pinpoint college planning

Michele McNamee, the founder of Pinpoint College Planning, is committed to helping students and their families navigate the college application process and make informed decisions. As a mother of two boys, Michele became interested in the admissions process when her oldest son was applying to college. Knowing very little at the time, it became her goal to learn as much as she could about the process of applying to college, and her interest led her to pursue more education, certification, and the creation of Pinpoint College Planning.

 

Working directly with students is Michele's favorite part of her job. She understands that the student, along with the support of their family, is the center of the process. Michele uses her experience and education to guide the students but encourages them to learn to make informed decisions for themselves. Michele's passion is helping students find the best colleges that fit their academic interests, abilities, and personal preferences. Though the process can seem overwhelming, Michele leverages her knowledge to offer advice that puts students and their families at ease. Her approach is comprehensive, organized, and positive.

 

Michele feels a strong sense of continuing to volunteer and support students in need with free counseling. Michele volunteered for three years with ScholarMatch, which offers college counseling to under-served students nationwide. Currently, Michele is a volunteer with Futures Northwest, a local non-profit that supports students from

local under-served communities to achieve their career and college dreams

 

Education and Certifications:

Washington State University BA: Communications/Advertising

UCLA Extension Program: Certificate in College Counseling,

Graduate With Distinction

 

Past Volunteer Experience:

Michele has been involved with public schools and students on a volunteer basis since 2004. Most recently, she spent three years as the Co-Chair for the Sehome High School Auction and has served as a Board Member-at-Large for the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation for four years. In addition, she was the Happy Valley Elementary PTA President for two years and served as the Fairhaven Middle School PTA Vice President for one year.

 

Personal Bio:

Michele lives in Bellingham, WA, with her husband, Phil, and loveable dog, Rusty. Michele has two sons; one recently graduated from college in May of 2021, and her youngest lives in Bellingham and works. Before working as an Independent Education Consultant, Michele worked for over twenty years as a freelance graphic designer and enjoyed owning her own business and working independently.

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Professional Organizations:

Michele is a member of HECA (Higher Education Consultants Association), NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling), SACC (Seattle Area College Counselors), as well as PNACAC (Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling).

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