About
Smart College Admission
My office used to sit off the admission office lobby, allowing me to overhear the questions the tour guides got at the end of their tours. It took all I had not to run out and explain that families were asking the wrong questions! This is exactly why I founded Smart College Admission. People were so focused on getting accepted to this highly selective school that they were not evaluating the fit.
What is fit? Think of it this way. The most popular person in school decides to date you. Suddenly, you are hanging out with the in crowd, going to their parties, doing things you never expected, and enjoying the feeling of belonging. But as time passes, you realize you are changing yourself to fit in. You don’t talk about the things you enjoy because they aren’t cool. You stop attending club meetings, avoid old friends, and trade academics for social media posts. You hide your authentic self to gain acceptance. It is an exhausting way to live, and in the long run, no one will care who you hung out with.
Now imagine a place full of friends who share your level of curiosity, social interests, activities, academic interests, and values. A place where you can be your authentic self and be valued for being exactly who you are. In fact, CHOSEN because of who you are! That’s what makes an excellent educational experience. A place that balances challenge (we don’t grow in our comfort zones) with the support to meet them, both in and out of the classroom. Now you are set up to succeed in college.
Smart College Admission helps students navigate the 2500+ four-year colleges to find schools that fit. Some may be names you recognize, others will be new to you. But somewhere there is a school that will say, “THIS person is an amazing fit for OUR Community!” and Smart College Admission will help you get there. Our expertise in both college admissions AND what comes after admission will help you find a school where you will thrive.
Meet the college expert and your coach!
About Me
My name is Holly McCord Duncan, and I love my job! I am a college matchmaker and catalyst for other people’s success. It is so different than what I thought I would do after college, but college opened up opportunities I never imagined, and I want that to be the case for other young adults too.
I have a Bachelor’s degree from Claremont McKenna College, a Master’s degree in College Student Development from Bowling Green State University, and 20+ years of higher ed experience. College admissions is my happy nerd space, and I can talk forever about the changing landscape of higher ed with those who share my passion. But for normal people, I rein in my nerd and boil it down to what is directly relevant to their situation.
I also enjoy working with teenagers. Parents can say ALL the right things, but suddenly, when someone else says it, POOF! Magically, it is heard and acted upon. I raised two boys; I get it. lol. “Silent” partners are still valuable partners!
Our Philosophy
Even if you worked with a college coach since birth, there are no guarantees. We can’t mould you into a “perfect” candidate for some anonymous reader to choose like a piece of art for a museum collection. Nor would we want to! At Smart College Admission, our goal is to find an academic, social, and economic fit where students will thrive. Sometimes that is a big brand name, other times it means introducing you to a hidden gem. The bottom line is we want you to succeed!
