S2EP96-Stephanie Simpson-The College Application Rollercoaster: Tips & Tricks

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the college application process or wondered how to best support your homeschooler, then you’re in for a treat with today’s episode featuring the fabulous Stephanie Simpson! As the leading lady of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, Stephanie opens up about the crucial role IECs play in helping families navigate the complex educational landscape. She brings her personal and professional experiences to the table, sharing stories of her own children’s educational journeys, including the ups and downs of homeschooling and returning to public school.Throughout our conversation, we explore the evolving needs of families in education and how IECs serve as trusted partners in this journey. Stephanie breaks down what it means to have an independent consultant in your corner, guiding families through everything from transcript creation to understanding college admissions requirements. She emphasizes the importance of early planning and the power of personalized support, reminding us that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to education. With a sprinkle of humor and a wealth of insights, this episode is all about empowering parents to seek the help they need to ensure their kids are set up for success in their educational endeavors. So buckle up, because this chat is going to equip you with all the tools you need to navigate the exciting, albeit sometimes bumpy, road ahead! Stephanie Simpson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), the leading professional organization representing independent private college and career counselors who support students and families navigating postsecondary education pathways. Previously, she served as CEO of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), the world's largest and oldest professional association dedicated to helping middle school educators cultivate the potential and possibilities of young adolescents. Stephanie’s nearly 15 years of association leadership experience includes senior roles at the American College of Cardiology and the American Psychiatric Association. She holds a JD from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and a BA from DePaul University. Stephanie's WebsiteBringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kidsFollow us on these socials:FacebookLinkedInYouTubeInstagramFacebook Group - The Family Learning CircleFacebook Business Page: Vibrant Family EducationSupport Bringing Education HomeCopyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-AvrittThis podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the college application process or wondered how to best support your homeschooler, then you’re in for a treat with today’s episode featuring the fabulous Stephanie Simpson! As the leading lady of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, Stephanie opens up about the crucial role IECs play in helping families navigate the complex educational landscape. She brings her personal and professional experiences to the table, sharing stories of her own children’s educational journeys, including the ups and downs of homeschooling and returning to public school. Throughout our conversation, we explore the evolving needs of families in education and how IECs serve as trusted partners in this journey. Stephanie breaks down what it means to have an independent consultant in your corner, guiding families through everything from transcript creation to understanding college admissions requirements. She emphasizes the importance of early planning and the power of personalized support, reminding us that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to education. With a sprinkle of humor and a wealth of insights, this episode is all about empowering parents to seek the help they need to ensure their kids are set up for success in their educational endeavors. So buckle up, because this chat is going to equip you with all the tools you need to navigate the exciting, albeit sometimes bumpy, road ahead! If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the college application process or wondered how to best support your homeschooler, then you’re in for a treat with today’s episode featuring the fabulous Stephanie Simpson! As the leading lady of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, Stephanie opens up about the crucial role IECs play in helping families navigate the complex educational landscape. She brings her personal and professional experiences to the table, sharing stories of her own children’s educational journeys, including the ups and downs of homeschooling and returning to public school. Throughout our conversation, we explore the evolving needs of families in education and how IECs serve as trusted partners in this journey. Stephanie breaks down what it means to have an independent consultant in your corner, guiding families through everything from transcript creation to understanding college admissions requirements. She emphasizes the importance of early planning and the power of personalized support, reminding us that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to education. With a sprinkle of humor and a wealth of insights, this episode is all about empowering parents to seek the help they need to ensure their kids are set up for success in their educational endeavors. So buckle up, because this chat is going to equip you with all the tools you need to navigate the exciting, albeit sometimes bumpy, road ahead!