MCA College Prep
Guiding students through the college preparation process with passion, dedication, and expertise
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Macie Anundson
Macie Anundson
Welcome! My name is Macie Anundson, and I have been privately tutoring students for the SAT and ACT exams for over six years. I have successfully helped dozens of students exceed their goal scores, earn acceptances into dream schools, and build self-confidence to last a lifetime. I am a National Merit Scholar and graduated from the University of Notre Dame with my Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and minor in Studio Arts. I am also a member of the National Honor Society in Neuroscience. After graduation, I served as the Assistant Director of a cognitive brain training center (LearningRx Tysons). Through this role, I furthered my background in neuroscience-based learning and education. I helped students strengthen essential cognitive skills including, but not limited to, long-term memory, processing speed, and logical reasoning.
When designing a learning program, I tailor my approach to each student and focus on their unique learning styles, backgrounds, and goals. After meeting a new student, I create a personalized learning plan that I continually adapt as we progress through our time together. I focus on teaching content, sharing exam-specific testing strategies, and helping students build confidence in their own abilities. It is so rewarding when a student masters a technique we have been practicing for days or answers a challenging question without a hint of doubt. It is an honor to be a mentor and walk alongside these soon-to-be college students during this transformative process.
Outside of the classroom, I love cross-country skiing, hammocking, and any type of outdoor adventure. I'm originally from Minnesota, so I'm always happiest near a lake. My current home is in Northern Virginia, and I never can quite believe how gorgeous the D.C. cherry blossoms are in the spring. I played ultimate frisbee all throughout college, and I loved being part of a such a fun and hard-working team that was always full of laughter. I also am a big fan of every single dog I have ever seen, am always in awe of how beautiful sunsets are, and love any chance I get to spend quality time with my favorite people over a shared meal.
Private Virtual Sessions
Private Virtual Sessions
Private SAT & ACT Tutoring
Private SAT & ACT Tutoring
60 or 90-minute sessions with an experienced coach, 1-5x per week
Personalized focus on your goals
Review one or more sections of the test
Emphasis on score-boosting strategies that are specific to your test
Application Essay Workshop
Application Essay Workshop
60 or 90-minute sessions, as needed
How to showcase your most authentic self in your Common App personal statement and other essays
Insight on essay formatting and structure
Strategies for editing and polishing
College Question Support
College Question Support
60 or 90-minute sessions, as needed
How do I know what college is right for me?
What should I prioritize including or highlighting in my applications?
How do I search for and apply to scholarships outside of my school?
Small-Group Virtual Sessions
Small-Group Virtual Sessions
ACT CrashCourse
ACT CrashCourse
5-day program with 90-minute sessions each day
Accelerated studying for the start of your ACT preparation journey
High-impact strategies and techniques for all sections
SAT CrashCourse
SAT CrashCourse
5-day program with 90-minute sessions each day
Accelerated studying for the start of your SAT preparation journey
High-impact strategies and techniques for all sections
Proctored Practice Exam
Proctored Practice Exam
Full-length practice exam (~3 hours) with simulated testing environment, instructions, and breaks
Optimal preparation for test day
Understand which areas to increase your studying focus before test day
Unsure which session type is best for you or your student? Scroll down for more details or book a free phone consultation
Unsure which session type is best for you or your student? Scroll down for more details or book a free phone consultation
"Macie excels at building confidence in my child's ability to take the test. Kids put so much pressure on themselves, and Macie makes them feel more confident and ready."
"Macie excels at building confidence in my child's ability to take the test. Kids put so much pressure on themselves, and Macie makes them feel more confident and ready."
-Parent of a Class of 2025 student and a Class of 2024 student
-Parent of a Class of 2025 student and a Class of 2024 student
Former Student Outcomes
Former Student Outcomes
*All names changed for privacy purposes. Results of past students may not reflect your results*
Sam
Sam
SAT score
increase from
1380 to 1510
Jordan
Jordan
ACT score
increase from
21 to 28
Avery
Avery
ACT score
increase from
17 to 23
Bailey
Bailey
ACT score
increase from
27 to 31
Taylor
Taylor
ACT score
increase from
31 to 33
"Macie is very knowledgeable surrounding everything on the ACT. A great teacher who makes the learning fun while still holding you accountable to get the score you desire."
