About Barbara

Barbara Hettle,
Founder Homeschool Success

What is your experience as a college counselor? 
I have been a full-time professional consultant for over ten years. My college counseling practice is built on a distance model working by video and email. I have been fortunate to be able to work with a diverse body of students from different educational backgrounds and geographic regions. This has helped me develop sensitivity to the challenges and concerns families face in the college admissions process. Every student and every family is unique and it is through training and experience that consultants are best equipped to provide quality guidance. In addition to working with homeschoolers, I work with a limited number of public and private school students and can be reached through Hettle College Consulting.

  • Proven track record with experience guiding hundreds of families through the college admissions process.
  • Graduate Certificate in College Admissions Counseling from UCLA
  • Homeschooling parent, K-12
  • Member of professional organizations including Higher Education Consultants Association
  • Wide-ranging education experience including writing teacher, curriculum developer, college instructor

What is your training?
Effectively guiding teens with diverse needs and abilities through the college admissions process requires in-depth training and experience. I hold a Graduate Certificate in College Counseling earned with the highest distinction from UCLA. This certification reflects the completion of a practicum as well as intensive study in all aspects of the college admissions process, including college search, testing, research, applications, scholarships and financial aid, and working with special needs students.

How did you become involved in homeschooling?
We chose to homeschool because we wanted the flexibility of a customized education. It worked out so well for us that we homeschooled all the way from kindergarten through college admissions. I appreciate the diversity of the homeschooling community. It is my belief that homeschooling is at its best when children receive an education that fits with their unique needs and the goals of their family.

How do you keep up with the latest trends?
The field of college admissions is one that is rapidly changing and consultants must keep up to date with the latest information and resources in order to be effective. I am passionate about admissions and love to learn.  I am a member of professional organizations including the Higher Education Consultants Association. I volunteer as a scholarship judge, advisor, and resume coach for organizations advancing education for teens, including homeschoolers, gifted, and first-generation college students. I operate within the strict ethical guidelines of the Higher Education Consultants Association Statement of Standards of Ethics and the National Association of College Admissions Counseling Guide to Ethical Practices in College Admissions.

“Barbara was such a lifesaver through the nerve- wracking college application process”

“She has the knowledge, experience, and people skills to add tremendous value for any family seeking to better understand the process and find an excellent fit.”

“Thank you for all of your guidance, on a zillion little issues (and some big ones), especially around how to package a homeschooler into an application process meant for public-schoolers.”

“Thank you for the amazing support and guidance over the last few years. I feel like I had an inside source that made this process so much easier.”

“Barbara’s guidance was so helpful at this high stress time. I don’t know how I could have made it through without her wisdom! My son is now happily attending his first choice college!”

“Thank you Barbara! Your encouragement and support got me through my college search.”

“Barbara came highly recommended and we were never disappointed.”

“We are thrilled with scholarship results. By far the best investment we’ve made.”

“You took what could have been a tough year and made it a journey that she emerged from stronger and more confident in her path forward.”