Why Should You Consider Hiring an Independent Educational Consultant?

Independent Educational Consultants bring a wealth of in-depth information to the college choice and application process that families often forget about as they begin to  make decisions for their students. We are professionals who spend a great deal of time actually walking college campuses and speaking with admissions counselors so that we can keep our fingers on the pulse of the industry. A good college consultant can help separate what is marketing on the part of a college and what is truly important to the choice your student will make. A college consultant will conduct an in-depth review of the student’s academic record, standardized test scores, activities involvement, and special talents that the student brings to the table. In addition, the consultant will spend the time necessary to get a real handle on what both the parents and the student want from the college experience. 

To choose the right college consultant for your family you should look carefully at the credentials that the individual offers. First and foremost, the consultant should be a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), a member of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) and be actively involved in the work of one or both organizations. If you can find someone who is also a Certified Educational Planner (CEP), you have hit the jackpot of professional accreditation and a person who subscribes to ethical standards of conduct that place your student at the center of the process. Choosing a college is about fit and match; it is not trophy hunting. An ethical and reliable consultant will know what schools are a good fit and will help the student develop self-awareness and to be empowered in the process. More and more colleges, both public and private, are beginning to understand that students who use a consultant are more likely to complete a degree at the college where they started than are those who conducted the process on their own. Therefore, using a consultant can result in parents spending a lot less overall to educate their student. If you don’t transfer, you don’t lose either time or credits, both of which cost a great deal of money.

The investment in a well-credentialed consultant offers protection for your academic dollar. While consultants are not inexpensive, neither is the amount you spend on tuition, room and board, and peripheral expenses for the student. You would not think of buying or selling a house without a good realtor to protect you. Why would you spend between $100,000 and $200,000 on a college education without having professional  help that is focused on your student?