McDonell Education Consulting Services helps high school students discover their authentic voice, transform their stories, and unlock college opportunities.

Risa McDonell is a storyteller, scholar, and experienced mentor.

As principal of McDonell Education Consulting Services, Risa helps her clients distill clarity from complexity, tell compelling stories, and create outstanding college essays. Based in the suburbs of Chicago, Risa serves clients nationwide.

Drawing on Risa’s experience as a higher education consultant and an author and storyteller, McDonell Education Consulting Services offers college essay advisory services tailored to each student’s needs.

Her mission is to transform the often stressful essay-writing process into a transformative experience for students.

HOW WE WORK

Our approach involves creating a process that results in outstanding college essays and fosters self-discovery. We work closely with a small group of students each year, offering brainstorming, structuring, and editing sessions that nurture your student’s unique ideas and writing style.Through a series of personalized one-on-one sessions, we help students identify their personal values, pinpoint significant themes, and craft engaging essays that capture the attention of admissions officers.

Together, we'll create an environment that promotes both academic success and personal growth.

I am passionate about helping students transform uncertainty into clarity through the power of storytelling. I believe that the college essay process is far more than an admissions requirement—it's an opportunity for self-discovery.

When students learn to articulate their values and experiences authentically, they don't just write better essays; they gain confidence for life.

TESTIMONIALS

  • " I was so impressed with the level of personal attention and expert guidance that Risa provided for my son's college application essay. The process was seamless and the end result was a standout essay that truly showcased his unique strengths and achievements. Thanks to Risa’s help, my son was accepted to his dream school and we couldn't be more thrilled. I highly recommend your services to any parent looking to give their child the best chance of success in the college application process."

    Parent, College of the Holy Cross ‘26

  • " Our son needed a significant amount of help with his college application essays. With Risa’s careful and thorough guidance, he was able to understand his unique strengths and achievements and craft a standout essay that showed off his personality and talents. The result was an essay that not only impressed admissions officers, but also helped him win first place in the Moth Story Hour competition."

    Parent, Purdue University Honors College ‘28

  • "When we first started the college application process, my son was completely overwhelmed by the essay requirement. Risa not only helped him find his voice and craft a compelling narrative, but she went above and beyond in every session. She took the time to really understand who my son is as a person, helped him identify stories and experiences that truly mattered to him, and guided him through multiple drafts with patience and expertise. The final essay was authentically his—but elevated in a way we never could have achieved on our own. When he got accepted to his top choice school, we knew her guidance had made all the difference. She didn't just help him write an essay; she helped him gain confidence in his own story. We couldn't be more grateful."

    Parent, Davidson College ‘29

About Risa McDonell, Ph.D.

B.A. English, Duke University
Ph.D., English, Vanderbilt University

College represents an incredible opportunity for students to explore their potential and pursue their passions. However, the college application process can often feel overwhelming and stressful. My mission is to guide students through the challenging process of writing their college admissions essays and help them discover their unique voice to create powerful essays that truly stand out.

With years of experience in educational consulting, I have developed a deep understanding of the college application process. I am dedicated to assisting students in successfully navigating their academic journeys. Alongside my expertise in educational consulting, I am an accomplished writer and storyteller. I possess a remarkable ability to craft engaging narratives that capture attention and inspire action. As a four-time champion of the Moth Story Slam, I have fine-tuned the art of storytelling and can deliver captivating stories tailored to individual needs and interests.

I am based in Libertyville, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, but I work remotely with students from all locations. Your first consultation with me is free of charge. To get started on your journey to crafting a memorable college admissions essay, book a consultation today.

Let’s get started.