Fairfax, VA

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

 The field of private college counseling has seen explosive growth in recent years, with membership in the Independent Educational Consultants Association more than doubling from 350 to 750 members in the last five years. Nationally, the number of high school seniors hiring educational consultants to assist in their college search and application process has climbed to more than 160,000.

"It has become more critical during this period of fast growth," said IECA Executive Director Mark Sklarow, "that parents be able to distinguish between consultants who are knowledgeable, capable, and ethical from those who make false promises or lack the education and experience to be effective advisors."

The association has created a list of a dozen questions that are central to the decision about hiring an educational consultant (attached). These include inquiries about how many college campuses a consultant visits yearly (recommended: more than 20 annually), to inquiries about education, professional experience, and membership in professional societies.

"It is just as important to see what a consultant says they will and won't do as part of their consulting effort," says Sklarow. "No consultant should make a promise of admission or emphasize 'getting in,' rewrite essays or 'package students.' Look for a consultant who understands that a good result is one in which the student is a good match for a school's offerings, including the academic, social, and cultural environment."

The 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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Mark Sklarow

Executive Director

Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

Fairfax, VA

703-591-4850

First Url: Click here to download IECA's 12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Educational Consultant