Brennan Barnard

Brennan Barnard is an experienced college counselor serving in multiple leadership roles, including College Counseling Advisor at Khan Lab School since July 2025, Director of College Counseling at The Forest School: An Acton Academy since December 2024, and Director of College Counseling and Content at College Guidance Network since January 2021. From July 2021 to September 2025, he served as Director of College Counseling and Outreach at Khan Lab School in Mountain View, California, working in a hybrid environment to guide students through innovative educational pathways. He has also served as College Admissions Program Advisor at Harvard University Graduate School of Education since December 2018, contributing to the development of admissions professionals and practices in higher education. Since April 2018, he has been a Contributing Writer for Forbes, sharing insights on college admissions, student development and educational trends with a national audience.?

Before his current roles, Brennan spent 14 years at The Derryfield School in Manchester, New Hampshire, from July 2008 to July 2022, where he served as Dean of College Counseling and Outreach, building a comprehensive program that supported students through the college search and application process. From June 2015 to 2020, he also served as Director of College Counseling at US Performance Academy, an independent academic and performance academy for competitive athletes blending 21st century educational innovation with world-class athletics. His earlier career included serving as Regional Dean of Admission at Franklin & Marshall College from August 2007 to August 2008, working as an Educational Consultant at Parker Education from June 2005 to July 2007, and serving as Assistant Director of College Counseling at Westtown School from 2001 to 2004. At St. Paul's School from December 2004 to July 2007, he worked as a coach, dorm parent and college counselor for the Advanced Studies Program during summer sessions, while also serving as a college counselor for the Royal Thai Scholars Program at Brewster Academy during summers in 2004 and 2005. He began his career in education as Assistant Director of Admission at Northfield Mount Hermon School from 2000 to 2001, Assistant Complex Coordinator in the Department of Residential Life at the University of Vermont from August 1998 to June 2000, and as a teacher and coach at The Hyde School from 1996 to 1998.

Brennan holds a Master of Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration fromthe University of Vermont and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish from Franklin & Marshall College. His work is affiliated with Making Caring Common, an initiative focused on helping children and youth become caring, humane people by shaping their understanding of assault, consent and ethical behavior. His diverse experience spans independent schools, universities, summer programs, athletic academies and consulting firms, positioning him as a national voice in college admissions with expertise in supporting diverse learners, student athletes and students seeking innovative educational pathways.