FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
We work with students on an hourly basis ($200/hour) or via one of four packages. The package prices range from $2500 to $8800. The initial consultation is free so please contact us to arrange an appointment to find out more about how The College Spy can help your student.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The College Spy offers services in four packages that are designed to meet the needs of your student's stage of the admission's process. A summary of our packages is below. If one of the packages below is not a perfect fit, we will work with you to design a custom package that addresses your student's unique situation and needs. Countdown to College Package: $8800 This is our most comprehensive package. You and your student will be guided through each step of the college admissions process. We will focus on exploring your student’s unique interests, abilities and preferences, creating a list of well researched colleges that best meet your student’s academic, personal and social needs, improving your student’s academic and extracurricular profile, and creating the strongest and most convincing application possible. Ideally, we will begin in the junior year. If you are getting a later start, we can begin at any time and meet more frequently. Just the Applications Package: $5000 This package is for the student who has a solid list of colleges and needs assistance creating a strong and convincing application. It is also appropriate for students who need assistance with organization and time management or who feel overwhelmed and stressed by the process of applying to college. Typically, we will begin the summer before senior year or the fall of senior year. The earlier the better. Planning the High School Years Package: $4000 This package is for ninth and tenth grade students who want to get a head start in college planning. Students who take advantage of this package are guided in identifying their unique strengths, interests and goals. We teach them how to use this information to make academic and extracurricular decisions that maximize each year of high school. College Essay Package: $2500 (main essay) $400 (per supplemental essay) This package is for the student who only needs essay assistance. Your student will learn how to write a college essay, what colleges are looking for, and what to avoid. We will brainstorm topics, edit and revise the essay until we have a polished document that tells a unique story about your student.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Michelle McAnaney, founder of The College Spy, has more than 20 years of experience as a Guidance Counselor, Educator and College Consultant. 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: Guidance Counselor • 16 years experience in suburban New York and Maine • Twice the Director of a High School Guidance Dept. Professor of Psychology, Central Maine Community College Learning Mentor, London, England GED Instructor Professional Memberships: Independent Educational Consultants Association Higher Education Consultants Association National Association for College Admission Counseling American Counseling Association Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Issues in Counseling Association for Child & Adolescent Counseling