About

About2025-04-02T18:25:37+00:00

WELCOME TO Picture-U

Picture the Future You Want. We’ll help you Get there.

Approach the college planning and application process with less stress and more excitement. Picture-U uses tested methods to help students identify their individual passions and explore their interests to establish short- and long-term goals. When it’s time to apply to college, Picture-U works with students on a strategic plan that puts their objectives first, creating stand-out applications that relay their story authentically and persuasively for admissions success.

Meet Lynelle

Lynelle Kerstine draws on her years of experience as an award-winning creative marketing executive and writing expert to help students master the college planning and application process. With strategic and thoughtful mentorship, she guides students to discover their own paths, determine their genuine interests, and build strong narratives, giving them an edge in the highly competitive admissions landscape.

Lynelle learned how to craft impactful stories as a double major in English and Communications at the University of Pennsylvania. Rising through the ranks of the entertainment industry to SVP, Creative Advertising at New Line Cinema, she employed her education and talent to create award-winning, multi-million dollar marketing campaigns. Lynelle is an accomplished children’s book author, marketing copywriter, ghostwriter, editor, and creative writing instructor who provides full access to her writer’s toolbox when working with her students. Her techniques inspire even the most reluctant writers to pinpoint their ideal topics and develop their unique voices in order to distinguish themselves authentically and communicate their goals effectively in their essays. 

Lynelle discovered her passion for college counseling while volunteering for a non-profit that mentors teens in creative writing. She continues her pro-bono work, while also advising professionally, providing students from all backgrounds with strategic guidance in selecting classes, activities, and majors, creating best-fit college lists, and developing stand-out essays. Lynelle is a cheerleader for her students. Her positivity, support, and personalized advice have led students to gain acceptance to their top schools, including the Ivy League, the University of California system, liberal arts colleges, and some of the most popular private and public universities in the country. Additionally, Lynelle’s counseling helped two students who were accepted at Vanderbilt also receive the highly prestigious, full-tuition Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship.

Recent College Acceptances

Graduating college student leans against a pole

Auburn University

Austin College

Babson College

Boston College

Boston University

Cal Poly Pomona

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Case Western University

Claremont/McKenna College

College of William and Mary

Cornell University

Drexel University

Eckard College

Emerson College

Fordham University

George Washington University

Harvard College

Hawaii Pacific University

Hofstra University

Indiana University

Lehigh University 

Lewis & Clark College

Louisiana State University

Miami University, Oxford

Michigan State University

New York University

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

Oberlin College

Ohio State University

Ohio University

Oregon State University

Purdue University

San Diego State University

Sarah Lawrence College

Southern Methodist University

Texas Christian University

Tulane University

University of Alabama

University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Davis

University of California, Irvine

University of California, Riverside

University of California, San Diego

University of California, Santa Barbara

University of California, Santa Cruz

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Denver

University of Georgia

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Kentucky

University of Michigan

University of Minnesota

University of Oregon

University of Puget Sound

University of Texas Austin

University of Washington

University of Wisconsin

Wake Forest University

Washington University (St. Louis)

Willamette College

Vanderbilt University 

Vassar College

Do you have questions?

Check out our FAQ

Why should I hire an Independent Education Consultant?2025-03-28T00:13:44+00:00

College admissions get more competitive with each year. School counselors are overwhelmed and most families find the planning and admissions process confusing and stressful. IECs provide focused, individualized guidance that helps to make sense of the madness and positions your student for success.

Why should I choose Picture-U for college planning and admissions guidance?2025-04-02T18:31:48+00:00

Picture-U offers students strategic and comprehensive help as they navigate the complex process of not only getting into college but also determining their life goals. Students feel more in control and excited about their prospects and extremely happy with their admission results.

When should I begin working with Picture-U?2025-04-03T00:56:15+00:00

Curriculum review, interest exploration, and goal planning can begin as early as eighth grade. Starting early allows the student more time for personal discovery and to build depth of knowledge and experience for college applications. However, students can begin working with Picture-U at any stage of high school. For a less stressful senior year, the ideal time to begin the admissions package is January of junior year.

How do you work with families?2025-04-03T01:24:35+00:00

After a package is purchased, Lynelle will arrange an initial meeting with the student and parents to set expectations and align goals. Thereafter, Lynelle will meet with students one-on-one. Students are empowered to lead their own process with structured guidance from Lynelle, encouraging their personal growth and voice. Parents are updated on progress via after-session reports and can set up additional calls and meetings as necessary.

Can you guarantee admission to my student’s dream college?2025-04-03T01:28:23+00:00

No. An ethical education consultant would never guarantee acceptance at any college. However, Picture-U will help your student develop a highly personalized application narrative and a well-balanced, best-fit college list that sets him/her up for maximum results.

We’re Here To Help You

Contact Picture-U College Consulting Services Today

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