Frances Carhart Educational Consulting, LLC




Frances Carhart Educational Consulting, LLC







Frances Carhart Educational Consulting, LLC




Frances Carhart Educational Consulting, LLC




Frances Carhart Educational Consulting, LLC




Most advisors focus on getting students into college

After years working in public & private schools .... (and raising 3 kids of her own), she understands high school challenges and helps students and families navigate:
Feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to begin with college admissions
Highly capable students who lack organization or time management systems
Uncertainty about what makes a college the “right fit”
Students who struggle to advocate for themselves or take initiative
Parents unsure how to support without creating more tension at home
Stress around timelines, deadlines, and keeping everything on track
Frances builds the student behind the application—equipping them with confidence, mindset, and real-world skills for life beyond college acceptance.


Frances takes a different approach. Instead of jumping straight into applications, she starts by helping each student understand their strengths, get clear on their goals, and build skills that last far beyond high school.
We’re talking about the kind of skills most advisors skip but every student needs:
Organization and Time Management
Problem-Solving and Decision Making
Planning and Goal Setting
Flexibility and Adaptability
Communication and Collaboration
Self-Awareness and Reflection
Yes, these help with college. But more importantly, they prepare students to make thoughtful choices in college, career, and life.
Families may come in asking for college help but they stay because they see real growth.
Students become more focused, independent, and capable.
They stop reacting to pressure and start leading with clarity.
There’s no one-size-fits-all plan here.
Every student gets a personalized strategy, honest conversations, and support that evolves as they do.
Frances doesn’t just guide students through a process — she helps them become the kind of person who can face what comes next with confidence.
And while college is often the entry point, it’s not the only outcome.
The result?
Families breathe easier.
Students step up.
And the future feels a little less uncertain.
If you're looking for someone who can help your student grow…
Someone who sees the bigger picture…
Helps your family navigate it with care and clarity
I’m here to help.



Guidance through every part of the application process from narrowing your list to crafting essays that reflect who you are


Build a student development plan that actually works. Get support with course selection, study habits, activities focus, and staying on track toward graduation and beyond


Develop emotional intelligence skills for effective social engagement, persuasion, and leadership. Coming soon.


Consulting and collaboration that helps teams implement structures, systems, and programs with lasting results.
Right out of college,
I started my career at Microsoft. But it was my weekly volunteer time with a third-grade “lunch buddy” that brought me the greatest sense of purpose not the spreadsheets or software. That’s when I realized my true calling was in education.
I pivoted, and for the last two decades, I’ve been guiding students toward confidence, clarity, and purpose.
One of the most fulfilling parts of my work is helping young people believe in themselves not just to get into college, but to grow into capable, thoughtful adults. My approach is holistic: yes, we’ll build a strong college list, but we’ll also develop real-life skills like self-advocacy, communication, and resilience.
Parents often come to me feeling overwhelmed by the process, and unsure how to support their teen without stepping on toes. I create the structure and space students need to lead, while giving parents the peace of mind that someone has eyes on the big picture.

Right out of college, I started my career at Microsoft. But it was my weekly volunteer time with a third-grade “lunch buddy” that brought me the greatest sense of purpose not the spreadsheets or software. That’s when I realized my true calling was in education.
I pivoted, and for the last two decades, I’ve guided 1000s of students toward confidence, clarity, and purpose as a high school counselor and independent college advisor.
My approach blends professional insight with personal mentorship to help each student where they are.
One of the most fulfilling parts of my work is helping young people believe in themselves not just to get into college, but to grow into capable, thoughtful adults. My approach is holistic: yes, we’ll build a strong college list, but we’ll also develop real-life skills like self-advocacy, communication, and resilience.
Parents often come to me feeling overwhelmed by the process, and unsure how to support their teen without stepping on toes. I create the structure and space students need to lead, while giving parents the peace of mind that someone has eyes on the big picture.

I’m Frances. I used to work at Microsoft, but found my real passion in helping students build confidence and clarity during one of the most overwhelming times in their lives.
As a mom of three, I know firsthand how stressful this process can feel—for both students and parents.
This isn’t just about college. It’s about helping young people figure out who they are, what matters to them, and how to move forward with purpose.
And I’m here to make that process feel a whole lot lighter.





