A Career Choice Inspired by Real Life Experience
While searching for colleges with my own daughters, I became acutely aware of the struggles and stress young people and their parents go through during college planning, admissions, and selection. I realized that many families needed professional, knowledgeable guidance, and that my background in corporate business management and teaching gave me the ability to offer college consulting services.
That was back in 1995, and today, that’s truer than ever! The coronavirus has thrown numerous wrenches into an already complicated process.
I spend hours each week studying the never-ending changes:
- How do students get good letters of recommendation in a virtual environment?
- How to keep your student(s) from falling behind if virtual learning is not a good fit for him/her?
- Which colleges who were already financially unstable will go under with no students on campus?
- Which colleges have genuinely great online classes, and which only say they do in their marketing materials?
- How to do a meaningful virtual campus tour
I have more than 15 years of experience as an online instructor, including currently teaching in the College Counseling program at UCLA Extension and I formerly taught in the Certificate in Independent Educational Consulting at UC-Irvine. I have also taught at Assumption College in its Masters in School Counseling program.
A Certified Educational Planner and member of IECA since 1995. I have been honored with the Steven R. Antonoff Award for Professional Achievement by the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). The award recognizes an IECA professional who has distinguished him or herself by outstanding contributions to the profession of independent educational consulting.
A Life-long Learner Committed to Helping Students Succeed
As part of my service offerings, I am trained to administer and interpret the Holland Self-Directed Search (SDS), the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Strong Interest Inventory (SII).
My BA is in Liberal Studies from the University of the State of New York, my teaching certificate is from William Paterson University, I have a MS in Interdisciplinary Science Studies from Johns Hopkins University, and a PhD in General Psychology from Capella University. My graduate work was focused on the psychology of family systems, and with my years of experience, I’m well-versed in the issues facing teens and their parents.
Prior to the pandemic, I also supplemented my knowledge by visiting colleges nationwide and attending professional conferences.
Professional Affiliations & Accomplishments
- Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)
- Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA)
- National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
- American Institute of Certified Educational Planners
- Southern Association for College Admission Counseling
- National College Advocacy Group (NCAG)
- York County Chamber of Commerce
Why Parents and Students Love Klaar
My style is no-nonsense, no-excuses to make the college search, application and essay process a delightful adventure of self-discovery and growth for my students. Along the way, I help them learn to make more informed decisions and to own the college search process.
As a result, students respect my knowledge and experience and work hard to meet their assignments and deadlines.
Additionally, understanding how stressful the whole process can be, I act as a buffer between parents and students.
I also understand the importance of knowing your student and family well enough to create a college career path for your student’s unique goals and strengths.
In short, I help your student achieve his or her dreams for college and career!
For my complete Curriculum Vita, click here.
What parents and students say about Dr. Charlotte Klaar
Proud parents of A.R., Boston University 2021:
“The college application process can be as confusing and daunting to the student as is it for the parents. From the first consultation, Ms. Klaar put all of us at ease. She dug in deep to help our son discover exactly what he wanted from his college experience and his career goals.
“She guided him in ways that we didn’t even know existed that lead him to a 4 year FULL scholarship. Ms. Klaar works directly with the student so they take ownership of their journey. As parents we highly recommend the services of Klaar College Consulting.”
From grateful student A. Nelson, MD:
“I didn’t know much about the college application process and was unsure where to start, so I turned to Klaar College Consulting for help. After speaking with Charlotte, I knew I wanted to work with her. She has been very supportive throughout the whole process. She helped me see what colleges were out there and guided me in the right direction. I couldn’t have done all the work without Charlotte’s help! I would have been lost without her guidance.”
From a proud parent of J. Robins, MD:
“I have two older kids, so I’ve been through the college application process before, and it requires a lot of time and effort. Charlotte is working directly with Jacob, so he owns the process. Working separately from us has taken a lot of pressure off him and has really helped him mature. It was helpful to work with someone who has such a wide range of knowledge and personal experience with many colleges. We have greatly benefited from Charlotte’s experience and time commitment. No stone was left unturned.”
From the proud parents of Carolyn W., MD:
“Essays are not about facts and figures – they’re about the student. Charlotte helped Carolyn discover her inner passion which brought out her creativity and personality in her essay – a guidance counselor with 500 students wouldn’t have done that. Charlotte helped us understand what was important to highlight about our daughter’s strengths and accomplishments in her college applications – and that’s what got her accepted!”
From the parents of A.C., Southborough, MA:
“…given the necessary guidance, he was able to show his talents and accomplishments in the best possible light. … He feels very confident in his choice of schools. … We are very grateful for all your help and support. We’ll let you know when the next two kids are ready!”
The parents of M.G. in MA wrote:
“Your ability to simplify the process as well as your talent to clearly understand [his] needs was most invaluable. … He feels that he is a good fit with the size of the school and that it has a great deal to offer him. … Thank you again for being such an important person in [his] young life and in two years [our daughter] will be ready for your wise counsel!”
P.M.’s mother in MA described herself as “a very pleased client” and wrote:
“I’m not so sure he’d be at the college of his choice if it hadn’t been for you. … What a saint! Not only did you take [him] under your wing, but you also made my life easier. … He listened to you, respected what you told him, and got the job done. You have such a way with young adults.”
From the father of N.P. in Rockville, MD:
“The resources that you had at your disposal were amazing. … All I had to do was mention a particular school and you could provide some insight. … I would be happy to recommend your services to any of our friends.”
