MCA College Prep
Guiding students through the college preparation process with passion, dedication, and expertise
Guiding students through the college preparation process with passion, dedication, and expertise
Do you feel like you . . .
Are constantly up too late trying to finish a million assignments?
Don’t have enough hours in the day to get everything done?
Are stressed out before every test?
Study all the time but aren't earning the grades you want?
Are just barely keeping up?
Wish you had a magic wand that would make everything less overwhelming?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, Academic Coaching would be a great fit for you! Scroll down for more information.
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. I also earned my minor in Studio Arts. Additionally, I am 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. To do this, I 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 confidently. 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 enjoy cross-country skiing, CrossFit, and any type of outdoor adventure. I'm originally from Minnesota, so I am always happiest near a lake. My current home is in Northern Virginia, and I never can quite believe how gorgeous the Washington 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 love dogs, sunsets, and good books.
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 the SAT
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 the ACT
Full-length practice exam (~2-3 hours)
Simulated testing environment, instructions, and breaks
Optimal preparation for test day
Understand which areas to increase your studying focus before test day
60-minute sessions, 1-2+ times a week
How can I study more effectively to earn the grades I want?
When should I study for my tests if I have multiple all in the same week?
How can I get enough sleep and still get everything done?
60 or 90-minute sessions, as needed
How do I share my personal voice in my Common App essay?
What should I even write about for my supplemental essays?
How do I structure, format, and edit my essays?
60 or 90-minute sessions, as needed
How do I know which colleges might be good fits 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?
*All names changed for privacy purposes. Results of past students may not reflect your results*
SAT score
increase from
1380 to 1510
ACT score
increase from
21 to 28
ACT score
increase from
17 to 23
ACT score
increase from
27 to 31
ACT score
increase from
31 to 33
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 captured in 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
The goal of Academic Coaching is to help students get or stay on track, balance their extracurriculars and schoolwork, and take ownership of their learning and schedule through strong, active learning methods. Most importantly, students should walk away from each Academic Coaching session empowered to take charge of their own paths and build up skills that will benefit them well beyond high school and even college. Important note - academic coaching is NOT tutoring! We will not be solving math problems or writing essays, but instead we will discuss various active studying methods. We will create a personalized toolbox for each student full of a variety of studying strategies that are the best fit for their individual learning styles. We will review weekly assignments and commitments, and look ahead in calendars for upcoming test and project dates. This will allow us to create a plan of what exactly needs to be done to be prepared, and when those tasks will take place.
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. We will practice exam-specific strategies and learn exam-specific content. 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.
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. We will discuss their score and how that fits in with their goals.
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.
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.