Colleen McDonough
College admissions consultant for students and parents in Henrico, Virginia
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Also coaches | Life coach |
| Based in | Henrico, Virginia, United States |
| Credentials | IECA Professional member |
| Practice | Magna College Consulting |
Colleen McDonough is a college admissions consultant who helps students and their parents through the application process. She is the principal of Magna College Consulting in Henrico, Virginia. Before starting her own company, she worked three years in Undergraduate Admissions at Stanford University and three years at College Counseling Associates. She meets one-on-one with students each week. Her team works with students across the country and around the globe.
What Colleen helps with
Colleen and her team help students find colleges that fit them and build strong applications. They also offer support on specific parts of the process.
- Building a balanced college list
- Researching colleges that match a student's criteria
- Choosing a major
- Developing application essays
- Planning extracurricular activities
- Standardized test preparation and planning
- Getting teacher recommendations
- Reviewing applications before they are submitted
Who Colleen works with
Magna College Consulting works with students and their parents. Clients come from across the country and around the globe. Some families want a full-service plan that runs over two years. Other students want help with only certain steps, such as essays or the college list.
How Colleen works
Students meet one-on-one with their consultant in weekly meetings. Together they look at the student's strengths, academic work and activities. They build a balanced college list and shape a clear story that runs through the whole application. The comprehensive program lasts about two years and is tailored to each student. The hourly program lets students pick single tasks, such as essay development or application review.
Background and qualifications
Colleen McDonough worked in Undergraduate Admissions at Stanford University for three years. She then joined College Counseling Associates for three years. After that, she started her own company and now serves as principal of Magna College Consulting. She is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Her earlier text describes five years of independent consulting.
Colleen McDonough pricing
Programs and services
- Comprehensive program over two years
- Hourly program for specific tasks
- Weekly one-on-one meetings
Colleen McDonough reviews
The CoachVouch take
Colleen spent three years working in Undergraduate Admissions at Stanford University before she began consulting.
Best for families who want a full two-year plan, or students who need help with specific parts of applying.
Common questions
How much does Colleen McDonough charge?
Coaching with Colleen runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Colleen from this page for an exact quote.
What does Colleen McDonough help with?
Colleen McDonough helps with building a balanced college list, researching colleges that match a student's criteria, choosing a major and developing application essays.
Is Colleen McDonough certified?
Colleen McDonough lists: IECA Professional member.
Can I hire Magna College Consulting for just one part of the process?
Yes. The hourly program covers single tasks such as essay development, college list assessment, test planning and application review.
Does Magna College Consulting work with students outside Virginia?
Yes. The team guides students across the country and around the globe.
How do I contact Colleen McDonough?
Send Colleen a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.