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.

About Me

Education
Certificate in Educational Consulting, University of California, Irvine, 2018
Ed.M. in School Counseling, University at Buffalo, 1997
B.S. in Human Development, Binghamton University, 1996
MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) Certified Practitioner
NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Master Practitioner

Experience
Independent Educational Consultant since 2017
School Counselor:
• 16 years experience in suburban New York and Maine
• Twice the Director of a High School Guidance Department
Adjunct Instructor, Psychology, Central Maine Community College
Learning Mentor, London, England
GED Instructor

Specialty Areas

Career/Aptitude Assessment

Students Enrolled