Services
Services
Exceptional college guidance cannot rely on a one-size-fits-all approach.
At McNiece College Consulting (MCC), I recognize that each student has unique strengths and interests, and each family has distinct needs and expectations. I work one-on-one with families to develop a deep understanding of who students are and who they want to become. Working together, I develop a custom plan and timeline to make sure that students take this next step confidently, with their best foot forward.
MCC specializes in helping students and families make smart decisions for bright futures.
You and your teen will be grappling with the questions below over the next few years.
Family Values
- What are the family expectations of the student, what are the family norms?
- Are parents/guardians in agreement about these assumptions?
- In your family, what is valued in a college education? What role does everyone play to help the student succeed?
- What conversations are helpful at home to make sure everyone understands the expectations and the role each family member plays in the process?
Your Unique Child
- How is your student’s brain wired?
- In what kind of environment is she most likely to find satisfaction and success?
- Where do her natural talents intersect with her passions and plans?
- How strong of a candidate is your student?
- When grades are not objective measures of academic strength, how do you determine where your student falls?
Out-of-School Activities
Outside of school, where should your student be focusing?
- Volunteering?
- Taking extra classes?
- Working part-time?
- Developing athletic skills?
How to College Shop
- Do you know how to determine a college’s strength or the strength of a major independent of the marketing materials the school provides?
- Do you know if you need merit aid to be able to attend a college?
- Do you know which schools are likely to offer merit aid to your student?
Tests, Applications, Essays, and More!
- Can you develop a realistic timeline for test preparation, essays, college visits and completing all application materials? Will you and your student be able to stay on-track?
- Knowing that many colleges spend 7-8 minutes on reviewing your child’s application, do you know how to develop materials that can quickly present your student in his best light?
- Is your student interview-ready?
- A college essay is very different from an essay for English class essay. Do you know what colleges are looking for? Do you know what essay topics have been worn threadbare?
- Will your daughter be using the Common Application, Universal College Application? Who is ‘The Coalition’?
- Are you comfortable with interpreting offers of admission? What if your student is deferred? Wait listed?
- Do you know the difference between applying early decision, early action, restricted early action, or regular decision and how these different applications might affect how much you pay?
- Can you afford the school?
- Are you adept at interpreting financial aid offers and making a final decision that is best for both student and family?
Are you wondering if you would benefit from hiring an educational consultant? Did any of the questions leave you scratching your head (or banging it against the wall) or if you would simply like to learn more, contact me to set up a consultation—the sooner the better!