Interviewing an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC)

I attended a college information session for Independent Consultants recently and was shocked at the novice questions asked by some of my professional peers. There were at least 5 different consultants who should have already known the answers or could have easily found them on the college website. I thought it remarkable families typically pay these individuals thousands of dollars to help them through a college search and application process when they lack important knowledge and experience. Frankly, I am also very surprised when families hire me without asking me these questions either.

Just like the college search process, finding a good fit or match is important when hiring an IEC. To identify potential candidates consider the services you need. Most IECs offer consulting packages that may range from comprehensive academic advising, college search and list development, to college essay and application assistance. Consider interviewing different IECs before you make a decision.  Here are some questions to consider:

1. What is your academic training to be an educational consultant?
   • Many folks have certificates in college counseling. All of these programs are through University Extension programs. They all require a BA or BS to enroll. UCSD requires 3 online courses; UCLA and Berkeley each require 6 courses.
   • Other individuals are credentialed former high school counselors with Masters degrees and others may come from the college admissions side with Masters in Student Affairs or Higher Education. 
2. Have you ever worked in admissions on a college campus or have you ever been a high school counselor?
   • This is a matter of personal preference. Decide how you feel about it and if it matters to you. It’s valuable experience to have been on one side or the other of an admissions desk.
3. Do you belong to any professional organizations?
   • Why does this matter? This should matter to families because we are all bound by the same standards of ethics as participants in these organizations. At minimum, folks should be in NACAC or WACAC and either HECA or IECA.
   • NACAC – National Association for College Admission Counseling or WACAC – Western Association for College Admission Counseling
   • HECA – Higher Education Consultants Association or IECA – Independent Educational Consultants Association
4. How many colleges have you visited or how many do you visit annually?
   • With thousands of colleges in the US and even more abroad, it is important for consultants to visit and continually expand their knowledge and familiarity with postsecondary institutions.
5. What is the maximum number of clients per class you accept?
   • Depends on the IEC. It’s worth asking to gauge availability and accessibility.
6. Do you have expertise with athletic recruitment, performing arts, learning differences, portfolio development, financial aid, international universities or other specific area needed by your family?
   • This is only relevant if you have a specific need
   • It is important to consider such needs when hiring a consultant. The better you can identify what you need, the better you will be able to find a consultant able to assist you.