Why Use an Independent Education Consultant?

Today we welcome Jeffrey Smith, owner of Academic Quest College Consulting in Charlottesville, to the blog.  Jeff will be conducting a “Navigating the College Admission Process: the List, The Essay and the Money” workshop for us later this month as part of our Champion Adult Learning Academy Young Adult Series. For more information on this workshop visit our website at www.championtutoring.com

Among the uninitiated a common misperception is that hiring an education consultant is a luxury available only to the privileged. This notion has been reinforced by extensive media coverage of consultants such as the former Dartmouth admissions counselor, who in 2008 was charging $40,000 for a comprehensive consultant package while boasting of sky-high Ivy League acceptance rates. Astronomical consulting bills and intimations of insider admission secrets make for attention-grabbing headlines, but are not representative of the fees charged, or the ethics practiced by the vast majority of educational consultants.

A recent study conducted in cooperation with the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) indicated that 26% of high achieving high school seniors used a consultant to help with the college selection and application process. The study also determined that the national average charge for a comprehensive package of services, which may involve meeting with clients over a one-to-two year period, is about $4,000.

In the Charlottesville area comprehensive packages are available for considerably less, with many consultants offering a wide menu of service options. This, however, can still be a significant sum of money to spend on an undertaking that some think can be adequately completely without professional guidance.

So, what are the specific benefits derived from working with an educational consultant?

1. Time and availability. Public school counselors often have a caseload in the hundreds, and a wide array of duties besides providing college guidance to seniors. Educational consultants, on the other hand, typically accept no more than 15-20 new clients a year, are available throughout the summer, and work evenings and weekends. Students are given a high level of personalized attention that encourages self-awareness and greatly improves the odds of finding a good school match.
2. Knowledge and experience. Most consultants have years, if not decades, of experience in education. Consultants spend 20% or more of their time visiting college campuses and meeting with admissions representatives, doing legwork impossible for most families to accomplish.  In addition to traditional college advising, some consultants, like myself, also have experience working with students who are managing academic and social/emotional issues like ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety and depression.
3. Alleviation of stress.  There are thousands of websites devoted to the college selection and admission process. Yet sifting through this vast amount of information and determining what is relevant and reliable can be overwhelming. A consultant can streamline this process and pull only the information that is useful for each student’s particular needs.  A consultant can also provide step-by-step guidance and organizational support through every aspect of the process, from college selection to matriculation.  For many families the greatest benefit is having a neutral third-party to facilitate communication and monitor the progress of the multitude of tasks that have to be managed.
4. It’s a sound investment. About one-third of all students leave their chosen school after the first year, so making a wise choice in the first place can save both time and money. Consultants can also give advice about the financial aid process including completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), need-blind schools and scholarship availability; advice that may provide an immediate financial return on your consulting investment.

The choice of whether to use an education consultant is a highly personal one, but it can be a very cost-effective way to go.  I suggest looking for a consultant who is a member of the IECA.  All IECA members have agreed to a code of ethics that emphasizes finding a good match for each student, rather than promising admission to a particular school.

At the Tufts University information session I attended this past summer the Admissions Counselor told the audience that the total four-year cost for many small, liberal arts schools is now approaching a quarter of a million dollars (Audible gasp!).  The college decision is undoubtedly a major investment that affects families not only financially, but psychologically and emotionally, as well.  The ultimate benefit of hiring an educational consultant may be that you will have peace of mind knowing you have the best information available to make the right decision for everyone.

Jeffrey Smith has over thirty years of experience as a counselor and educator in both public and private settings.  As owner of Academic Quest College Consulting Jeff has a track record of building positive, productive relationships with students from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of academic and personal needs.  To learn more, visit www.academicquest.net