Meet Your College Admissions Counseling Expert, Deanna McGinity
Background and Approach
I founded STAR College Prep to pursue my passion for helping high school students and their families navigate the college admissions process with clarity and confidence. The process has become increasingly complex, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right structure and steady guidance, it becomes manageable and even empowering.
From the first stages of building a thoughtful college list through the final acceptance decisions, I guide families every step of the way. My approach is grounded in the Strong–Target–Reach framework, ensuring each student has balance, options, and a clear path forward.
I hold a Certificate in College Counseling, with distinction, from UCLA, a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona, and a Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University. Before becoming a College Admissions Consultant, I worked as a recruiter in the private sector, where I spent over a decade helping students develop resumes, strengthen communication skills, and prepare for interviews.
I bring those experiences into my college counseling practice because admissions is about the whole student. Test scores are just one aspect. A student's character, direction, and readiness are equally as important. Every student’s story matters, and it deserves to be presented thoughtfully.
In addition to my private practice, I volunteer with a nonprofit organization supporting high-achieving, first-generation students with college applications, essays, and scholarship searches. This work continues to shape my belief that access, preparation, and steady mentorship make a meaningful difference.
All sessions are conducted virtually, allowing me to support students and families across states and time zones.
If you’re looking for calm, strategic guidance through the college admissions process, I’m here to help.