COLLEGE SHARKS MISSION STATEMENT
College Sharks exists to take a bite out of college admissions—and lower family stress while doing it.
No credit card required.
Mission Statement
We believe every family deserves expert college guidance without the high price tag of personal one-on-one consulting.
That’s why we created an affordable, digital platform filled with bite-sized videos, workbooks, and monthly checklists that guide students and parents step-by-step through the college process.
We help families:
Find best-fit schools—academically, socially, geographically, and financially
Understand what matters in admissions (and what doesn’t)
Maximize merit aid and avoid overpaying for college
Communicate better through a stressful time
Feel in control and confident in their plan
Led by seasoned professionals who’ve worked with thousands of students, College Sharks is high-touch strategy in a high-tech package—a new, realistic way to make college admissions work for real families.
What We Do
- Step-by-step video guidance on timelines and tasks
- Tools to build smart college lists
- Expert advice on essays, testing, and applications
- Monthly checklists and live Q&A
What Families Get
- Opportunities for merit aid that save thousands
- A smart, best-fit college list that saves time and money
- Less stress and more confidence throughout the process
- Better communication between parents and teens
- Admissions success at schools that feel like home
Lee Norwood’s Background
Lee Norwood brings over 8 years of expertise in college admissions and has guided hundreds of families through the ever-changing landscape of higher education. She’s the founder of College Sharks and Annapolis College Consulting, two powerhouse platforms known for cutting through the noise, simplifying the process, and helping families make smart, financially sound college decisions.
Lee has spent years in admissions advising and educational leadership, developing a reputation for her no-nonsense, fact-based guidance and her uncanny ability to “speak teenager.” Her background also includes public speaking, coaching, and fitness instruction—skills that now fuel her energetic, motivating, and deeply human approach to education consulting.
- Visited over 350 colleges and universities
- Been featured in USA Today, Forbes, Business Insider, MSN, CEO Weekly, and more
- Spoken at national conferences, including NACAC and College Essay Guy panels
- Led a team of expert IECs who bring strategy and heart to every student’s journey
- Helped families earn an average of $65,000–$100,000 in merit aid
MEET THE FOUNDER & CEO
Marcy Cowan’s Background
Marcy has over 25 years full and part-time experience helping students on their college-bound journey. During her professional career as a regulatory lawyer for 3 multinational corporations, she also interviewed applicants for her alma mater, Georgetown University, and became known among her children’s Atlanta International School as someone who understood how college admissions work. She’s the co-founder with Lee of College Sharks. Marcy also leads Annapolis College Consulting’s Essay Resource Group, and has developed a methodology, rubric and brainstorming exercises to help students write powerhouse essays that make them stand out.
The daughter of her AP English teacher, Marcy has been a writer and storyteller her entire life. She is valued by her students for her laid back and empathetic nature, her connection with her students and her deep creativity.
How We Make College Admissions Fun
We gamify the process.
- Instead of a massive to-do list, we deliver:
- Bite-sized video lessons that feel manageable
- Monthly “missions” so students know what to do and why it matters
- A sense of progress and momentum = motivation!
We “speak teenager.”
- Forget dry lectures and robotic advice. We use:
- Conversational language and humor that keep students engaged
- A tone that’s real, motivating, and relatable
- Stories, not scare tactics
We build confidence through clarity.
- Fun comes when stress goes down. We:
- Break down confusing topics (FAFSA, supplements, testing)
- Show families how to win merit aid and avoid overpaying
- Replace guesswork with a clear plan
We highlight self-discovery.
- Instead of just "getting in," we help students:
- Discover their strengths and values
- Reflect through essays and assessments
- Get excited about their own journey—not someone else’s checklist
- We use a modern, digital format.