Michelle McAnaney, founder and president of The College Spy, is a leader in the field of independent educational consulting, an entrepreneur, speaker, podcaster and blogger/writer. Michelle has worked with hundreds of students and families to help them identify the colleges that best fit their unique needs and preferences and get in.
Prior to founding The College Spy in 2016, Michelle was a school counselor and educator for more than 15 years, including serving as the Director of School Counseling at two high schools and an adjunct college professor of psychology. Michelle holds a master’s degree in school counseling and a bachelor’s degree in human development. She completed UC Irvine’s certificate program in educational consulting and is a MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) Certified Practitioner and a NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Master Practitioner.
Michelle is an engaging speaker, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about education and college admissions. Whether presenting a webinar, speaking at a live event or being interviewed for a podcast or article, expect Michelle to be generous with information and focused on the specific needs of the audience. Michelle has been featured in national news media and can speak in an authoritative and engaging manner on topics including college search and selection, standardized testing, early college planning, gap years, procrastination, college opportunities for students with learning disabilities, STEM majors, the college essay, third culture kids, international students, the college visit, and improving student extracurricular and academic profiles. Michelle typically visits over 40 colleges each year. She is able to speak to the campus environment at colleges and universities across the US from firsthand experience.
Sub-specialty: College selection and admissions, The Common Application, Preparation of the college essay, College financial aid, loans and financial planning, College opportunities for students with learning differences, US college opportunities for international students, standardized testing, the SAT/ACT and test preparation
[SHARE]
Expert DirectLink
-
The College Spy Podcast
-
Episode 30: How to Apply for College (With TheCollegeSpy.Com)
Undergrad Made Easier -
Understanding Dual Enrollment for High School Students
Community for Accredited Online Schools [May 26, 2022] -
Ivy League acceptance rates drop to new low. They’re not alone.
CBS - Money Watch [April 1, 2022] -
Preparing for College for 9th and 10th Graders
One Day You’ll Thank Me Podcast [March 31, 2021] -
Summer Jobs That Pay Well and Look Good on a Résumé
College Covered -
What does COVID-19 mean for the future of college admissions?
PBS [May 18, 2020] -
Dos & Don’ts of Asking Questions During a College Information Session
HerCampus [September 5, 2018] -
Finding your student’s best fit college – How the Myers-Briggs type indicator can help
Link for Counselors [May 20, 2018] -
The College Tour: Never Too Early
Link for Counselors [March 1, 2018] -
The College Visit: Is the Chemistry Right?
Link for Counselors [February 19, 2018] -
Understanding Dual Enrollment for High School Students
Community for Accredited Online Schools -
Summer Jobs That Pay Well and Look Good on a Résumé
College Covered -
How to Write a Letter of Recommendation: Counselor’s Guide + Samples
College Essay Guy -
6 THINGS EVERY COLLEGE BOUND JUNIOR SHOULD BE DOING RIGHT NOW
Grown & Flown