PREPARATION

Initial Consultation

For our first consultation, we meet with the student and parents to review our process and gain a sense of where you are. Are you starting with a blank slate? Have you done some research on your own?  Is there a particular field of study you're drawn to? What are your restrictions, concerns, or requirements regarding location, cost, athletics, or special needs? Once we get a feel for your expectations and goals, we formulate a plan. Our students hail from high schools around the country and the globe. We make sure to understand you in the context of your school, family, and community environment.

Resume Building

The resumes we help develop for our students serve multiple purposes. We highlight activities and accomplishments in a format that translates to college applications. Students also use their resumes for college interviews, to apply for summer jobs and internships, and to give teachers and counselors for recommendations. Our resume development process sometimes sheds light on opportunities for deeper engagement.

Testing Plan

Based on the strengths and goals of each student, we recommend a standardized testing plan. We evaluate the scores in context with the list once it’s developed, taking note of specific college policies and admitted student data, and then make recommendations for score submission.

SELECTION

High Level List

Based on each student's academic profile, interests, and requirements, we initially develop a high-level list of schools we suggest you explore. We take great care to research a wide range of colleges, considering individual fit factors when recommending school recommendations.

Target List

Using information gathered from consultations, academic profiles, standardized testing, results of self-evaluations, and college visit feedback, we create a balanced list of 8-15 schools. We provide recommendations and guidance on how to apply to each school based on your particular hopes and requirements. 

MAJOR EXPLORATION

Some students are confident in the major and career path they intend to pursue. Others have yet to identify their interests in terms of college majors or jobs. We offer assessments to identify strengths and potential major and career matches. We also discuss various majors and compare the offerings and curriculum paths at colleges of interest to see how they differ and to evaluate fit for the student. We also provide ideas for extracurricular and summer opportunities to explore areas of interest.

APPLICATION

Application Support

The Common Application has a limited space to present your activities and interests. We provide guidance on how to display your accomplishments within the confines of the application. Our goal is that your application is authentic, shows genuine interest in the schools you are sending it to, and tells the true story about you in a way that admissions officers notice.

Essay Evaluation

The college application essay is the one opportunity on the application to speak to the reader in your own voice. At MCC, we feel strongly that the essay's voice is the student's. We provide brainstorming sessions to get the wheels turning, essay evaluation, and editing. We cover the Personal Statement, the shortest supplements, and everything in between. Our goal is that the essays you submit to colleges truly reflect your individuality and are both moving and personal. We'll help draw out your voice, but we won't speak for you.

Application Timeline

We keep your applications on track with a timeline that outlines each school’s due dates for application, test scores, recommendations, interviews, transcripts, scholarships, and more to ensure no application components or deadlines are missed. 

Ongoing Support

We provide full access to our clients via text, email, or phone.  Our lines of communication are open to our students and their parents.