Why Use an Educational Consultant?

Parents often ask why they can’t just research and apply to schools on their own, especially with so much information on the internet.  They certainly can, and it sometimes works out fine.  However, a consultant is a “student of schools” who has researched boarding schools, colleges and programs throughout the country. Consultants visit schools on their own, go on consultant tours of 5-10 schools in a week, and attend educational conferences.  They work with so many applicants over the years that they get to be very good at predicting outcomes and making recommendations.  

Families who base the decision of which schools to apply to on old reputations, comments from friends, or school or college marketing materials often end up disappointed.  I have had clients who wanted to find wonderful nurturing boarding schools for their struggling students, but came to me with lists of schools that missed the mark. Consultants are experts on school and college choice and can give you the advice and guidance to help your family make the best decision for future education.

 And finally, consultants are effective in working with many types of family dynamics and in helping teenagers to take ownership of the admissions process.  Consultants help students develop their essays and put their best foot forward in the application process, while also assuring that the student’s work is his own.

If you chose to use a consultant, it is recommended that you select one who has achieved Professional Member status with IECA, (Independent Educational Consultants Association). IECA sets the standard for the profession of educational consulting.  Prospective members are elected only after visiting a set number of schools and programs, providing evidence of a successful practice, exhibiting a professional background and qualifications, and submitting letters of reference from admissions deans or others in the field.  Kristin White is a professional member of IECA.