Meet Our Guest

Michelle McAnaney founded The College Spy® with this mission: Help students identify colleges that are a good fit for them and get accepted. Michelle is an expert in college admissions and a leader in her field. She has over 20 years of experience as an educator, counselor and consultant, assisting students in making smart choices to reach their full potential. She is current on the latest trends in college admissions. Her extensive admissions knowledge is coupled with firsthand experience with the colleges and universities your student will be considering. She tells students and families that the best way to get to know a college is to visit and she holds herself to the same standard. She visits approximately 40 colleges each year, attending information sessions and open houses, taking tours and meeting with admissions officers. Michelle’s single greatest strength is her genuine concern for the wellbeing of her students. She encourages each one to explore new courses and activities, get involved in areas of interest, stretch their boundaries and expand their comfort zones. She encourages and guides students to take ownership of their college journey. Michelle believes that students should take the initiative in planning their futures. Students working with Michelle will attend interviews even when they are optional, think about themselves in new ways, dig deep to write revealing and powerful applications essays and ask the right people for letters of recommendation. Her encouragement is always supportive and understanding, with an eye on admissions outcomes, but also an awareness that these are growth experiences that will help students develop as young adults about to embark on one of the most important phases of their lives. Michelle regularly presents to groups of parents and other professionals. She shares information through frequent webinars, The College Spy Podcast, blogging and various social media platforms. Learn more about Michelle by following The College Spy on Twitter or Facebook.

Episode Description

Michelle shares her journey from being a school counselor to an independent educational consultant. She emphasizes the importance of gaining experience in working with students and pursuing a master's degree in education or school counseling. Michelle explains the difference between a school counselor and an educational consultant, highlighting her transition from one role to the other. She discusses the gap between where students are and where they should be in terms of achieving their aspirations, and the various factors that contribute to this gap. Michelle also talks about the evolution of her services, the scalability of her business, and the importance of content marketing and word-of-mouth referrals. The conversation covers various topics related to college admissions, including standardized testing, choosing the right college, and writing college essays. Michelle emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of standardized testing and helps families decide whether to take the tests or go for test-optional admissions. She also provides guidance on when to take the tests and which test to choose. Michelle discusses the misconception that selectivity equates to a better education and highlights the importance of finding a college that is the right fit for the student. She also addresses the decision-making process when choosing between Ivy League colleges and other schools that offer full scholarships. Michelle shares insights on college visits and advises students to focus on personal qualities and characteristics in their essays rather than academic achievements.

Notes Section

Key Takeaways

Gain experience in working with students and consider pursuing a master's degree in education or school counseling to enter the education domain.
Understand the difference between a school counselor and an educational consultant, and choose the path that aligns with your interests and goals.
Recognize the gap between where students are and where they should be in terms of achieving their aspirations, and provide support and guidance to bridge this gap.
Evolve and expand your services to cater to different client needs and budgets, and consider adding consultants to scale your business.
Utilize content marketing and word-of-mouth referrals to grow your client base, and consider offering free resources to provide value to potential clients. Standardized testing can be stressful for families, but it can also help colleges find students who are a good fit for their school.
When deciding whether to take standardized tests, consider the student's academic strengths, courses taken, and schedule.
Choosing the right college involves considering personal qualities, fit, and the student's goals and aspirations.
The decision between Ivy League colleges and other schools offering full scholarships depends on factors such as financial considerations, intended major, and future plans.
During college visits, focus on personal qualities, meet with departments or clubs of interest, and explore the area surrounding the campus.
When writing college essays, emphasize personal qualities and characteristics rather than academic achievements.
Stay informed about college admissions trends and resources through newsletters, social media, and educational products like the Talking College Campus Visit Card Deck.

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