A Change is Gonna Come: Preparing Students (and Parents) for College

This session will address how IECs can help prepare students (and parents) for the college transition. Excellent grades, test scores, and extracurriculars helped students get accepted, but what do they need to thrive once they're on campus? We'll explore what colleges see from their vantage points and why this should matter to us. How does parental involvement help or hinder the maturation process? Next, we'll unpack ways for students to develop essential skills during the college application process. Finally, we'll address best practices for helping parents let go of the reins, which can make our jobs easier and more productive!

Advising Your Students on Dual Enrollment Courses

Dual enrollment courses are increasingly popular throughout the United States. How do colleges view these courses? Which courses should you advise your students to take? How do they compare to AP and IB courses in rigor and impact on the college application? Participants can expect to learn from colleges as well as each other as this concept and its iterations vary widely from state to state.

Affordable Education in Canada: Competitive Prices at Mid-sized Universities

One of Canadian high education’s value proposition is affordability, particularly at mid-sized universities that offer an excellent balance of personalized attention and strong academic programs. Our presentation will compare tuition fees and living costs across Canada to demonstrate affordable alternative. Knowing that financial concerns are top of mind for many families, this presentation will highlight more affordable options in Canada while addressing how recent federal immigration policy changes in fact had limited impact on Canadian universities. We will also discuss work-integrated learning opportunities, such as co-op, internships, part-time and post-graduate work opportunities.

AI in College Admissions: Pilots and Future Potential

The panel will present the different ways various stakeholders can use AI in the college admissions process: how colleges are leveraging AI to complement the human review process, how high school counselors are teaching students to use AI as a tool for writing Common App activities descriptions and how IECs can use AI to assess essays for key variables that matter to colleges.

Avoiding Grey's Anatomy Syndrome

In this session, the presenters will provide an overview of what IEC's need to know when working with nursing applicants. Topics will include high school academic choices, the rise in popularity of vocational classes, the personal statement, the role of healthcare-related extracurriculars, direct-admit vs. non-direct admit programs, and the relevance of standardized tests. Presenters will also discuss other considerations such as NCLEX pass rates, access to clinicals, and job outcomes. A variety of perspectives will be shared: one from an IEC who has worked with many nursing students, and two from representatives of competitive direct-admit nursing programs.

Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Exploring Effective Programs for Unique Learners

In this session, we will use case studies to guide consultants in selecting the best programs for students with unique learning profiles. Through in-depth analysis and open dialogue, we’ll examine diverse student profiles, review various program types, and reflect on real-world examples. Attendees will gain insights into the evolving landscape of fee-based college programs, learning how to adapt practices that best support students’ needs. By sharing experiences and lessons learned, IECs can refine their approach and make more informed recommendations for students in today’s dynamic higher education environment.

Building Your IEC Business: What No One Tells You (But We Will)

This session offers practical insights to help IECs build confidence and develop processes to grow sustainable businesses. Presenters will share candid, real-world experiences on business planning, marketing, client management, and work-life balance. With humor and empathy, they’ll discuss strategies for both solo and multi-member practices, emphasizing how both newer and seasoned IECs can navigate their business with confidence and flexibility as their practice grows. Participants will leave with practical takeaways and tools they can implement quickly and effectively.

Candid Camera – Mastering the Video Statement

In the increasingly competitive college admissions landscape, colleges are seeking ways to meet students more authentically. As technology in the application process has shifted, so has the capability for true human connection within the process, which is why we are seeing more schools turning to videos in their applications. This session will explore the art of video statements – dynamic personal narratives that allow applicants to showcase their personalities and provide additional context to their written applications. We will discuss best practices, effective storytelling techniques, and the role of video statements in the admissions process.

Coach Perspectives

Curious about what college coaches are really thinking? Join our panel as coaches share insights on the recruiting process and supporting athletes after enrollment. Learn if they communicate with independent educational consultants, whether students should keep other options open after an offer, and the pros and cons of gap years. We’ll also cover camps and recruiting timelines. Come ready for honest insights and practical tips straight from the coaches themselves!

