FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    Contact:

April 21, 2009                                                              Sarah Brachman

                                                                                    Manager of Communications

                                                                                    IECA

                                                                                    703-591-4850, ext. 11

                                                                                    sarah@IECAonline.com

Counselors, Colleges Set to Examine

College Admission in the Recession

In response to the economic downturn, the Independent Educational Consultants Association is hosting a seminar that will explore the impact the recession is having on the college admission process and how continued economic distress can affect the upcoming year. The session will feature Scott Jaschik, editor of Inside Higher Ed, and a panel discussion with several of the nation's leading admission representatives from Stanford University (Richard Shaw), University of Maryland and Lawrence University (WI), among others. The April 29, 2009 half-day program in San Francisco, will conclude with a discussion of the economic impact on the counseling process and how the current climate has impacted student and family educational planning. In response to the serious economic climate, IECA has decided against any admission fee for this program.

The seminar is offered prior to IECA's spring conference in San Francisco, April 29 – May 2, at the Hyatt Regency. The conference is expected to attract over 900 educational consultants, schools, colleges, counselors and special programs for adolescents; it will feature keynote speakers including personal finance guru Jean Chatzky, numerous discussions, and presentations throughout the conference designed to explore the impact of the economy and, just as important, strategies for schools, programs and consultants to thrive.

IECA was founded in 1976 as a nonprofit, professional association of established educational consultants. IECA member educational consultants are professionals who assist students and families with educational decision-making. Their educational backgrounds, specialized training, campus visitations, and professional experience equip them to help students choose schools, colleges, or programs that meet their individual needs and goals. Membership in the association requires consultants to meet IECA's professional standards and subscribe to its Principles of Good Practice. Members continually update their knowledge and maintain skills through IECA-sponsored meetings, workshops, training programs, and information exchanges with colleges, schools, programs and other consultants.

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