Independent College Consultant · Wilton, CT

Your Path to the
Right College
Starts Here

An affordable, personalized, and hands-on approach to helping students and families navigate the college admissions process — from start to acceptance.

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What I loved most about Claire is how real she is. She is worth every penny and more so. Regardless of where my daughter goes to school, she has made the process so positive and I feel a forever bond.

— Lori C. (parent)

There is no specific way to thank Claire for all that she did for me in my college process. She is one of the most organized and kind people I know, and such an easy person to talk to. Her guidance is truly how I ended up at my dream school.

— Kathryn S. (student)

Claire was everything we could imagine. I just loved how she was able to take this huge process and put it into very manageable pieces that both the student and parent could handle. The result was a confident and non stressed out Senior with the right choices in the end.

— Penny S. (parent)

About Claire

A Counselor Who Truly Gets to Know Your Student

First and foremost, I love working with students. My focus is on creating a welcoming environment in which students feel comfortable, empowered, and supported. You will also find me to be a very organized person. I have strong planning, coordination, and communication skills, all of which are essential when navigating the college admissions process and ensuring no detail is missed and no stone left unturned.

Education

I graduated magna cum laude from Bucknell University with a double major in Psychology and Spanish and then earned my Master's degree in Organizational Psychology from Fairfield University.

Professional Experience

Prior to my role as a college counselor, I worked part-time as a Senior Associate for a small executive coaching firm as well as a Career Coach at Fairfield University's Dolan School of Business. Prior to that, I spent over 10 years in Human Resources, focusing on training and development and recruitment for companies such as Cadbury Schweppes, GE Capital, and Bridgewater Associates.

In addition, I have extensive experience interviewing hundreds of applicants. Whether it's hiring an employee or accepting a college applicant, I understand what the interviewer is looking for and how critical it is to differentiate oneself, both through a written application and live interview.

Personal

My husband Roger and I grew up in New Canaan, CT. We have lived in Wilton, CT since 1995 and have two children, Ashley and Jackson, and a dog Ryder. My son Jackson and I also co-founded a service organization in 2021 called Wilton Service League of Boys (S.L.O.Bs) with the goal of providing high-school aged boys and their parents with the opportunity to volunteer and spend time together. In my free time, I enjoy exercising, being outdoors, volunteering, reading, and above all else, spending time with my family.

College Counseling

Everything You Need,
Nothing Left to Chance

The college application process can feel like a very daunting experience. My role as a college counselor is to alleviate that stress by managing the process from start to college acceptance.

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One-on-One Guidance

While guidance counselors are one resource for students, they are also juggling many other responsibilities. I provide the individual attention students need so they receive the guidance, direction, and assistance they require — particularly helpful for those who struggle with organization or thrive with one-on-one support.

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Hands-On Approach

I intentionally limit the number of students I work with so I can work directly with each student at every stage — from completing the application together and filling out reference forms together, to drafting impactful emails to colleges together. I am extremely accessible so students and parents can get answers when they need them.

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Organization & Logistics

I am a highly organized individual and each application process is handled in a very organized manner. Parents and students feel less overwhelmed with a clear timeline in place, focused sessions, meeting recaps, and all logistics handled.

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Developing the College List

Making sure a student has a balanced list of colleges that meets their academic, social, cultural, and financial needs is critical. Through a college fit survey and extensive time getting to know students, I help them navigate the many options to create the right list of schools.

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Application Differentiation

Colleges are receiving more applications than ever and admission rates are down. I focus on ensuring that the supporting materials — recommendations, the application, interviews, personalized emails and follow-up — set the student apart and reflect their individual story.

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Tracking Deadlines

One of the most common stressors families mention is feeling overwhelmed by all the varying deadlines. I take this worry completely off your plate. All deadlines are met ahead of schedule, and parents and students always feel organized and on top of the process from start to finish.

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Student Meeting Recaps

After every meeting with students, I provide all parents and students with a thorough meeting recap: everything that was accomplished in the meeting, when the next meeting is and its goals, and any to-do items the student will be focusing on prior to our next session.