Collaborating with Other IECs: We are Better Together

No one person knows everything. It is essential to draw on the expertise of other members of our profession to provide the best possible outcomes for our students and families. Collaborating with other IECs is critical at all stages of practice. Join three experienced IECs to discuss best practices for sharing information and determining when and how to collaborate with colleagues.
All presenters have deep experience collaborating with other IECs on Art applications (including portfolio reviews), Athletics, Test Prep strategies, International college counseling, and more.

College Admission Trends You Need to Know

The last few years have resulted in sweeping changes to the college admissions counseling landscape. In this session, NACAC will unpack the latest admissions trends, presenting key takeaways to empower your work as a college counselor. NACAC’s research and analysis will be enriched by perspectives from college and admission counseling professionals. You won’t want to miss this deep dive into the latest shifts in the field.

College Affordability: How to Discuss College Costs with Your Customers

Join the HECA Affordability Committee as they outline the basics of financial aid and how to discuss a college funding plan with your families. We’ll cover basic terminology, timeline, what you might need to know, and when to consult an expert. You’ll leave with a working knowledge and overview of college funding and how to incorporate it into your practice. This will be an information-packed session that will include time for your questions.

Complex Student, Complex Parents: What Do I Do Now?

Supporting students with learning differences, mental health challenges, and co-occurring issues is only part of the equation. This session will help IECs address the often complex family dynamics that accompany these profiles. We’ll explore strategies for balancing the needs of students while managing challenging family systems, fostering effective communication, and advocating for accommodations. With a focus on both student support and family collaboration, you'll leave with tools to build trust, reduce conflict, and ensure a smooth transition to college, all while navigating the evolving admissions landscape and addressing the holistic needs of your students.

Cultivating Personal Guidelines for Ethical Practice in Educational Consulting

This session provides a nonjudgmental, interactive space for educational consultants to navigate professional dilemmas that fall into gray areas. Participants will engage in discussions about real-world scenarios, such as generative AI use in essays, student dishonesty, and parents taking unauthorized actions. Rather than prescribing a single approach, the session focuses on helping consultants create personalized guiding principles tailored to their practices. Through collaborative case studies, participants will develop actionable strategies, leaving with a workbook to support ongoing reflection. Prepare to confidently address the shifting demands of the college admissions process with professionalism and clarity.

Executive Function: The Skills Needed and How They Drive College Success

College consultants will gain practical strategies to help students develop EF skills, improving their chances of success in higher education. Attendees will learn how to identify EF gaps, implement proven coaching techniques, and set students up for long-term success beyond the admissions process.

Helping Your Jewish Students Find a College Home

As Jewish students look for colleges that are a good fit, they often consider how their Jewish identity will influence their college search and application process but are unsure where to begin. Helping Your Jewish Students Find a College Home will offer participants tools, resources, and knowledge to guide Jewish students as they research colleges effectively, prepare students to apply, and plan for a successful transition to campus as they navigate their Jewish identity. Participants will hear about current experiences and opportunities from our conversations with Jewish organizations like Hillel and about the current climate on campuses nationwide.

Here We Go Again: The Latest Changes to Admissions Tests

Another year brings more changes to admissions tests. The digital SAT is now dominant. APs are mostly digital. And we’re three months into a yearlong transition of the ACT that’s adding more complexity — including a new composite score coming this fall. In this session, the panel will give an overview of these changes with special focus on the ACT’s transition and data on how students have navigated the process. The panel will also address shifts in admissions policies and offer guidance to help IECs make recommendations for their students in this changing landscape.

How to Compare the Academic Transcript to High School Profile for App Prep

Learn how high school profiles and unofficial transcripts reveal essential context for evaluating student achievement. This session equips college counselors with tools to analyze these documents, identify key details, and uncover discrepancies. Gain insights into how a student’s academic environment shapes their profile and guide them in crafting compelling applications. Walk away with actionable strategies to enhance your evaluation process, communicate effectively with high schools, and support students in finding their best academic fit. Perfect for both new and experienced counselors!

