Mark Moody, Student-Centered College and Independent High School Admission Counselor

MSquared: Counseling and Coaching For Student Growth and Family Sanity

My core belief, from almost 30 years in college admission and student support:

The college search can be a confidence-building, clarifying journey toward an exciting future—one where students discover strengths, explore possibilities, and practice adult decision-making.

When students are allowed to approach the search intentionally—with curiosity instead of dread, panic or pressure—something shifts.

They start to:

• Understand who they are and to focus on what matters to them

• Build confidence through planning and follow-through

• See futures they didn't know existed

• Make choices based on authentic interests rather than perceived "perfect" outcomes

• Embrace productive discomfort as part of meaningful growth

I bring structure, honesty, and perspective so families can move through the college application experience with clarity and purpose—not panic and reaction.

Based in Saratoga Springs, NY, I work with students across the world and time zones remotely via Zoom.

Mark Moody, Student centered Educational Consulting

Experienced Support, International Perspective

With two decades of leadership in college counseling at great independent schools in the US and abroad, I’ve helped over 1,000 families navigate applications and transitions. I bring the insights from those experiences and professional training in adolescent development to my guidance for families, along with the knowledge from my work in selective college admissions, a wide professional network, and the most current admissions data.

I intentionally work with a limited number of students so I can:

Meet each young person where they are
Tailor the process to their context and needs
Stay in genuine conversation with families
Remain active in the college admission profession: visiting campuses, networking at international conferences, and sharing best practices

I also advise families exploring independent day and boarding high schools, students looking to transfer between colleges, students looking beyond the USA for college, and students living elsewhere who want to come to the US for their university education.

Growth-Focused, Relational Approach

The application journey doesn’t have to be stressful. My process centers on each student’s strengths and interests, encouraging discovery, storytelling, and exploring new possibilities. The goal: a healthy, empowering experience that builds confidence.

The student’s identity, interests, values, and well-being sit at the core of every decision.
I help students write application materials that tell an authentic story in an honest, confident voice.
We use clear timelines, checklists, and meeting cadence to keep work steady instead of crisis‑driven.
With online conferencing as my primary mode of contact, I can meet students wherever they are, at the times that are most convenient.

A Mindset Shift

The conventional wisdom says: Do everything, be "perfect," play it safe to maximize your chances. The college admission fear-marketing machine wants you to prioritize lists of achievements over meaningful impact.

I've learned the opposite is true. Students who chase a single "dream school" outcome while manufacturing a "perfect" profile often miss the mark. Those who take genuine risks, pursue authentic interests, and approach the process with curiosity tend to thrive while becoming more compelling candidates.

There is an enormous amount you can't control in this process. Acknowledging that truth and focusing on your scope of influence makes all the difference.

There's no perfect college—but there are many that could be great for you. College is not just a bumper sticker or sweatshirt. It's a lived, daily experience taking place over critical years in your development. Growth often comes more from the unexpected moments and challenges than from the plan you walked in with.

Exploration and Balance

If you choose to partner with me, expect ethical, high-quality advising plus practical tools for planning and decision-making. My years and relationships in the college admission profession inform everything I do—from guiding timely applications to helping students keep perspective.

If you and your teen are ready to

Approach this milestone rite of passage with a growth mindset
Discover and explore exciting possibilities for their future
Tell their unique story with confidence
Complete applications and essays with minimal stress
Focus on what matters, with perspective and a sense of humor
Move forward after high school with clarity,

Let’s start the conversation.

SCHEDULE AN INITIAL CONSULTATION

Growth-Focused, Relational Approach ​ The application journey doesn’t have to be stressful. My process centers on each student’s strengths and interests, encouraging discovery, storytelling, and exploring new possibilities. The goal: a healthy, empowering experience that builds confidence.

If you choose to partner with me, expect ethical, high-quality advising plus practical tools for planning and decision-making. My years and relationships in the college admission profession inform everything I do—from guiding timely applications to helping students keep perspective.​

​

If you and your teen are ready to

Approach this milestone rite of passage with a growth mindset

Discover and explore exciting possibilities for their future

Tell their unique story with confidence

Complete applications and essays with minimal stress

Focus on what matters, with perspective and a sense of humor

Move forward after high school with clarity,

​

Let’s start the conversation.

Contact Us!

Growth-Focused, Relational Approach

The application journey doesn’t have to be stressful. My process centers on each student’s strengths and interests, encouraging discovery, storytelling, and exploring new possibilities. The goal: a healthy, empowering experience that builds confidence.

If you choose to partner with me, expect ethical, high-quality advising plus practical tools for planning and decision-making. My years and relationships in the college admission profession inform everything I do—from guiding timely applications to helping students keep perspective.