Feel Empowered & Thrive
College Search & Application Support Start to Finish
My Why for this Work:
Turning the College Journey into a Path of Growth and Discovery
I believe in education as a catalyst for change in ourselves and in our world. I believe that learning is one of the most valuable ways we can enrich our lives. The process of earning my undergraduate degree deeply impacted my life and who I am today. Because of that life-changing experience, I want to guide others through the journey of finding the right university for them.
I worked in university admissions + recruitment for 13 years at 3 different universities. My favorite part of this work was the conversations with the students about their dreams! My next favorite thing was to provide families with generalized knowledge about the application process and steps so they might feel empowered to make strategic decisions along the way.
I have reviewed thousands of admissions applications, and hosted countless on-campus visits and events. I’ve done specialized work with music majors and helped students apply to engineering and pre-med programs. I have experience with domestic and international students across all majors and disciplines. I’ve awarded scholarships and explained the reasoning behind denial decisions. I have the knowledge to educate you and the experience to guide you.
Whether you are applying to create your future or you have a student that you wish to support, LET’S MAKE THIS EASY. Let’s not fight with teach other, pull all-nighters at a deadline, or disrupt family dinners. Let’s be curious, creative and let this process be interesting, joyful and full of discovery!
A Network of Support
Whether you are a student, support students or a family entering this process I believe a network of support makes or breaks the ease and success of this process. Everyone will have their roles and belief about what is right but it’s important we remember at the end of the day we are all on the same team. The more open we are to this process and are able to zoom out to see its a journey start to finish will a goal of higher learning the easier it will be. I am here to vcreate and hold much of this process through my offerings. I am here because I am passionate about seeing students, families, and counselors reach their desire outcome,
A STUDENT ATTENDING A SCHOOL FOR HIGHER LEARNING, AND CREATING A FUTURE THEY ARE EXCITED TO STEP INTO .
High School Counselors
Please message me with questions or feedback you may have about the college search and admissions process. Whether you have questions feedback or would like me to speak at your school I would love to partner with you!
I am lit up by public speaking and passionate about higher education and creativity. I’ve hosted hundreds of College Nights and open Q&A’sin my experience at the University of Colorado. I really enjoy connecting and offer this service complementary, with the understanding that I will speak about my supportive offerings! I can’t wait to connect with you.
Family Support
When you register for the supplementary monthly care email for guardians, you will receive guidance and information about your students’ task list for the month. You will understand appropriate ways to support them in achieving their goals for the month as well as feel a little more at ease about this process. When you work with you you and your student are not alone. There is also a section about suggested conversations to have with intentionality to support your student on their journey to feed their passion and life-path with their education.
I find the right language and approach can bring ease and calm back to this process whether it is checking in or having a tough conversation. I have experienced this offering making and breaking the process for some families and students.
Offerings of Support
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Self-Guided Support
Each month, you’ll receive an email packed with next steps, guidance tools, and insights to help you confidently steer through the college search and application process.
If what you’re looking for is a roadmap to keep you on course, this level of support has got you covered! While it doesn’t include one-on-one time with me, you’ll still have access to a wealth of my knowledge through the monthly subscription.
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Light Support
This packages is ideal for families who’ve already been through the college process with another student or feel confident in taking the lead on their own.
You’ll have access to tailored tools and resources, along with one-on-one touch points to ensure you’re hitting all the right milestones. It’s designed to provide just enough expert guidance to keep you on track, while still allowing you the freedom to manage the journey in a way that works best for you.
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Full Support (All Majors)
I understand that some students and families need a bit more support when navigating this process.
if this is you, this package is perfect. You’ll get extra one-on-one time with me to discuss your specific goals, questions, and concerns.
Plus, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the process with tailored insights on where you stand and what's next. It’s all about helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.
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Full Support (Music Major)
I know firsthand that students pursuing music face a much more complex journey. That’s why I’ve created this package to tackle the unique questions and requirements music majors encounter, giving you the guidance you need.
This package includes additional 1:1 time with me to address your goals, questions, and insights needed on next steps —so cultivate more confidence and ease during this process.
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A La Carte
If the existing designed packages don’t feel quite right for you, let's co-create what you desire. Choose from ALL of my individual offerings to create the level of support that you not only need but feels right for you.
If you have questions, need guidance or want to discuss options please feel free to set up a call with me or message me.
“When I applied to for masters programs, Veronica helped guide me through the process. She edited my essays, reviewed my resume, and helped me select the programs that most aligned with my goals and values. Thanks to her help, I got into 5 programs including Carnegie Mellon University and New York University, ultimately deciding to pursue an MA in performing arts administration at NYU.”
-Nora Segura-Barpal, Executive Director of the Music Inclusion Coalition, @musicinclusioncoalition
My Journey & Experience
Southern Illinois University- Carbondale, Student Ambassador
My admissions story started when I was a senior in high school. I went on a college visit to Southern Illinois University- Carbondale and walked into their admissions office. When I arrived, I saw students behind the front desk greeting visitors and leading the campus tours. Something in me ignited and I told my mom that I wanted to work there and help people find their campus. A little over a year later, in 2009, I was hired as a campus tour guide and began working behind that very desk as part of the campus visits program. I remained part of that program until I graduated with my B.S. in Speech Communication.
University of Illinois- Urbana, Senior Admissions Counselor
A few months after graduation, a position opened up at the University of Illinois for an admissions counselor working with the campus visits program and summer registration. Given my undergraduate experience, I was eager to apply. I got the job and proceeded to work as an admissions counselor from 2012-2016. During that time, I supported students from across the US and internationally through the college search and application process. Eventually, because my recruitment territory involved silicon valley, I worked with an exceptional amount of engineering students. I was also the music application liaison and got the opportunity to learn more about the unique experience of musicians through the college search and application process. I reviewed applications across nearly all disciplines, but primarily students applying for programs in liberal arts.
While working at Illinois, I was fortunate enough to also earn my masters degree from the College of Education for Human Resource Development with a particular interest in organizational development and process efficiency.
University of Colorado- Boulder, Director of Music Admissions
Shortly after my Master’s graduation, I left Illinois and went on to become the Director of Admissions for the College of Music at the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2017. While working here, I worked exclusively with students who wanted to major in music or double major in music and another discipline. I supported musicians around the world through the college search process, facilitated lessons with faculty, and supported their application process. I managed the application review process and decision release to families. I also had a small role in the scholarship award process.
Wayshower Consulting
In 2021, I gave birth to identical twins and was called to design a life that allowed me to be present at home. So, in 2022 I left Boulder and began work on “Wayshower Consulting” so that I could support families through the college search and application process. My mission is to support families in making sense of higher education so that you may make sense of your own interests and educational desires, understand what each institution you’re interested in is offering, and go smoothly through the college application process.
Follow for Encouragement, Tips & Resources
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Veronica McClellan, both professionally and personally for nearly a decade. Veronica is a thoughtful and thorough admissions professional. She has a breadth of knowledge about higher education and is dedicated to serving students and their families in exploring post-secondary options. She approaches each student with an open-mind, focusing on their unique qualities and the possibilities that are within their reach.
Veronica possesses the ideal personality for managing the transition from high school to post-secondary opportunities; she is organized, she is mindful, and she is a tremendous advocate. She is incredibly approachable and communicates in a manner that instills a comfortable confidence.”
—Timmi Turley, Higher Education Recruitment + Admissions Professional