How to Support Your Clients in the Current College Financial Landscape

Gain crucial insights into the current college financial landscape to enhance your consulting practice. Understand how financial realities impact school selection and student outcomes. Discover the latest trends in college pricing, financial aid policies, and scholarship opportunities. Upon completion, participants will be able to recommend schools that align with both academic fit and financial feasibility, guiding families toward realistic and sustainable college choices.

Meet Them Where They Are: How to Best Maximize Social Media in Your Practice

Whether you use it or not, it’s highly likely that the students you’re working with are “chronically online”. Roughly 90% of Gen Z are on social media and spend anywhere from 60-80% of their time on platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Join us as we unpack the ever changing landscape of social media and how consultants and colleges can utilize it to best serve and engage with their students!

Mindfulness Based Resilience and Self Regulation Strategies for Stress

Join author, psychologist and consultant Dr. Christopher Willard in this workshop for professionals interested in supporting stressed youth with simple mindfulness based strategies for all ages. Dr. Willard will be sharing fun practices that can be used by educators, consultants, and others looking for creative ways to manage stress and boost focus through movement, games, play, and creative activities for all ages. 
Learning differences, cultural differences, developmental differences, and more all affect how kids learn best, and this workshop  discusses tailoring techniques to different learning styles and environments, especially in sessions to boost focus, break through writers block, and reduce stress.  Different techniques will engage different learning styles through arts, sports, games, music, technology and more, for attention spans ranging from 30 seconds to 30 minutes.

Navigating AI in College Admissions: Opportunities and Challenges

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, including higher education. This session will explore AI’s current and future roles in college admissions, focusing on automating and streamlining data-gathering and evaluation processes. We will assess AI’s strengths, weaknesses, flaws, and potential, discussing ethical considerations and risks. Key questions include “How accurate is AI in admissions evaluations?” and “What ethical concerns should administrators consider?” Participants will engage in small group case studies, comparing AI-generated writing with human writing to identify differences and evaluate AI's impact on areas like transcript evaluation, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Navigating Politics in College Admissions

College Admissions has been significantly impacted by politics and world affairs. In what ways is it impacting student college considerations? Can colleges proactively address student/families political concerns, while also supporting their decision-making process? A panel of college admissions professionals and IEC will discuss how politics and the current climate affect student perspectives and choices.

Navigating the College Admissions Process for LGBTQIA+ Youth

The college admissions process is a critical time of growth and exploration, but it can also present unique challenges for LGBTQIA+ youth navigating questions of safety, independence, and self-discovery. Join this Coffee Talk with a seasoned queer consultant who specializes in supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals in their educational journey. This workshop will provide practical tools to help parents, educators, and consultants balance the need for safety with the importance of empowering youth to embrace their adulthood and individuality. Through discussion and shared resources, attendees will leave with actionable strategies to foster inclusive, affirming, and supportive college experiences for LGBTQIA+ students.

Playing Together in the Sandbox: Continually Reinventing Our Roles

We continually navigate working with clients as they also work with high school counselors and college representatives. We ALL play a major role in a student’s journey. Let’s revisit our roles and how we can work together, supporting each other, serving students in the best way possible, always keeping professionalism at the heart of what we do. Hear from seasoned professionals from all sides of the desk. Open conversations together will help us experience a “rebirth” and “rediscover” and even “reinvent” our roles as admissions continues to have its own Renaissance, allowing us to “play well together in the sandbox.”

Preparing Competitive Applicants for Service Academy Admissions & ROTC Awards

Changes in the college admissions landscape have also shaped military academy and ROTC scholarship admissions. Find out the latest updates to both commissioning options, along with new opportunities for cadets and midshipmen. Learn how to give your students a competitive edge when applying. Presenters are former/retired military officers who have spent their careers in Academy and ROTC admissions.

