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The Magna Difference

Our Team

Our roles as college consultants have been enhanced by invaluable time spent in undergraduate and graduate admissions offices, but also in past careers in consulting, marketing, and brand development. We understand the power of story and know how to help students craft a unique personal narrative that is woven throughout the application and enables them to stand out in the competitive admissions arena. Your student works with one college consultant but benefits from our entire team’s talents throughout the process.

Our team keeps current through our memberships in HECA (Higher Educational Consultants Association), IECA (Independent Educational Consultant Association), NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling), and WACAC (Western Association for College Admission Counseling).

Our team is committed to attending two conferences and visiting 30 colleges every year. We also stay current with courses at the University of California, Los Angeles and Irvine.

Founder and Principal

Colleen McDonough

Colleen is an Independent Educational Consultant guiding students through the complex world of college admissions. Colleen is unique among consultants in that she understands admissions from both sides of the desk. At Stanford, she read thousands of applications and learned the difference between what makes a student competitive and what makes a student compelling. At the University of Michigan, Colleen interviewed prospective MBA candidates and weighed in on committee discussions. Based upon her experience working in elite admissions offices, Colleen has the insight to help her students stand out among the most competitive applicants.

Colleen’s Superpower: College Whisperer and Mom to 17 Teenagers (15 students and 2 of my own)!

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Partner

Moni Schlotter

As a reader and admissions representative at UC Berkeley and Wellesley College, Moni is very familiar with the thought process behind college admissions and the often-overlooked drivers of a successful application. Moni views the college application process as a unique time of personal growth where she encourages students to look at themselves from a different lens. This process results in a richer and more introspective college application, a key hallmark of what admissions offices are looking for.

Moni’s Superpower: Master Brainstormer of the Personal Statement. We are all winning when the college admissions process is a bonding experience!

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Editor

Frances Nuelle

Frances is a writer and editor who has vast experience helping students develop and write compelling essays. She brings extensive editorial management expertise to help students manage multiple, often-competing deadlines. She works closely with her students so that they submit polished applications that showcase their unique talents and qualifications. Frances begins her work with every student with comprehensive brainstorming and Q&A to identify their personal stories.

Frances’ Superpower: Essay Task Master with a Sense of Humor. Our students love working with her!

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Testimonials

What Students are Saying

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