What is An Educational Consultant?

An independent educational consultant (IEC) is an educator who works directly with students and families to assist in every element of the college search and selection process. Consultants are able to provide individualized attention to each student they work with, and they hold direct knowledge of hundreds of colleges and universities across the country and around the world. Consultants are often available outside of school hours and during school vacations, and they are able to provide consistent guidance and feedback as students and families embark upon one of the most important financial decisions they will ever make. A consultant might be particularly useful for the following types of students and families:

• Intellectually Ambitious Students Who Anticipate Applying to Highly Selective Colleges and Universities:

An increasing number of colleges and universities in the United States accept fewer than 25% of its applicants, with over 25 universities now admitting fewer than ten percent of its pool. While this number represents a small fraction of fantastic colleges and universities across the country, we know that some students and families equate selectivity and prestige with quality. An IEC will provide these students and families with invaluable information about specific institutional priorities and will help students craft authentic and meaningful applications that can stand out in these selective applicant pools. 

• Students Interested in Other Parts of the Country/World: 

Our schools have wonderful counselors, and many of them are deeply familiar with their local institutions–colleges and universities where their students frequently apply. It’s often very hard for school counselors to travel beyond a two hour drive of their schools to learn about more distant colleges and universities. Educational consultants travel to college campuses around the world as part of their practice. They will often hold specialized knowledge of institutions far from a client’s home, and they can be invaluable in expanding an applicant’s horizons. 

• Diverse Learners: 

Students with learning differences will have different needs in the college search and selection process. Educational consultants can help these students identify and pursue success-driven programs at colleges and universities across the country. They can also help to manage what can be an overwhelming process for a learner who needs more time to complete tasks. Finally, they can collaborate with both the high school counselor and the intended destination of the applicant to help advocate for necessary accommodations and services. 

• Students from Marginalized Backgrounds: 

Particularly in the context of a high school, it can sometimes be difficult for students with marginalized identities to feel seen and loved for who they are. An educational consultant–particularly one deeply trained in working with marginalized student populations–can provide a sense of comfort, affirmation, and support as students seek communities that will uplift them. 

• Students and Families Who Seek Peace of Mind:

Let’s face it, the college search and selection process is a stressful, anxiety-inducing time in the lives of most high school students. For families unfamiliar with this process, finding a trusted, consistent, and accurate voice of calm expertise can be invaluable, especially as the chatter of friends, neighbors, and colleagues seems increasingly focused on the choice of an adolescent. Having an expert one phone call, email, or text away gives students and families a feeling of assurance that this process is manageable and well in hand. 

• Students and Families Seeking to Maximize Financial Aid and Scholarships:

In addition to a deep knowledge of the college search and selection process, our consultants also understand the financial aid process at colleges and universities. Consultants can help students and families identify and target institutions that will be both high-quality and affordable. Consultants can help position students for maximum merit awards from both public and private universities, and they can also help families negotiate for the best financial aid offer–especially valuable with the new FAFSA methodology being used in the 2024 award year. 

These are some common reasons why students and families may choose to hire an educational consultant to help them successfully apply to college. Check out these frequently asked questions when considering an IEC.  Each student is unique, and it is their extraordinary combination of talents, strengths, aptitudes, and ambitions that will ultimately determine their future path. Our consultants are excited to play a small role in that journey. Contact us today!