Parent of 2026 Graduate
“[Our daughter] has really loved working with you and feels so comfortable with all your help so thanks so much. You cannot even know how invaluable this is for us during this time especially when she is not at ease with everyone!"
Parent of 2026 Graduate
"You helped us immensely and I will forever be grateful to you!
You gave [my daughter] so much more than guidance for her college applications; you invested your time, energy and talent. Above all, you offered her a friendship that I know she cherishes and means so much to her. As her mom, there’s nothing better or more special than that. Thank you!"
Mentee (transitioning to a career as IEC)
[Nina] took the time to teach me how to navigate the college application ecosystem, which includes curriculum development, essay writing, résumé development, procuring letters of recommendation, test-taking strategies, building self-awareness, and so much more. By inviting me into her sessions with students (a very privileged opportunity), Nina allowed me to see her approach through an unvarnished lens. Her mentorship illustrated a level of trust and confidence that no one had ever taken the time to show me.
Nina’s knowledge and experience are only surpassed by her kindness and her ability to understand where I was coming from and to “read” my struggles as they arose. Never did she become frustrated; rather, she showed me that there are multiple approaches to achieving successful outcomes. This mindset is reflected in the wide range of students she serves - from students with learning differences and neurodivergence to those navigating trauma or disorders, as well as high achievers. I was able to see it all, which fueled my confidence as I set out on my own path to become an IEC. As we met regularly and my confidence grew, I knew I was on the right path, and Nina continues to be a foundational part of my growth toward a career that is both personally and professionally fulfilling.
Parent of 2025 Graduate
"[My son] was just was saying to me the other day that he was so glad that you were helping him and that he would have never been able to do this on his own. You have been a great fit for him and we so appreciate your guidance, patience, writing/editing/organizational skills, motivation and gentle feedback. He has felt safe with you and motivated by his meetings with you. I do not think he would have stuck with this process if you were not on board. So thank you for your wonderful way of being."
2025 Graduate
“Thank you so much for all of your help and support, it truly means everything to me! I’m so excited to see where I end up and was incredibly lucky to have you throughout this process. I never thought it was possible, but you truly made college apps enjoyable. I’ll make sure that you’re at the top of my list of people to tell when admissions emails come rolling in!
I truly can’t thank you enough!!"
2025 Graduate
"Nina is amazing! The college application process is difficult to navigate on your own, however Nina made it a collaborative, educational, and overall positive experience. She fosters a judgment free environment for innovation and mistakes making the creation of quality essays less stressful with her supportive guidance. Thank you, Nina!"
Parent of 2024 Graduate
“We worked with Nina Rubinstein McDaniel to help with our son's college applications and essays.
Given the college applications have changed so much over the years, and the amount of information was so overwhelming, she was able to help him navigate and communicate exactly what was needed and by when. Nina clearly outlined all the deadlines and the work needed to be done without making him feel more stressed and kept it all positive in working towards his goal. It helped all of us so much as she provided a clear path to where he needed to go while helping manage expectations. Thank you Nina! He has many options so the next step is now choosing one! Five Stars!"
Parent of 2024 Graduate
"I wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for all the incredible support and encouragement you provided for [our daughter] throughout her college application journey. We hired you to help her narrow down her college choices and navigate the often-overwhelming application process, and from the very beginning, you have been nothing short of amazing.
Your consistent guidance and regular meetings with [her] to assist with applications, essays, and everything else involved have been invaluable. Your positive attitude and expertise have made a significant difference, and we are thrilled to share that she has committed to San Diego State! [She] enjoyed every moment spent with you. You made this incredibly stressful process much easier for her (and myself).
Thank you, Nina, for all your outstanding help and guidance. We truly appreciate everything you've done to make this possible. We could not have done this without your help."
Parent of 2026 Graduate
“We really appreciate that you see [our son] and help him convey who he is in these applications. :)"
Parent of 2026 Graduate
"Nina does a GREAT job connecting with adolescents - she meets them where they are while still providing clear structure and recommendations around how they can improve as students and college applicants. We also appreciated that she wasn't focused on getting [our son] into the highest ranked school on US News, but to keep the focus on finding the right school for the right kid.
In terms of helping kids work through the "to do" list, she was masterful. [Our son] looked forward to working with her and the structure that she helped provide really diminished some of the stress/anxiety. Also, her comments on the mechanics, content, and structure of the essays were on-point. Personal statements are painful to write and she provided several exercises to help [our son] work through what story he wanted to tell, how to tell it, and how to incorporate that into his overall application. His essays ended up looking great - really provided personal context to the application, while pointing out some of his strengths as well. "
2026 Transfer Student
“Transferring can feel overwhelming, but Nina has consistently helped me make sense of my options, requirements, and timelines while answering every question with patience and clarity. She has given me honest insight into what different paths might look like and helped me feel more confident in the decisions I am making.
What I appreciate most is how approachable and reassuring she is. Nina never makes me feel rushed or unsure for asking questions, and she genuinely wants me to end up where I will succeed and feel supported.
Her mentorship has made a complicated process feel manageable and empowering."
Nomination for Excellence in Counseling Award, from 2026 Graduate
“I believe that Nina deserves to be recognized with the Excellence in Counseling Award because of her unwavering guidance, compassion, and dedication as I have navigated the college application process — a journey which would have felt deeply overwhelming without her.
When I first met with her to begin writing my personal statement, I knew I held a diverse range of passions, namely my family’s Mexican heritage and my work in criminal justice, but had no idea how to tie them together to form a meaningful narrative. From the very first brainstorming session to the final read-through, Nina walked me through every step. She asked insightful questions that pushed me to think more deeply about my experiences and connect the passions that ultimately defined my mission.
Trying to capture who you are in a single 650-word essay is no easy task, but Nina’s hands-on approach and constant reassurance gave me the confidence I needed to create something I was truly proud of. For me, it was more than just an essay—it marked a pivotal moment in my life, and Nina treated it with the same care and importance that I did. We read through it together more times than I can count, and before submitting it, she checked every last detail, making sure there wasn’t even a comma out of place. This level of care and attention to detail is something she brings to every part of her work with students, and it’s one of the many reasons I think she is so deserving of this award.
Her consistent involvement in every step of the process and her personal investment in each student’s story and success not only shape more thoughtful applications, but lead to personal growth. Working with her helped me gain a clearer picture of the mission I hope to pursue over the next four years and gave me the confidence to embrace it wholeheartedly. Nina’s guidance didn’t just help me create an application I’m proud of—it taught me lessons I’ll carry with me into this next chapter of my life.
I know I’m just one of many students who have had the privilege of working with Nina, but I hope my story shows how deeply impactful her guidance truly is. Her dedication and sincere belief in her students make her truly worthy of the Excellence in Counseling Award."
