Early College Strategy | Real Impact for Future College Success
Strategic, student-centered coaching for 9th and 10th graders focused on building a strong academic and extracurricular foundation. Each package offers personalized guidance to explore interests, develop a college-ready narrative, and make early, confident progress toward future goals.
What's included
My coaching style is both strategic and student-centered. I work with families to demystify the college admissions process early, helping 9th and 10th grade students clarify their interests, build confidence, and take purposeful steps toward a future that excites them. Using a strengths-based approach rooted in positive psychology, I help students identify what makes them unique and guide them in shaping a high school journey that is both authentic and aligned with what top colleges value. Each engagement includes a mix of planning, exploration, and mentorship. I provide clear frameworks, thoughtful questions, and concrete deliverables (from 4-year plans to activity lists to personal brand narratives). But I also serve as a sounding board—someone students and families can trust to help make informed decisions along the way. What sets my coaching apart is my combination of elite admissions expertise (as a former Harvard admissions officer) and my commitment to student empowerment. I believe early high school isn’t just about “getting ahead”—it’s about growing into your potential with clarity and purpose.
- A customized 4-year high school roadmap including recommended courses, extracurriculars, and summer programs that align with competitive college admissions and the student’s unique interests
- A first-draft “spike” narrative to guide activities and positioning, grounded in real student strengths and emerging academic themes
- A curated list of impactful extracurricular ideas and local/national programs for 9th and 10th grade students to build distinction early
- Personalized strengths and career assessments to help students better understand who they are and where they might thrive—academically and professionally
- A short list of relevant majors and potential career paths based on a student’s personality, academic curiosity, and long-term goals
- Hassle-free guidelines for visiting or researching colleges, including a college visit worksheet and a “what to look for” checklist for early exploration
Meet your expert
Nathalie G.
Elite College Admissions Expert | 100+ Students Coached
Nathalie Galindo-Lee has dedicated her career to expanding educational and professional opportunities for individuals worldwide. An accomplished education technology professional, she has held leadership and program management roles at industry-leading companies like 2U, Google Cloud, and Udacity, emerging education/AI startups like Kyros AI, and higher education and college access nonprofits like Harvard College, UC Berkeley and College Track. She combines deep expertise in education, leadership coaching, and technology to drive success. As an Executive Coach, Nathalie is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential and lead with clarity. Her coaching approach centers on partnering with leaders to enable a personalized creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Nathalie is currently pursuing her Associate Certified Coach certification from the International Coaching Federation through Georgetown University's Executive Leadership Coaching program. Finally, Nathalie holds a B.A. from Harvard College, an M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and an M.B.A. from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School; she is pursuing ACC Certification from the International Coaching Federation and will complete the Georgetown Exectuve. She loves living through the ups and downs of early motherhood with her wife and daughter in Maryland, and relishes every opportunity to dance: whether it's a spontaneous living room dance party, salsa dancing with her family, or a line dance nearby.
