Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do families hire Independent Educational Consultants?
Answer: The reasons vary. Many families hire IECs because they provide unbiased advice and recommendations based on their extensive knowledge and experience. IECs visit and evaluate campuses each year to stay knowledgeable and up-to-date. IECs who are members of professional organizations and associations are serious professionals who have demonstrated education and experience in the field and can provide reliable information and the individual attention that is necessary to make informed decisions. For some families, finding the right school or college is overwhelming and challenging and they simply want a professional in the field to help them navigate the process.
2. How do we know if we need an educational consultant?
Answer: The decision to hire an educational consultant is a personal one, and not every family will need or want to work with a consultant. Working with an educational consultant can be particularly helpful if your child is: confused about their college options; has limited opportunity to meet with their school guidance counselor; is interested in a less common major or career; has an unusual academic background or admissions profile; or would benefit from one-on-one assistance with college planning and applications. Educational consultants can also be helpful when a student has learning disabilities or other special needs, when families are having difficulty agreeing on college choices, or for students who are particularly anxious about the college admissions process. (Higher Education Consultants Association)
3. Is an educational consultant a replacement for the school guidance counselor?
Answer: Absolutely not! An educational consultant is never a replacement for the school guidance counselor. While an educational consultant can provide more personalized service than your high school guidance counselor may be able to provide, it’s important to understand that your school counselor will still play a vital role in your or your child’s college application process. You should think of your educational consultant as another member of your college planning team, all working together to help your child achieve his or her goals. (Higher Education Consultants Association)
4. What professional organizations are you a member of?
Answer: I am a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, Higher Education Consultants Association, International Association for College Admissions Counseling, and Western Association of College Admissions Counseling.
5. Will you use your personal connections to get me admitted to my top choice college?
Answer: No. I will however, help you demonstrate why you deserve to be admitted.
6. Will you complete my application forms, write my essays, or fill out my financial aid forms?
Answer: No. It is extremely important that you, the student, produce your own, best work. After all, this is what you'll be expected to do in college! I will however, guide you through the process.
7. I really need your help but I don't have any money to pay you. Is there hope for me to get into college?
Answer: Absolutely. Every year I take on Pro Bono students. See the Pro Bono page for the application information.
8. I don't live in Las Vegas but I desperately need your help. Can you still be my IEC?
Answer: Yes. I work with students all over the United States and around the globe.
9. What is the best college in America? Where would YOU send your kid?
Answer: There is a "best college" for every student. No college is perfect! My children will attend the university that is the best fit socially, academically, financially, and spiritually. And, not necessarily in that order!
10. Why do some higher education institutions call themselves a "college" and others a "university"?
Answer: In America, the term college and university is used interchangeably. Some institutions use college out of tradition. In other countries, university is more commonly used.
Answer: The reasons vary. Many families hire IECs because they provide unbiased advice and recommendations based on their extensive knowledge and experience. IECs visit and evaluate campuses each year to stay knowledgeable and up-to-date. IECs who are members of professional organizations and associations are serious professionals who have demonstrated education and experience in the field and can provide reliable information and the individual attention that is necessary to make informed decisions. For some families, finding the right school or college is overwhelming and challenging and they simply want a professional in the field to help them navigate the process.
2. How do we know if we need an educational consultant?
Answer: The decision to hire an educational consultant is a personal one, and not every family will need or want to work with a consultant. Working with an educational consultant can be particularly helpful if your child is: confused about their college options; has limited opportunity to meet with their school guidance counselor; is interested in a less common major or career; has an unusual academic background or admissions profile; or would benefit from one-on-one assistance with college planning and applications. Educational consultants can also be helpful when a student has learning disabilities or other special needs, when families are having difficulty agreeing on college choices, or for students who are particularly anxious about the college admissions process. (Higher Education Consultants Association)
3. Is an educational consultant a replacement for the school guidance counselor?
Answer: Absolutely not! An educational consultant is never a replacement for the school guidance counselor. While an educational consultant can provide more personalized service than your high school guidance counselor may be able to provide, it’s important to understand that your school counselor will still play a vital role in your or your child’s college application process. You should think of your educational consultant as another member of your college planning team, all working together to help your child achieve his or her goals. (Higher Education Consultants Association)
4. What professional organizations are you a member of?
Answer: I am a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, Higher Education Consultants Association, International Association for College Admissions Counseling, and Western Association of College Admissions Counseling.
5. Will you use your personal connections to get me admitted to my top choice college?
Answer: No. I will however, help you demonstrate why you deserve to be admitted.
6. Will you complete my application forms, write my essays, or fill out my financial aid forms?
Answer: No. It is extremely important that you, the student, produce your own, best work. After all, this is what you'll be expected to do in college! I will however, guide you through the process.
7. I really need your help but I don't have any money to pay you. Is there hope for me to get into college?
Answer: Absolutely. Every year I take on Pro Bono students. See the Pro Bono page for the application information.
8. I don't live in Las Vegas but I desperately need your help. Can you still be my IEC?
Answer: Yes. I work with students all over the United States and around the globe.
9. What is the best college in America? Where would YOU send your kid?
Answer: There is a "best college" for every student. No college is perfect! My children will attend the university that is the best fit socially, academically, financially, and spiritually. And, not necessarily in that order!
10. Why do some higher education institutions call themselves a "college" and others a "university"?
Answer: In America, the term college and university is used interchangeably. Some institutions use college out of tradition. In other countries, university is more commonly used.