Finding the right school
STARTS WITH YOU
Admissions & Educational Planning
WE BELIEVE THERE'S A PERFECT MATCH FOR EVERYONE
Filling a unique niche in the field of educational consulting, The Carnahan Group combines depth and breadth of experience with innovative and relevant strategies to help students optimize their educational goals. As the longest continuously running educational consultancy in the state of Louisiana, our team has accumulated +80 years of college, graduate and boarding school admissions experience since the early 1990’s. Guiding clients through the maze of ever-changing application details and requirements, The Carnahan Group specializes in helping families navigate each step while finding the right fit with calm and clarity.
With multiple offices based around the U.S. and world, we now serve students across the globe through virtual sessions.
Class of 2025
With over 400 acceptances to nearly 100 institutions across the U.S.A. and world, students from our most recent cohort are enrolled in specialized academic programs that include Honors Colleges, Engineering, Architecture, Film, Business, Fashion, and more.
1000+
students with whom we’ve worked as an independent consultancy providing a high-touch, individually curated service
100%
of our students are admitted each year, proving our dedication to balanced list-building and finding “the right fit”
300+
boarding schools, universities and academic programs to which students have been accepted with our guidance
90%
of our student roster is generated from friendly referrals of satisfied clients, siblings and professional colleagues
THE PLANNING PROCESS
CONNECT
We start by getting to know your family and your student’s goals. In this initial meeting, we outline our approach, discuss priorities, and ensure we’re the right fit for your student’s needs.
This consultation sets the foundation for a trusted, collaborative partnership.
PLAN
Together, we create a strategic roadmap tailored to your student’s strengths, interests, and timeline. Our personalized planning tools keep families organized with key dates, tasks, and milestones.
Every plan is built around your student’s unique academic story and aspirations.
GUIDE
Through regular meetings and ongoing mentorship, we help students explore majors, refine essays, and make confident application choices. Expert feedback and insights are provided at every step.
We stay hands-on, so students feel supported and prepared from start to finish.
CELEBRATE
When decisions arrive, we help families evaluate options and plan next steps with confidence. Our relationship doesn’t end at submission — we stay by your side through the final choice.
Your student’s success is our shared celebration.
MEET OUR TEAM
Expert Educational Consultants
Our experienced team of College Admissions and Academic Advising veterans are recognized as national leaders and role models not just among their peers, but also by the families with whom they work. Our firm is unique in that our team members are able to tap into decades of specialized experience to assist students who are on a specific academic path.
Our team of specialists provide expertise in the following areas:
Visual Arts
Performing Arts
Athletic Recruitment
Academic Support
“Applying Early Decision to Johns Hopkins University was both exciting and daunting. Kathie asked me deep questions to confirm my decision to apply ED and then spent hours with me to make sure that my application reflected my academic aspirations and professional goals.”
— John Michael (2017), Johns Hopkins University
Helpful Resources
Visit The College Planning Blog as another way to gain additional insight into the process and stay up-to-date with boarding school and university admissions news.
