Rya Carpenter
College admissions consultant in Santa Barbara County
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | California, United States |
| Sessions | In person |
| Practice | Balanced College Planning |
Rya Carpenter is a college admissions consultant who helps students and their families plan for college. She has worked as a school counselor for over 20 years. For the last 11 years she has worked at a private high school, where she focuses almost entirely on college admissions. Her services cover college lists, financial aid, NCAA eligibility, essays and application reviews. She meets in person with families in Santa Barbara County.
What Rya helps with
Rya helps students build a balanced college list and get through the application process. She also helps families with financial aid and athletic recruiting.
- Building a balanced college list
- Understanding financial aid awards
- Checking NCAA eligibility
- Marketing strategies for athletic recruiting
- Preparing for letters of recommendation
- Brainstorming and editing college essays
- Planning college visits and interviews
- Making the final enrollment decision
Who Rya works with
Rya works with students and their families as they plan for college. She has served students from many different backgrounds. She also works with student athletes who want to be recruited for college sports.
How Rya works
Rya starts by reviewing the student's school records, test results and personal interests. She then holds a family meeting to talk about college and career preferences. Together with the family, she builds a college list based on research of schools and programs. She also creates a timeline and to do list for testing, college visits, interviews and applications, and checks its progress. She reviews finished applications for up to 12 schools.
Background and qualifications
Rya has worked as a school counselor for over 20 years. For the last 11 years, she has worked in a private high school. There she focuses almost entirely on college admissions. She has worked with a wide range of students from diverse backgrounds. This gives her a strong base in meeting the needs of each student. Her work now includes both school counseling experience and private college planning through her practice.
Rya Carpenter pricing
Programs and services
- In person meetings in Santa Barbara County
- Family meeting on college and career preferences
- Financial aid training and award analysis
- Application critique for up to 12 schools
- College essay brainstorming and editing
- Support with final enrollment decision
Rya Carpenter reviews
The CoachVouch take
She has over 20 years of school counseling experience, including 11 years focused on admissions at a private high school.
Best for families in Santa Barbara County who want in person help building a college list and handling financial aid.
Common questions
How much does Rya Carpenter charge?
Coaching with Rya runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Rya from this page for an exact quote.
What does Rya Carpenter help with?
Rya Carpenter helps with building a balanced college list, understanding financial aid awards, checking NCAA eligibility and marketing strategies for athletic recruiting.
Does Rya Carpenter coach online?
Rya is based in California, United States. Sessions are in person.
Does Rya Carpenter meet in person?
Yes. She offers in person meetings within Santa Barbara County.
How do I contact Rya Carpenter?
Send Rya a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
Similar coaches to compare
Tick "Compare" to message several coaches at once.
Cali Bottom
Cali Bottom is an independent college admissions advisor who helps students and their parents find and apply to colleges that fit. She runs EUREKA! College Prep & Admissions Advising in California. Her Find the Fit process builds a list of 20 to 30 suggested schools based on a student's interests, values and budget. She also teaches an SAT prep course and has helped graduate school applicants. Families use her online portal to schedule sessions and manage applications.
Carey Cimino
Carey Cimino is an independent educational consultant in Del Mar, California. The team covers essays, college research, applications, athletic recruiting, financial aid, and transfers. Families can get help from start to finish or check in now and then. Carey is a professional member of the IECA.
Catherine McCarthy
Catherine McCarthy is an independent educational consultant who coaches students and parents through college admissions. She runs College Smart Advising in San Diego, California. She works with San Diego-area families and with students across the country. Her help covers college lists, essays, high school course planning, test plans, interviews, and financial aid applications. She is an IECA Professional member. She also offers guidance on community college transfer strategy.
Cristine Butler
Cristine Butler is an independent educational consultant who runs College Click, a college admissions counseling practice in Valencia, California. She helps students and parents build a college list, understand the admissions process, and write strong essays. The practice has served over 1,000 students, including athletes and performing arts applicants. Its team includes former admissions officers from top creative schools. Cristine is a professional member of the IECA.
Browse related
Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.