FAQs

An independent educational consultant (IEC) is a skilled professional who guides students and families through the process of finding, selecting, and applying to colleges that are a good personal fit academically, socially, geographically, and financially.

Fit goes beyond admissions odds and includes academic programs, campus culture, size, location, support services, cost, and the kind of environment where a student is most likely to thrive. My comprehensive packages include several overlapping surveys and questionnaires to discover a student’s college priorities and then we begin building a list from there.

School counselors are incredible resources and I love collaborating with them on your behalf. Often times, school counselors are responsible for hundreds of students and have additional duties related to scheduling, mental health, behavior, and other school or state specific requirements. As an IEC, I work one-on-one with a much smaller cohort of students which allows me to personalize your college planning and application process.

Many students successfully apply to college without the support of an IEC. However, with major changes in the college admissions landscape from year to year and increasing college costs that outpace a family’s ability to pay, a skilled IEC can provide guidance, project management, and sound advice to achieve positive outcomes. An IEC can filter out rumors and eliminate guesswork, allowing you to focus on the process with accurate and credible information.

No. Ethical IECs don’t have magic formulas or inside connections to guarantee outcomes.

No. I help students brainstorm, organize, revise, and strengthen their writing, but the personal statement and all supplemental essays will reflect the student’s voice and be a product of their own effort. All applications will be completed by the student in their entirety.

The ideal time depends on the student, but many families begin in early high school so there is time to select relevant courses, explore activities, plan for standardized testing, and build a college list with overall fit in mind. I work with students in grades 9 - 12 and will personalize your plan accordingly.

This is a student driven process from the beginning. As your college coach, I guide you every step of the way with a mix of encouragement, realism, and tough love when needed. I expect students to be honest, respectful, engaged, hand in assignments on time, do all their own work, and communicate openly throughout our time together. Parents play a role in this process too, providing support from afar, giving students the space to take ownership of their journey. I provide detailed summaries after every meeting and I am always available to discuss any particular concerns parents may have. There are a few milestone family meetings such as setting a college budget, discussing financial aid, and approving the final college list.

I have a range of services including comprehensive packages, essay only help, and pay as you go hourly support. Each has its own price point and I can customize a plan that feels right for you based on your needs and budget. Book your complimentary call to find out more.

Simply contact me and schedule your complimentary consultation. We’ll discuss your needs and how I can best help you. I look forward to speaking with you.