Refocus and Reenergize: Business Practices to Find Your "Why" As An IEC

This session takes IECs through several exercises to refocus and reenergize their practices. The presentation will cover three steps to help the participants refocus, including developing a clear marketing message, identifying their ideal customers, dissecting their customer experiences, and determining the customers they don't want to work with. Next, the session will review three business practices to reenergize IECs and their companies, including determining their value proposition, reevaluating their brand, and redefining their pricing. Participants will leave the session with multiple resources, including videos, articles, self-assessment tools, and eight worksheets to help them apply what they learn.

Small But Mighty: Showcasing Smaller Institutions in Canada and Scotland

This session will cover the benefits of studying at a small Scottish university and Canada's small liberal arts universities. Attendees will learn how small institutions in Scotland and Canada offer numerous pastoral, academic and often financial benefits including; intimate class sizes, personalized mentorship, experiential learning opportunities, and interdisciplinary learning to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. Gain insight and resources to approach the UK college application system (UCAS) with confidence, including the new personal statement.

Successful College Transitions

As education professionals we all want our clients to be successful in both the college admission process and in college.  Come learn how to help your students approach the transition from high school to college.  Learn how colleges help their students bridge that gap and how learning to think critically in college can make all the difference for students.

Tackling the Transition: Tools for Harmonizing Student and Family Expectations

This session equips attendees with proven strategies to help students and families navigate the often-stressful college transition. By focusing on harmonizing expectations, attendees will learn how student self-assessments can serve as powerful tools to foster clear communication with families and support informed decision-making. Through case studies and collaborative discussion, participants will identify common challenges in student-family dynamics and explore practical solutions to address them. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable tools to promote positive relationships, improve outcomes, and ensure a smoother transition to college success for both students and their families.

The UK Student Experience as an International Student

Help your students find the best options for studying and thriving in the UK by exploring how universities support international students in all aspects of student life. This session will provide college counselors with a comprehensive look at UK university offerings, including counseling and mental health support, housing options, accommodations for learning disabilities, healthcare access, career services, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Our experienced speakers will walk you through how to evaluate universities not only for academics but for their student life offerings, ensuring that your students feel supported and prepared to succeed. They will also provide additional insights into resources designed for international students and how they integrate into campus life.

The World is Your Campus: American Education Abroad

As more students seek alternatives to the traditional university path, this session will explore options for pursuing education outside the U.S. We’ll cover American universities abroad, offering U.S. degrees and global cultural experiences. Many of the institutions provide affordable tuition, unique programs, and language opportunities. Student testimonials will demonstrate the direct impact of their school choices. Counselors will gain insights into application processes, financial aid, scholarships, and support systems. By the end, they’ll walk away with a strong toolkit to confidently guide students in exploring education beyond the U.S while still earning an American degree.

To Transfer or Not To Transfer

Sometimes the first step in advising a potential lateral (4-year to 4-year) transfer student is determining if transfer is a suitable option for that student. Through case studies and group discussions, participants will examine key differences between vertical and lateral transfer, then explore case studies in depth to assess whether transfer may be beneficial, disadvantageous, or simply impossible within the context of the sample case. This hands-on approach will equip IECs with practical knowledge for guiding students who hope transfer is the answer.

UCAS Power Hour: Finding Fit, Demystifying the Application Process, and Navigating Conditional Offers for UK Universities

Participants will learn the differences between research-intensive universities, teaching-focused institutions, and specialist schools, how to interpret league tables and rankings, balancing prestige, course fit, and student experience. They will also learn the nuances of the UCAS application system, ensuring students meet requirements for UK university admissions. Finally, participants will learn how to interpret conditional offers, manage student expectations, and prepare for scenarios where students miss their targets.

When is the Right Time to Explore Your Options as a Potential Varsity Athlete?

When you are advising a varsity high school student-athlete, they often come to us awash in disinformation, panic and hot takes. This session arms you with key considerations to share with students empowering them to explore the ways their existing varsity level commitment can elevate their college search regardless of whether they ultimately decide to participate in intercollegiate athletics.