What Is an IEC?
You do what for a living? I’m often asked this question. I’m an IEC—an Independent Educational Consultant. We provide students and families with individual attention, firsthand knowledge of hundreds of educational opportunities, and the time to explore all educational options. Therefore, I’m first and foremost a student advocate and family resource. As an independent educational consultant, I handle college prep and admissions issues, as a guidance counselor would. Still, you only work with a limited number of families, using your extensive knowledge to open up new opportunities for the student and make the family aware of options they may never have heard about otherwise.
OUR ROLE
We meet with students and families and assist in determining the best-fit schools and programs based on the students’ strengths and interests. As professional college counselors, IECs review the ststudent’srades, extra-curricular activities, volunteer opportunities, and work history. Additionally, we provide recommendations to strengthen their application to best-fit colleges and give students and families unbiased support and recommendations. A virtual college fair to discuss this and more is happening soon. Register here: https://www.nacacattend.org/24VirtualFeb18
College consultants visit colleges and universities nationwide to see firsthand what is happening on our campuses. I’m here to help build a tailor-made college list for your student. We do this by making recommendations for schools that we call safety, target, and reach. It’s critical to be open to feedback and suggestions for your list. Too many reach schools will not yield you the outcome you desire. For example, a list consisting only of Harvard, Columbia, Brown, and Carnegie Mellon is not balanced. A safety school or a school with a high percentage of accepted students does not make it a lower-quality school at all.
IECS ARE SPECIALISTS
Furthermore, if you have a specialization, see if your IEC also does. Look for one who is an expert in athletics if sports is what might be your ticket to college. Do you excel in the areas of music or visual arts? Your consultant should as well. I have a vast network of colleagues to whom I can refer if the subject matter is not an area of expertise for me. For instance, I’m on the autism spectrum. I was born with epilepsy. I often work with students who are on the spectrum or might have some additional challenge to navigate. I had a doctor tell my parents I wasn’t predicted to live past age two. I’I’veefied the odds, and you can too!
HOW WE HELP
We cannot guarantee any admissions outcome. Above all, I do promise to the best of my ability to see that you are viewed as the best applicant possible. Another key point is looking at fit from a financial and social perspective. First and foremost, is the school within your family’s financial range? Secondly, is this campus where you can see yourself thriving socially? Academically? Culturally? All those things are considered as we discuss big and small schools, private or public, in or out of state, and the many more variables that go into picking the right academic environment that best suits you. Are you ready to start finding your best fit? With this in mind, do as many virtual information sessions as possible. Take notes on the sessions you attended. In short, make it your job to be an informed consumer about where you will be spending the next four years.
I want the process to be informative, educational, and fun. I look forward to your call.
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