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Notes from the IECA annual conference - 2026
Three days at IECA's 50th annual conference in Baltimore left me with a lot to think about: on AI in admissions, what the research says about purpose-driven students, and why international universities deserve a real conversation.

Nathalie Galindo-Lee
6 days ago4 min read


What the New Federal Aid Rules Mean for Families of Rising Seniors
Learn about Financial Aid and College Planning, take the new changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into consideration for college planning.

Nathalie Galindo-Lee
May 256 min read


Summer Before Senior Year: The 90-Day Roadmap for College-Ready Students
Summer Before Senior Year: The 90-Day Roadmap for College-Ready Students
The summer before senior year is a pivotal moment in the college admissions timeline, but it shouldn't be a frantic sprint. Discover how to strategically balance application prep and deeper engagement with crucial rest and recharge time—setting your student up for a confident, burnout-free fall. Read the month-by-month framework from a former Harvard Admissions Officer.

Nathalie Galindo-Lee
May 256 min read


Decision Season: How to Help Your Student Navigate Multiple Acceptances
Your student has multiple college acceptances—now what? Former Harvard Admissions Officer Nathalie Galindo Lee shares a practical framework for navigating decision season, comparing financial aid packages, and helping your student choose the right school before the May 1 deadline.

Nathalie Galindo-Lee
Apr 96 min read


Junior Year of High School - Spring Checklist: Critical Steps Before Senior Year Begins
Starting college conversations in earnest? In this post, Nathalie shares tips and critical steps to take in spring of the junior year of high school to create a smoother transition for you and your family into college application season.

Nathalie Galindo-Lee
Mar 175 min read


Early Decisions Are Arriving Soon. Here’s How to Prepare — and How to Receive the News with Aplomb.
As Early Decision results roll out in the coming days, students and families may feel a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. This post offers grounded guidance on how to prepare for the moment — and how to receive any outcome with clarity, steadiness, and grace.

Nathalie Galindo-Lee
Dec 9, 20252 min read


Last Minute AP Prep? Here’s How to Make the Most of Your Study Time
Study smarter, not harder! Here are some last minute strategies to manage your time and studying effectively.

Nathalie Galindo-Lee
May 1, 20252 min read


What Can Families Do When Entry-Level Jobs Are Disappearing to AI? College Planning in the AI Economy
When AI is taking over entry level work, what can students and families do today to future-proof college graduates' careers? Nathalie shares one key type of college to consider adding to your college list

Nathalie Galindo-Lee
Apr 30, 20252 min read


Spring Into Action: What Students Should Focus On Right Now for College Success
As flowers bloom and the school year winds down, April is the perfect time for students to pause, reflect, and get intentional about their college goals. Whether you're a freshman just starting out or a junior gearing up for applications, this guide breaks down exactly what to focus on right now to stay on track—and thrive.

Nathalie Galindo-Lee
Apr 15, 20252 min read


Digital Navigators: The Ultimate Tech College Prep Tech Tools
The right tech stack can turn a stressful college prep process into an organized, manageable one. Here's where to start. In the era of digital innovation, students embarking on their college prep journey have a plenty of tech tools at their disposal. These tools can transform a daunting process into an organized, efficient, and even enjoyable adventure. From managing deadlines to preparing for standardized tests, here’s a rundown of some interesting tech tools that can help y

Nathalie Galindo-Lee
Apr 4, 20243 min read


8 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a College Prep Counselor
Find your perfect college prep counselor Whether you're a student stressed out about the college process or a parent looking to better support your child, the journey to college can feel confusing and overwhelming. With so many different potential pathways to higher education, securing the help of a college admissions counselor (also known as admissions coach or college admissions consultant) can be a critical step in navigating the journey. But how to choose the right one fo

Nathalie Galindo-Lee
Apr 2, 20243 min read


The Balanced Parent’s Guide to College Admissions - College Admissions Advice for Parents
Welcome to the world of college admissions, a journey both exciting and daunting for students and parents alike. As an independent admissions coach with a background as a Harvard Admissions Officer, I have the privilege of guiding families through this intricate maze. The path to college is as unique as each student, and every parent I collaborate with shares a common goal: to open the doors of opportunity for their teens. The college admissions journey is about finding the r

Nathalie Galindo-Lee
Nov 17, 20237 min read
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