Jesse McTigue talks to a group of high school teens about their academic plans.
A Telluride skier in a racing suit and helmet navigating a slalom course, leaning into a turn with snow spray around their skis.
A Telluride student, tending to green plants growing in raised garden beds inside a greenhouse.
A ballet dancer in front of Telluride mountain-scape practicing outdoors with fall foliage and cloudy sky.
A smiling young Telluride high school student standing in front of colorful abstract wall art, with part of black and white textured artwork visible on the right.
A Telluride athlete in a maroon hoodie and black shorts sitting on the bleachers at a sports field, looking to the side with mountains and trees in the background.
A young student with blond hair smiling, standing in front of a display of colorful skis.

There is an exciting academic path for every student. Discover yours.

JMAC believes that the best paths are unpaved and created from curiosity.

JMAC works individually with motivated students to help them capitalize on their strengths, identify colleges that meet their needs and aspirations, and then craft their story into a compelling application.

JMAC college counseling keeps the student at the center of the process knowing an intentional, honest program leads to  a great outcome.

JMAC College Counseling

A high school student and Jesse McTigue sitting outdoors at Telluride High School discussing college plans.
“It’s really hard to start looking at colleges before you look within and ask yourself, “Who am I? What’s important to me?””
— Jacques Steinberg, co-author The College Conversation

JMAC Students Have Earned Acceptance to:

JMAC promises to:

  • Reduce Stress

    Reduce stress and eliminate the mystery of the college search and application process by making it transparent, organized, inspiring, and achievable.

  • Listen

    Listen to each student to learn their story and unique strengths, which will help them to identify their best-match colleges and universities.

  • Guide

    Guide and empower students in telling their story to college admissions by planning and creating the strongest application possible.

JMAC Tenets:

Circular diagram showing the process of identification, reflection, alignment, and reflection again, with the acronym JMAC at the center.

The JMAC process supports students to identify then leverage their strengths by guiding them in reflecting on their experiences, identifying those areas of strength or passion, and then aligning them with future opportunities.

JMAC Testimonials

  • "Thank you so much for sharing your time, expertise, and kindness with S when he needed it most. You’ve helped him present himself in the best way possible and I am so grateful."

    M. parent from Chicago, IL

  • "Navigating the college admission process with Jesse was a lifesaver. During the whirlwind of junior and senior years, Jesse kept my daughter focused and on track without overwhelming her – or me!"

    K. parent from CO

  • "Words can’t express my gratitude for your help on my college essays. We’ll never for sure what exactly got me into Dartmouth, but I personally believe I couldn’t have made it without you. Thank you for helping me make my dreams come true."

    P. student from CO