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Essay & Writing Support

Ensuring that my students submit personalized and impactful essays is a key component of my role. I review all essays written by my students, offering feedback, suggestions, and revisions as necessary. While I do not provide hands-on writing support for the main Common Application essay, I offer full hands-on support for most supplemental essays required by specific colleges.

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Athletic Recruiting Support

For student athletes, I offer hands-on support throughout the recruiting process — identifying schools, creating an organized system for managing the process, and overseeing all communication with coaches from introduction and follow-up emails through phone conversations and interviews.

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Interview Coaching

My interview coaching and career counseling background helps students walk into college interviews feeling confident and ready.

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Course & Activity Guidance

I provide students with support and insight into course selection, extracurricular activities, and summer plans, as well as guidance on how to select and ensure strong teacher recommendations.

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Affordable & Accessible

My goal is to provide a cost-effective way for families who want to use an outside resource to manage the application process without sacrificing any level of service, attention, or quality.

Packages & Pricing

Transparent, Affordable Pricing

No hidden fees, no hourly caps within a package. A true partnership from start to finish.

Junior Year

Signature

Full-service guidance from junior year through commitment

$4,000

Begin working together in January of junior year, continuing through college commitment
No maximum hours or additional fees for emailing, texting, time outside sessions, parent consults, supplemental essay review, deferral/waitlist advising, or letters of continued interest
Full support across every stage — high school planning, college list, applications, essay review, interview prep, and everything in between

Sophomore Year

Signature Extended

Earlier support with a longer runway into junior year

$4,900

Same full services as Signature, beginning second semester of sophomore year
Additional support and periodic check-ins including guidance on course selection, testing, and early college research
Note: Support is limited August–December of junior year due to focus on senior clients

Student Athletes

Recruit Ready

Specialized support for the student athlete recruiting journey

$4,700

All services included in the Signature package
Start time varies depending on the student's sport and recruiting timeline
Expert, hands-on guidance throughout the athletic recruiting process — from identifying schools to managing coach communications

Freshman Year

Early Advantage

Most families begin thinking about college in junior year — and that's completely fine. But for those who want support earlier, Early Advantage starts the conversation in freshman year
Three hours of dedicated guidance, used whenever and however they're most helpful
Tackle what matters most — course selection, activities, testing strategy, or simply figuring out where to begin

$550

Hourly Consultations

Hourly consultations offer as-needed support — ideal for families who want guidance on a specific question, decision, or stage of the process.

$195/hr

What Families Say

College Counseling Testimonials

Thank you Claire, it was a godsend to find you! You were our MVP.

— Mark P. (parent)

Your kindness and genuine concern coupled with meticulous coaching Liv, truly made an impact on the end result. Liv looked forward to all her sessions with you! We will forever be grateful to you!

— Rosemary P. (parent)

Thank you so much for everything Claire!! I would not have done it without you!!! Thank you for your guidance and I am eternally grateful!!!!

— Olivia P. (student)

Her common app was ready to submit even before the first day of school and it's all thanks to Claire — she has been absolutely invaluable! She helped with school selections, did her common app step by step, and totally made this a not scary, completely doable process. Best part — I don't have to nag or fight about any of it! Best decision ever!!

— Laurie J. (parent)

— Kathryn S. (student)

What I loved most about Claire is how real she is. She is a mom and down to earth. She always stayed in communication with me, but would text my daughter on a regular basis to check in and keep her on task. You will not regret working with her. Regardless of where my daughter goes to school, she has made the process so positive and I feel a forever bond. She is worth every penny and more so.

— Lori C. (parent)

Thank you for all of your help through my application process. None of this would have been possible or easy without you! I enjoyed our zooms and can't wait to send you updates from Embry. Thank you!

— Jack S. (student)

Claire has helped me so much with my college process! I honestly don't know how I would have stayed so organized and motivated during these last four months of submitting applications and finding all the criteria for my schools. She is beyond helpful and kind, and goes above and beyond to help you with what you need. I am extremely grateful to have worked with Claire!

— Shayla K. (student)

Claire was beyond what we could have ever asked for. She started working with our daughter late Junior year, and was so incredibly organized all through the process. All of my daughter's eleven applications were in far ahead of the EA deadlines. I still felt very much a part of the process — Claire just made it a lot easier. And not one fight with my daughter in the college process — that was a huge win!

