Mariana Donahoe
she/her
Mariana Donahoe
About
My name is Mariana Donahoe and I have been a teacher for over 25 years. In addition to teaching Spanish at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, I also teach AVID, a class designed to get students who need a little extra support and guidance into four-year colleges.
I lived in Argentina until I was 16 and finished high school at Temple City High School, in California. I attended Pasadena City College for two years, where I took advantage of their Semester Abroad Program and studied in Oxford, England. I completed my Bachelor of Arts at Cal Poly, Pomona, and attended the University of Southern California graduate school. I got my Master of Arts in Professional Writing and in Counseling Psychology. I still work in the area of mental health and support students who struggle with anxiety and emotional issues. I am an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and the proud mom of a queer child, who is now in college. I live in Southern California with my husband, my daughter, who is in high sch...
I lived in Argentina until I was 16 and finished high school at Temple City High School, in California. I attended Pasadena City College for two years, where I took advantage of their Semester Abroad Program and studied in Oxford, England. I completed my Bachelor of Arts at Cal Poly, Pomona, and attended the University of Southern California graduate school. I got my Master of Arts in Professional Writing and in Counseling Psychology. I still work in the area of mental health and support students who struggle with anxiety and emotional issues. I am an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and the proud mom of a queer child, who is now in college. I live in Southern California with my husband, my daughter, who is in high sch...
Mariana helped students get into:
California State University, Long BeachDePaul University
California State University-Dominguez HillsBoise State University
California Polytechnic State UniversitySan Diego State University
San Francisco State UniversityCalifornia State University, East Bay
California State University, Long Beach
DePaul University
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Boise State University
California Polytechnic State University
San Diego State University
San Francisco State University
California State University, East Bay
Mariana helps with…
Admissions Timeline
Common App
UC Schools
Building a School List
High School Course Selection
Extracurriculars
College Applications & Essays
Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT)
Majors & Careers
Los Angeles
10 years of experience
California Polytechnic State University – BA | Behavioral Science
University of Southern California – MA | Professional Writing
University of Southern California – MA | Counseling Psychology
WACAC
Psychology
Education
Language
Creative Writing
Special Education
First-Generation College Students
LGBTQ+ students
My process
I believe there is a college for every student! It is my passion to help students discover the places where they will fit in and where they will have a positive college experience. Knowing a students strengths and weaknesses, assessing their areas of excellence and need, and giving them a clear plan are three ways in which I work with students towards finding their best fit.
Working with me you can expect a get-to-know-you interview and an assessment of your needs. Do you need to plan your high school courses, find or deepen extracurriculars, narrow your list of potential schools? Setting a plan, whether it is a long term plan or an "I-need-to-get-my act-together-today" plan, is my main focus and I help students stick to the plan and have the best possible outcome for them.
Every student in different, every child has different needs, there is no one-size-fits all. I offer personalized guidance to students looking to get into college and have a wonderful experience once they arrive there.
Working with me you can expect a get-to-know-you interview and an assessment of your needs. Do you need to plan your high school courses, find or deepen extracurriculars, narrow your list of potential schools? Setting a plan, whether it is a long term plan or an "I-need-to-get-my act-together-today" plan, is my main focus and I help students stick to the plan and have the best possible outcome for them.
Every student in different, every child has different needs, there is no one-size-fits all. I offer personalized guidance to students looking to get into college and have a wonderful experience once they arrive there.
Packages
Starter
10 hours
For families looking for guidance as they plan for high school/college admission process.-initial meeting with both parents and student to assess needs (60 min.)-initial meeting with student only (30 min.) -initial meeting with family only (30 min.)-student profile delivered and discussed (60 min. meeting)Student profile will include goals, preferences, intentions.-Roadmap to senior year (60 min. meeting)-4 check ins in 7 months-Q & A w/ family and student (60 min.)
$900($90/hr)
Save 5%
Success
25 hours
For families looking for support across the admissions process.
$2,125($85/hr)
Save 11%
Comprehensive
40 hours
For families looking for comprehensive support in every part of the process.
$3,200($80/hr)
Save 16%
Advising hours
College admissions advising
$95.00 / 60 min
Set a focus for each session or get help with any aspect of the admissions process.
Mariana’s most recent videos
Join a quick meeting
Let’s chat
Any questions? Let’s hop on a quick call to learn more about your needs in the admissions process and how I can approach them
Join a quick meeting
Let’s chat
Any questions? Let’s hop on a quick call to learn more about your needs in the admissions process and how I can approach them
Los Angeles
10 years of experience
California Polytechnic State University – BA | Behavioral Science
University of Southern California – MA | Professional Writing
University of Southern California – MA | Counseling Psychology
WACAC
Psychology
Education
Language
Creative Writing
Special Education
First-Generation College Students
LGBTQ+ students