
Mark Moody, Student-Centered College and Independent High School Admission Counselor
MSquared: Counseling and Coaching For Student Growth and Family Sanity
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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.
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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
I bring structure, honesty, and perspective so families can navigate the college application experience with clarity and purpose, rather than panic and reaction.
Based in Saratoga Springs, NY, I work with students across the world and time zones remotely via Zoom.


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:
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Meet each young person where they are
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Tailor the process to their context and needs
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Stay in genuine conversation with families
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Remain active in the college admission profession: visiting campuses, networking at international conferences, and sharing best practices
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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
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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.
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The student’s identity, interests, values, and well-being sit at the core of every decision.
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I help students write application materials that tell an authentic story in an honest, confident voice.
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We use clear timelines, checklists, and meeting cadence to keep work steady instead of crisis‑driven.
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With online conferencing as my primary mode of contact, I can meet students wherever they are, at the times that are most convenient.

Exploration and Balance
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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.​
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If you and your teen are ready to
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Approach this milestone rite of passage with a growth mindset
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Discover and explore exciting possibilities for their future
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Tell their unique story with confidence
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Complete applications and essays with minimal stress
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Focus on what matters, with perspective and a sense of humor
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Move forward after high school with clarity,
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