Stephen M.

Frances was the best college counselor I could have asked for. She is AWESOME! She actively focused on cultivating a relationship with me, and because she knew me, she knew my needs. We still keep in touch years later. 10/10!!
Hannah H.

Through a very stressful college prep and search process, Frances was a guiding hand and encouraging voice. Her expertise made me feel confident that I'd find the right fit. And I did! I'm graduating from Northeastern
University this spring.
Makenna H.

Frances makes college prep exciting, not scary. Her flexibility and encouragement make the process feel manageable and even fun. She truly helps me achieve the best I can.

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While students often begin the formal process in 11th grade, there are many advantages to starting earlier.
I work with students as early as 7th, 8th, or 9th grade to build strong academic habits, explore interests, and develop the life skills that colleges value—like time management, decision-making, and self-reflection.
Starting early allows us to take a low-stress, intentional approach to discovering your child’s strengths and aligning them with meaningful opportunities.
Yes! You can book a free consultation through our website.
I offer highly personalized college counseling that goes far beyond the basics.
My services include personality assessments, career and major exploration, academic course planning, building a well-balanced college list, essay and application guidance, and support throughout senior year.
I work closely with each student to understand their story, strengths, and goals—ensuring we identify colleges where they will thrive both personally and academically.
More than just getting into college, my goal is to help students grow in self-awareness and confidence so they are ready to succeed in life.
Yes! We assist with completing applications, including Common App, Coalition App, and school-specific apps.
We typically begin brainstorming and outlining essays in the spring of junior year so we can turn to other supplemental essays in the summer before senior year.
With my support and tools like EssayQuest, students write authentic, powerful essays that reflect their voice.
Starting early reduces stress and allows time for meaningful feedback and revision.
If you'd like to know how I guide students through this process, let’s chat.
All applications are submitted prior to December 2.
My support doesn’t stop on December 2.
I continue working with families through the college decision process—evaluating offers, discussing financial aid, and helping students make confident, informed choices.
And through my “Best First Year” transition program, I even help students prepare for the realities of life in college.
With the Gold Package, students receive a subscription to “Best First Year,” which helps them prepare for the realities of college life and transition with confidence.
Yes. I work with students who are applying to a wide range of colleges — including Ivy League, highly competitive schools, state universities, local community colleges, and everything in between. My philosophy centers on finding best-fit colleges that align with each student's personality and aspirations.
In addition to essay and application support, I help them build compelling profiles, demonstrate interest, and prepare for interviews.
Yes. I work with students who are applying to a wide range of colleges — including Ivy League, highly competitive schools, state universities, local community colleges, and everything in between.
My philosophy centers on finding best-fit colleges that align with each student's personality and aspirations.
In addition to essay and application support, I help them build compelling profiles, demonstrate interest, and prepare for interviews.
Yes! Many students aren’t sure what they want to study—and that’s okay.
Through a combination of personality and interest assessments, conversations, and career exploration tools, I help students identify potential majors and paths that align with their strengths and values.
This clarity helps guide course selection, activities, and ultimately, the college list itself.
I provide families access to CollegeAidPro, which generates customized financial aid projections and scholarship data for each college. This helps me build a college list that’s appropriate for each family’s budget, using data I can access to guide the process.
I also help interpret financial aid offers and identify merit aid opportunities that align with your family’s goals.
Yes, we offer assistance in understanding and comparing financial aid packages to make informed decisions.
Absolutely. I have experience working with students with ADHD, executive functioning challenges, and other learning differences. Together, we build a plan that prioritizes your child’s success, self-confidence, and college fit.
All of my work is centered around the student. I build a strong, trusting relationship with each one to guide them through decisions, deadlines, and self-discovery. Parents are included at key moments, and I keep communication open—but the student leads the journey.
Yes! I work with students across the country through a combination of Zoom, email, and online tools. My approach is designed to be flexible, effective, and personal—no matter where your family lives.

Find me at: Redmond Washington 98053
Email: [email protected]