This project emphasizes Y-Chromosome testing of males surnamed McCool and McCoole, preferably at 37, 67 or 111 STR markers or Big Y SNP test (which includes the aforesaid 111 STR marker test. The optimum use of Y-DNA testing is to check out a questionable paper trail. The more markers tested, or use of the advanced Big Y SNP test, allow for more precise location analysis. Flying blind occasionally does work and when enough McCool family groups have been identified the chance of making a connection is greater. DNA testing has limitations. Predictions may be made of generations back to a common ancestor but they are given as a wide probable range. It is much easier to disprove a paper trail than to confirm one and, for this reason, at least the 37 marker Y-DNA test is recommended. We request male line pedigrees back to the most distant known ancestor. Initials only, along with the most distant ancestor and kit number are used for identification on the public website. Females may order a test kit for McCool males who agree to submit a cheek swab sample. MtDNA testing and the Family Finder application are also allowed for project members, however, owing to the many possible ancestral connections involved, while the administrators can provide input and assistance for these tests outside of the Y DNA testing, they do not get into the details of interpretation. This is up to the person testing and it is therefore recommended that your profile page include a family tree connections/links to assist in following up matching results. Adoptees who suspect McCool connections and persons with surnames other than McCool whose Y-DNA results match closely with project members are also encouraged to join. The DNA results, combined with genealogy research, hopefully will open some new windows for research on the McCool surname. By joining the project, you are giving consent for your information to be anonymously included in ongoing genetic genealogy research. Your personal identity will not be revealed, but your results will be used to better understand the McCool family and their ancestors.