College Admissions Strategies provides personalized college admissions counseling for high school students and families in the Charlotte, NC area and nationwide. Led by experienced college consultant Kelly Barnhardt, services include college planning for grades 9–12, college list development, course selection strategy, extracurricular planning, essay brainstorming and editing, application support, and SAT/ACT guidance. With a student-centered, individualized approach, College Admissions Strategies helps teens reduce stress, gain clarity, and make confident, informed college decisions that align with their goals, interests, and values.

About Me

Kelly Barnhardt is an experienced college admissions consultant and the owner of College Admissions Strategies, serving high school students and families in the Charlotte, NC area and nationwide. With over seven years of professional experience, Kelly specializes in guiding students through every stage of the college admissions process—from early high school planning through final enrollment decisions.

Kelly’s expertise includes college readiness planning for grades 9–12, strategic course selection, college list development, extracurricular and leadership planning, essay brainstorming and editing, application strategy, letters of recommendation guidance, and SAT/ACT advising. She is known for her highly personalized, student-centered approach, recognizing that successful college admissions is not one-size-fits-all.

As both a college consultant and a parent of two college-aged sons, Kelly brings a practical, empathetic perspective to her work, helping families reduce stress while making thoughtful, informed decisions. She emphasizes academic fit, personal values, student well-being, and long-term outcomes—including return on investment and career alignment.

Kelly is an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and an active member of regional professional organizations. She also serves as Board President of a local nonprofit, reflecting her strong commitment to community involvement and youth advocacy. Through one-on-one counseling, workshops, and digital resources, Kelly empowers students to build confidence, clarify their goals, and navigate college admissions with clarity and purpose.

Specialty Areas

Application Essay Craft/Review, General Ed Counseling

Students Enrolled

University of Florida, University of Georgia, Auburn University, Clemson University, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, North Carolina State University -- Raleigh, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, University of South Carolina -- Columbia, The University of Arizona, The University of Alabama, Elon University, College of Charleston, East Carolina University, Appalachian State University, University of Mississippi, The George Washington University, Virginia Tech, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, American University.