Your Path to College Success Starts Here

Insider expertise and data-informed strategy to help students earn selective admissions and maximize scholarships. Includes a Complimentary 30 to 60 minutes Consultation to see if I am the right fit for your family.

students smiling together

3 Step Process

Strategic Planning

  • College list + fit strategy
  • 4-year academic/testing plan
  • Activities/leadership roadmap

Essays & Applications

  • UC PIQs + Common App essays
  • Activity descriptions that show impact
  • Application tracking and deadlines

Financial Aid & Scholarships

  • FAFSA/CADAA/CSS Profile support
  • Scholarship strategy + editing
  • Award letter review + appeals

Your Roadmap

Freshman / Sophomore

  • Four-year academic & testing plan
  • Early career & major exploration
  • Summer enrichment strategy
  • Dual Enrollment Strategy
Learn More

Junior Year

  • College list & campus-visit game-plan
  • SAT/ACT timeline & prep referrals
  • Summer Program & Internship Evaluation
Get Started

Senior Year

  • Application crunch sessions & real-time edits
  • Scholarship blitz & financial-aid filing
  • Post-admit comparisons
  • Summer bridge—dorm, schedule, packing, life skills
  • Financial aid offer comparisons and strategy
Join Now

Why Families Choose Mrs. McNamara

Mrs. McNamara, M.A., is a former Admissions Evaluator for UC Berkeley and UC Davis and an experienced college counselor who provides personalized, equity-focused guidance to help students gain admission to top universities and secure life-changing scholarships. As a former admissions evaluator, she knows exactly what admissions evaluators are looking for and how to position each student for success.

  • Her proven results: UC admit rate increased 72%
    → 92%; 10 Ivy League acceptances
  • Mrs. McNamara has helped secure 1M+ in scholarships for students
  • Equity-driven support for first-gen, low-income, and underrepresented students
  • Full-service guidance: college lists, applications, essays/PIQs, financial aid, and transitions

Mrs. Rita McNamara, M.A.

College Admissions Consulting

  • Personalized strategy, writing support, and financial aid coaching.
  • School Counseling Credential | UCLA Alum
  • Former UC Berkeley & UC Davis Admissions Evaluator | Columbia
  • University Certified College Advisor
Ms. Rita Mcnamara

Recent Admissions

92% UC Admit Rate

10 Ivy League Accepts

$1M Scholarships Awarded

Based on Results for 2 Admission Cycles at a Local Public High School

Featured Acceptances:

  • UCLA
  • UC Berkeley
  • Yale University
  • Harvard University
  • Cornell University

Ready to get started? Book your complimentary consultation.

What’s Included in Our College Admissions Program

Everything your student needs - from planning to enrollment, unlimited hours, and on-demand availability

College Admissions Planning

College Admissions Planning

Application Materials Support

Application Materials Support

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Post-Acceptance Support

Post-Acceptance Support

Unlimited Hours and On-demand Availability

Unlimited Hours and On-demand Availability

View More Services

View More Services

All-Inclusive Support – From 9th Grade to College Enrollment

Mrs. McNamara guide students and families through every step of the admissions journey.

Strategic Admissions Planning

  • Personalized college list & goals
  • Step-by-step timeline & priorities
  • UC & Common App strategy
  • Waitlist & appeal guidance

Financial Aid & Scholarships

  • FAFSA, CADAA & CSS Profile
  • Award optimization & appeals
  • Scholarship guidance
  • Negotiation support

Essays & Application Strategy

  • Compelling essays & supplements
  • Common App guidance
  • Resume & activity review
  • Polished application materials

Post-Acceptance Support

  • Acceptance decisions
  • Housing & registration help
  • Transition coaching
  • Pre-college prep

Student Preparation

  • Interview preparation
  • SAT/ACT/AP strategy and referrals
  • Extracurricular alignment with major

Roadmap Overview

  • 9-10: academic plan, summer exploration
  • 11: college lists, SAT/ACT, essays begin
  • 12: applications, scholarships, financial aid
  • Senior: orientation, housing, transition
Book a Free College Strategy Call

Clarity in 30 minutes. No pressure, no commitment.

Additional Exclusive Benefits

Personalized guidance for every step of the college journey

One-on-One Expert Support

Mrs. McNamara is a college admissions & finance expert.

  • College admissions & financial guidance
  • Unlimited essay edits with priority turnaround
  • Targeted college list + acceptance analysis
  • Academic planning & strategy
  • Parent updates & family check-ins

Extra Hands-On Assistance

Get more to your starting coaching process:

  • Investigating specific college requirements
  • Keeping track of deadlines
  • Exploring special programs & unique opportunities
  • No cap on time for students and parents
  • Support to manage outcomes & final college choice

Payments

Hourly Services: No minimum hours. Prepayment is required in advance.

  • discover network
  • VISA
  • mastercard
  • apple pay
  • zelle
  • venmo
  • american express

Terms of Service, Disclaimers & Payment Terms

McNamara Consulting is an independent college counseling service and is not affiliated with any school district or university. Services do not guarantee admissions outcomes. Materials provided during services are proprietary and may not be shared beyond the student and parent/guardian. Services may be terminated for any reason. Monthly payment plans are available after initial deposit.

Policies & Scheduling Guidelines

  • Unlimited hours packages include an initial commitment, with the remaining portion completed before the next academic year begins.

  • Senior packages require full commitment prior to the start of senior year.

  • Hourly sessions must be scheduled in advance.

  • Scheduling Policy 24 hours advance notice required to meet. All meetings are scheduled via calendly.com/mcnamaraconsulting or via text. Meetings may be in person at my home office, your house, or on Zoom.

What students and parents say about Mrs. McNamara

At McNamara Consulting, Mrs. McNamara values the trust families place in her and takes pride in guiding students through every step of the college admissions process. Below are testimonials from students and parents who have worked directly with Mrs. McNamara.