— Julie S. (parent)

We used Claire to help with our son's college admissions journey and she was amazing! Meticulously detailed, organized and knowledgeable about the process and what would be a good fit for your child. I cannot recommend her highly enough!

— Michelle B. (parent)

— Penny S. (parent)

I had a fantastic experience working with Claire! She helped me find the schools that were the best fit for me and taught me how to make my application stand out in the best way. She was so friendly and patient throughout the entire process, and it was so relieving knowing I could reach out to her and receive expert advice whenever I had questions! I'm so grateful for her help!

— Kansas student

Working with Mrs. Carbonier was a very valuable experience for me. The college search process was very overwhelming to me at first. With her guidance the college search process was smooth and easy. I ended up finishing all of my applications by December 1st, and landing at my dream school!

— George S. (student)

The first time I spoke with Claire, I knew she was the perfect fit for my son and me during "our" college search. She is organized, knowledgeable, communicative and has an amazing ability to motivate teenage boys! I would highly recommend Claire and will definitely work with her again when my younger son enters this stage.

— Rachel S. (parent)

Wow! That's the first word that comes to mind as I pen this note. Claire was so easy to work with and so clear and thorough with her communications that, as a parent, I felt very in the loop about next steps and how things were progressing. And it was wonderful for me to witness how well-supported and empowered my daughter felt in the whole college planning and admissions process. I cannot recommend Claire highly enough!

— Seema D. (parent)

Claire is amazing! She proves that outstanding, organized, effective college counseling can come with kindness and compassion. Our son enjoyed every meeting with Claire, instead of being nervous or intimidated, which was a wonderful change from our older children's experiences. He always looked to her for advice on every aspect of the process, from start to finish! Most importantly, he ended up at the most perfect-fit school we could have ever hoped for!!

— Laura R. (parent)

Student Acceptances

Where My Students
Have Been Accepted

Some of my students' college acceptances!

American UniversityArizona State UniversityAuburn UniversityBates CollegeBentley CollegeBoston CollegeBoston UniversityBowdoin CollegeBrown UniversityBryant UniversityBucknell UniversityCarnegie MellonCentral Connecticut State UniversityChapman UniversityColgate UniversityCollege of CharlestonCollege of William and MaryColorado State UniversityClemson UniversityColby CollegeCollege of the Holy CrossCornell UniversityDickinson CollegeDrexel UniversityDurham University EnglandEast Carolina UniversityEckerd CollegeElon UniversityEmbry Riddle UniversityEmory UniversityEndicott CollegeFairfield UniversityFlorida Atlantic UniversityFranklin and Marshall CollegeFurman UniversityFordham UniversityGettysburg CollegeGeorgetown UniversityGeorgia TechHamilton CollegeHigh Point UniversityHobart and William Smith CollegesIndiana University, BloomingtonIthaca CollegeJames Madison UniversityJohn Cabot University RomeKenyon CollegeLafayette CollegeLehigh UniversityLewis & Clark CollegeLouisiana State UniversityLoyola Maryland UniversityManhattan CollegeMarist CollegeMassachusetts College of DesignMcGill UniversityMiami University of OhioMichigan State UniversityMonmouth CollegeMoore College of DesignNew Jersey Institute of TechnologyNortheastern UniversityNova Southeastern UniversityOhio State UniversityOhio Wesleyan UniversityPace UniversityPennsylvania State UniversityProvidence CollegePurdue UniversityQuinnipiac UniversityRensselaer Polytechnic InstituteRice UniversityRoger Williams UniversityRochester Institute of TechnologyRowan UniversityRutgers UniversitySacred Heart UniversitySalve Regina UniversitySanta Clara UniversitySarah Lawrence CollegeSeton Hall UniversitySkidmore CollegeSouthern Methodist UniversitySpringfield CollegeSt. Andrew's University ScotlandSt. John's UniversitySt. Lawrence UniversitySUNY AlbanySUNY Binghamton UniversitySUNY Buffalo UniversitySUNY StonybrookSyracuse UniversityTemple UniversityTexas Christian UniversityTrinity CollegeTrinity University, DublinTufts UniversityUnion CollegeUniversity of AlabamaUniversity of ArizonaUniversity of California DavisUniversity of California IrvineUniversity of California, Los AngelesUniversity of California San DiegoUniversity of ChicagoUniversity of Colorado BoulderUniversity of ConnecticutUniversity of DaytonUniversity of DelawareUniversity of DenverUniversity of Glasgow ScotlandUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUniversity of IowaUniversity of MaineUniversity of Maryland, College ParkUniversity of Massachusetts, AmherstUniversity of MiamiUniversity of MichiganUniversity of MontanaUniversity of NebraskaUniversity of New HampshireUniversity of North Carolina, WilmingtonUniversity of North DakotaUniversity of PittsburghUniversity of Rhode IslandUniversity of RichmondUniversity of RochesterUniversity of ScrantonUniversity of South CarolinaUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of South FloridaUniversity of TampaUniversity of Tennessee, KnoxvilleUniversity of VermontUniversity of VirginiaUniversity of WisconsinVillanova UniversityVirginia TechWake Forest UniversityWashington University in St. LouisWestern Connecticut State UniversityWestern New England UniversityWheaton CollegeWilliams CollegeXavier University

