
Francine Schwartz reviews
The CoachVouch take
She built the college consulting program at an independent high school before starting her own firm.
Best for students and families who want full college planning help in person or online.
Common questions
How much does Francine Schwartz charge?
Coaching with Francine runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Francine from this page for an exact quote.
What does Francine Schwartz help with?
Francine Schwartz helps with finding college matches suited to each student, writing effective college essays, preparing for college interviews and making the most of campus visits.
Does Francine Schwartz coach online?
Francine is based in Connecticut, United States. Sessions are online and in person.
Does Francine Schwartz work with students outside Connecticut?
Yes. She serves students in New England, across the US and internationally. Video sessions make this possible.
Can families get help with financial aid?
Yes. She helps families with the financial aid and scholarship process and with getting the most from their college investment.
How do I contact Francine Schwartz?
Send Francine a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.