about our founder: Katie McDonald

Katie McDonald has been advising students on the college application process for 20 years. Her desire to work in this field stemmed from her own experience working with an independent educational consultant. As a first-generation student, Katie largely attributes her college selection to the guidance and advice offered by this support system. She went on to receive the first softball scholarship awarded at Stanford University, played all four seasons, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1997. She went on to receive an MBA from the Anderson School at UCLA with a focus on marketing and entrepreneurship.

While at UCLA, Katie became interested in advising other students through the college application process. She received her certificate in College Counseling from UCLA and completed her practicum at Mira Costa High School where she focused on mentoring the prospective college athlete.

Professionally, Katie spent much of her early career in the fields of strategic planning and marketing. She worked for Warner Bros. Online’s strategic planning department, helping launch the first entertainment platform on the internet. She also worked for Mattel where she managed the toy and entertainment properties for the number one girl brand in the world, Barbie.

After having kids, Katie decided to dedicate herself full-time to the higher education field. In addition to independently advising students, she was an alumni interviewer for UCLA and Stanford and worked in the admissions office at UCLA where she read applications for their MBA program. In 2012, she co-founded PrepTalk, Inc., a SaaS software platform for colleges to stream live audiences around the globe. The company was later sold to Unigo, Inc.  As the founder of YOUniversity Prep, Katie’s priority is to use her unique perspective and insight to help students position themselves and find their authentic voice during the application process. She attends conferences and visits numerous colleges to stay on top of trends in college admissions.

 Katie is an active community leader and has served as a Girl Scout leader, Boy Scout leader, basketball coach, softball coach, Vice President of Beach Softball’s board, and Room Mom. She is currently a member of the Peninsula Chapter of National Charity League, Treasurer for Palos Verdes Intermediate School’s Booster Board, and Scholastics Agent for the Palos Verdes Maverick Football Program. Katie strongly believes in the importance of education and is passionate about working with motivated students as they navigate this next educational transition so they too can achieve their scholastic aspirations.