Additional Services

Interview Preparation
for Students and Young Adults

College & Prep School Interview Coaching

While interviews may not be as common as they used to be, if you get the opportunity to interview with an admissions counselor or student/alumni interviewer, you want to make the most of the experience. You are very often competing against other candidates with similar backgrounds and accomplishments, so interviews give you the chance to communicate your individual story. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so taking the time to prepare is key!

Internship & Job Interview Coaching

One study showed that 72% of those students who had an internship received a job offer after college, versus 32% who didn't. The interview is the most critical part of the hiring process for interns so dedicating time to prepare is essential. A résumé may get you in the door but the interview is where you set yourself apart from the other applicants. It is critical to invest time thinking through your background, practicing common interview questions, and ensuring you are prepared to communicate your story and convey why you are the best candidate for the position.

Interview Prep

Interview Coaching Testimonials

Claire amazingly found time for him all within a span of a few hours — she gave him really personalized feedback about the company and position he was applying for, and strategies for tying his experiences on his resume to what they were looking for. When asked back to a round of in person interviews she gave him more tools to help with his preparation. Happy ending: he was offered the internship. Highly recommend Claire's interview prep service.

— Julie S.

As I began applying for internships for my junior summer, I had little experience with the interview process. After working with Claire, I was incredibly prepared for all of my interviews. I cannot thank her enough for all of her help; because of Claire, I was successful in all of my interviews and landed my dream internship!

— Zoe L.

Claire was an amazing help in preparing for my interview. She worked with me on many prompts and exercises that were asked during the interview, so I felt confident with my answers. I also love how she specifically addressed my needs in my specific industry. After our practice and before the day of my interview, Claire gave me an exact report of everything that pertains to my success in the interview. In the process of receiving my offer, an HR representative said that I was highly prepared. I would recommend Claire to anyone that is looking for that extra edge in the interviewing process.

— Jake S.

Claire did a great job preparing for a last minute job interview. I felt very comfortable working with her. She helped me identify and articulate specific strengths for this particular job, and we went through mock interviews, which gave me a confidence boost. Best thing is, I landed my job! I highly recommend working with Claire Carbonier.

— Isabel C.

Claire was terrific. She helped my college-aged daughter prepare for job/summer internship opportunities in her targeted industry by guiding her through potential questions interviewers ask, across a wide array of topics. She helped her formulate concise, well thought through, and impactful responses and in turn was instrumental in Zoe landing her dream internship.

— Kelly L.

I highly recommend Claire for interview prep! She worked with my son for his prep school interviews and was so responsive and thorough! She met him where he was and drew out of him stories he could use in the interview process. She then coached, practiced and gave him a summary to hit it all home! Liam has shared that he felt ready and confident because of this work. Liam got accepted and is off to school in the fall.

— Heidi M. (parent)

Your Path to theRight CollegeStarts Here