Why Choose an Independent Educational Consultant?

Increasingly, families are turning to independent educational consultants for help in choosing the college or university that offers the best environment for their student’s academic, social and personal growth.  A consultant becomes the student’s advocate, providing assistance throughout the admission process.  Typically, the counseling relationship begins with an evaluation.  The consultant identifies the student’s academic strengths and weaknesses, as well as learns about the student’s personality, interests and dreams for the future.  Then drawing upon years of professional experience, the consultant works with the student to find a school that is an appropriate match.   

Members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) adhere to the following principles:*

• The consultant’s primary obligation is to represent each student accurately, based upon a professional evaluation of the circumstances and requirements of the family.  However, the consulting relationship does not imply guarantee of specific placement.

• The consultant shall neither solicit nor accept compensation from any school, college, or institution in exchange for placement.

• The consultant shall respect the integrity of the consulting relationship, and of all relevant information protecting the privacy of the family.

• The consultant shall present to the family the most appropriate choices, representing each one fairly.  The consultant shall make clear the client’s responsibilities in dealing with any schools, colleges, or institutions.

• The consultant shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin.

*From the IECA brochure "Independent Educational Consultants: Advising Families on Educational Planning"