HELLO, I'M
Cat McManus
Humor & Humanity in College Admissions Consulting!
College, grad school & transfer admissions coaching / educational consulting & thought-partnership.
Based in Philadelphia, PA, & working worldwide
Services
01
BUILDING STUDENT CAPABILITY
Your student hasn't started 11th grade yet... but you plan to be prepared! You want to think about how to help develop & pursue your student's interests (and good habits!) to stand out from the crowd.
(Ideal for rising 10th graders)
02
APPLICATION SUPPORT
Your student would benefit from comprehensive support throughout the admission process, from "Which colleges should I research?" to "How can I best represent myself in my application?" and everything in between.
(For students entering11th or 12th grade, those seeking to transfer, and those seeking graduate school application support)
03
FINAL APPLICATION REVIEW
Your student has put together a strong application and now you want an expert written review (& a conversation) before you press "submit."
(For students who have completed freshman, transfer or graduate school applications)
04
QUICK CONSULT
Just starting high school? Looking to ballpark where your junior might be competitive? Wherever you or your student is in the college admissions process, you're pretty sure you've got it all under control. But you'd feel better talking strategy, asking questions, and bouncing some ideas off someone who's been there.
(For those who simply have questions that need answers!)
About Cat
With years of admissions experience at Dartmouth College, Princeton University, and the University of Pennsylvania, a deep love of coaching, and a natural tendency toward intellectual omnivorousness, Cat possesses the skills, inclinations, and professional background necessary to help students not only survive but thrive as they prepare college applications. She brings superior organization and communication skills to her interactions with students and families, but also humor, an upbeat persona, and real-ness.
Education
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
Doctoral degree
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education Philadelphia, PA
Doctor of Education; Education Leadership
Dissertation: “Higher Education Institutions’ Motivation to Form and Maintain Relationships With College Access Nonprofits”
Master's degree
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education Philadelphia, PA
Master of Education; Education, Culture & Society
Master's Thesis: “The Experiences of Low-Income Students at Elite Secondary Schools”
Bachelor's degree
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH
Major: Anthropology (cum laude)
Bonus educational experiences:
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Part-time application reader at Penn Carey Law School
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At Dartmouth, I ran the writing center, offering 1:1 tutoring & support for experienced writers as well as for English language learners (while also managing a big student staff!)
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Attended a UK boarding school and have strong familiarity with the A-level/GCSE system, plus the IB/International system
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Experience counseling students in IB, AP, and A-Level programs
Experience
WHERE I’VE WORKED
2014 - present
Independent College Admissions Coach, Consultant & Researcher
2018 - 2020
Development (fundraising/grant-writing) Officer
Benefits Data Trust
2012 - 2017
External Relations, Business Development, Communications, Research Assistant (while F/T doctoral student)
The University of Pennsylvania, Innovation @ Penn's Graduate School of Education
2008 - 2012
Assistant Dean/Regional Director (New England)
The University of Pennsylvania, Undergraduate Admission Office
2004 - 2007
Admission Officer (CA, WA, OR, MO, NJ, DE...)
Princeton University, Undergraduate Admission Office
Testimonials
TRANSFER STUDENT PARENT (RETURNED FOR LAW SCHOOL APPLICATIONS & WAS ADMITTED TO 2 TOP TEN LAW SCHOOLS)
"My daughter loved working with Cat. She was a consummate professional, supportive, and kind all the way through. She helped my daughter finalize her list, stay organized, and served as an extra pair of eyes on her essays. The experience was smooth and painless. I’d happily recommend Cat to any student embarking on this important journey."
FRESHMAN APPLICANT ADMITTED IN EARLY DECISION
Without Cat’s assistance, I don’t know where I’d be today. Starting with the college application process with Cat was one of the best decisions I’ve made: she was with me every step of the way. As a past admissions counselor at top universities, Cat knows what universities are looking for in applications. She knows the strategies that most applicants don’t know. Her general knowledge of universities across the globe is also very useful, as she was able to help me find which colleges were the best fit for me. [Her] help with essays not only helped me write the best essays I’ve written, but it has also tremendously improved my writing skills as a whole. I attribute a lot of my college application successes to [her work].
PARENT OF TWO CHILDREN ADMITTED VIA EARLY DECISION
[TWO DIFFERENT YEARS]
Thank you so much for your wholehearted support and care for [our children]. [Our older daughter] often tells us how much you have helped her, from monthly meetings starting in 10th grade to plan her extracurricular activities, to bi-weekly meetings in 11th and 12th grade to strategize and check on her progress, to helping her apply for summer programs, and tirelessly revising her essays day and night. Without your long-term, selfless support and assistance, [she] would not have been able to achieve her dream school so smoothly.
Additionally, [her sister] is also immensely grateful for your help. [Y]ou endured her challenges... never giving up on her, and persistently supporting her until the very end. Without your unwavering support, [she] would not have been able to receive an offer [of admission to Ivy League University in ED].
Both of our children have been fortunate to receive your tremendous care and kindness. Your support means the world to our family, and we are deeply grateful.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT
"As an international applicant, Cat’s guidance not only helped me navigate through the application process, but also enabled me to produce an application that really reflects my personality. Throughout our conversations, Cat helped me choose and draft stories that accurately portray my unique life path. Cat is a skilled and experienced editor; her comments were insightful and applicable. Cat’s insights turned me to a better story teller and will certainly remain with me in the future. Cat is enthusiastic and determined to produce the best possible application – she knows how to take something good and turn it to perfect. On a personal note, Cat’s quick responses, flexibility and huge smile made me really enjoy working with her."
FRESHMAN APPLICANT ADMITTED IN EARLY DECISION
Overall, I loved the process. The improvements I’m giving you are super specific and I really had to think—because the process was smooth and almost perfect for me. Aside from getting into my top program, I learned so much about myself, got much better at writing, and am more open to people in general.
FRESHMAN APPLICANT DEFERRED THEN ADMITTED TO TOP CHOICE
You were a huge help to [her], and to us, enabling us to be [her] supporters and cheerleaders and parents and not her editors and taskmasters. She took ownership of the process, made her own decisions, and ended up with a wealth of options. Although she continually told us that she did not have a "top choice" she now says that [the school that deferred and then admitted her] has always been her top choice but she didn’t want to say so because she was sure she would not get in.
So the decision is made, she’s on cloud nine, and we’re delighted that she ended up in such a fortunate position.