"Macie is very knowledgeable surrounding everything on the ACT. A great teacher who makes the learning fun while still holding you accountable to get the score you desire."
-Class of 2024 student
-Class of 2024 student
Letter to Students
Letter to Students
Dear Students,
Congratulations on all of the hard work you have put in both inside and outside of the classroom. High school can be a busy and challenging time, and the college application process can feel daunting. There may be pressure on you from parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, or yourself. I remember feeling like I was being pulled in every direction at once, without enough time for anything. With that in mind, I want to make sure you take a minute to sit back and recognize everything you have done to get to where you are now. You have worked so hard and positively influenced the lives of so many people around you.
As you continue your higher education journey, your impact on your communities and the world is only going to grow. Beginning to study for the SAT or ACT, researching different types of schools, and starting application essays are all important milestones that should be celebrated. The SAT or ACT exam is a big step towards pursuing your passions through college and beyond. That being said, I want to emphasize that this exam is just one of the many steps of this journey. The SAT and ACT are very important, which is why I help students prepare for them, but it is also crucial to remember that there are so many elements that go into a completed application, and even more that go into making you the wonderful and unique person you are. Your strengths, abilities, and ambitions cannot be contained to just one number. As we study for these exams together, I look forward to learning all about what you are passionate about, what inspires you, and your dreams for the future.
I would be honored to get the chance to work with you.
Yours truly,
-Macie
"Macie was amazing when it came to helping me study for the ACT. She was patient, kind, and thoughtful in her teaching approach."
"Macie was amazing when it came to helping me study for the ACT. She was patient, kind, and thoughtful in her teaching approach."
-Class of 2024 student
-Class of 2024 student
Session Type Details
Session Type Details
Private SAT & ACT Tutoring
Private SAT & ACT Tutoring
Private tutoring is the most effective way to prepare for an exam. During private sessions, I work with students to determine their specific strengths and growth areas. Throughout our time together, we can work on a combination of all sections or just focus on one or two in particular. Through the one-on-one setting, we are able to maximize our time and concentrate on what each student needs. We will also practice many different exam-specific strategies.
JumpStart SAT & ACT
JumpStart SAT & ACT
I designed this 5-day small-group program for students who want a launch pad to begin their studying journey, as it can be quite an overwhelming solo undertaking. JumpStart is a great choice whether or not a student has taken a practice or initial exam. Each 90-minute day will be focused on a different section of the exam, with the final day including a comprehensive review and overall score-boosting strategies and techniques. Upon completion of JumpStart, students will have a better understanding of their personal strengths and growth areas, so they know where they need to focus the remainder of their studying before exam day. JumpStart programs will be limited to six students per session.
CrashCourse SAT & ACT
CrashCourse SAT & ACT
I designed this 5-day small-group program for students who have an exam coming up in the near future and want streamlined, focused preparation. CrashCourse is a great choice whether or not a student has already studied for the exam. This program will give crucial strategies and techniques for each section, as well as for the test as a whole. Each 90-minute day will be focused on a different section of the exam, with the final day including a comprehensive review, general strategy, and time for questions. The goal of CrashCourse is for students to make the most of a condensed pre-exam period and increase their studying efficiency. CrashCourse programs will be limited to six students per session.
Proctored Practice Exams
Proctored Practice Exams
One of the best ways to reduce test-day nerves is by practicing a full test day beforehand. During these proctored exams, I will guide students through an entire practice exam with the same order and timing as the true test. They will get an authentic feel for how to maintain focus throughout all sections, how to manage their pacing, and how their energy may feel on test day. These will be group sessions, again with the goal of simulating a true testing experience as much as possible.
Application Essay Workshops
Application Essay Workshops
During these sessions, I will guide students through writing various essays, whether that be for their college applications or scholarship applications. These essays are not typical high school classroom assignments, and I will share techniques and strategies for this specific style of writing. I can help students work through different topic ideas, drafts, and various editing processes.
College Question Support
College Question Support
The college application process is complex, with countless opportunities for questions to arise. During these sessions, I am happy to provide insight into any elements of the research and application process. We can discuss questions such as how to determine what type of college might be the best fit, what to prioritize when choosing a school or program, and how to highlight your goals and accomplishments within each application. I also have extensive experience searching for and applying to scholarships, and I am able to guide students through that process as well.
Reviews from Previous Families
Reviews from Previous Families
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