This past week has been filled with reports and arrests regarding college admissions. Arrests in college admissions is something I never thought that I would write! Unethical behaviors including bribes, fraud, and even PHOTOSHOP have no place in my profession. 

As an active member of HECA and IECA (two professional independent counselor associations), and as a Certified Educational Planner (the highest distinction a counselor can hold within our industry), now is a great time to remind parents that the vast number of college counselors within this field operate fairly and ethically. Don't let the actions of one non-affiliated “counselor” taint your view of Independent Educational Consultants (IECs). By affiliating with professional organizations, counselors pledge to act ethically and hold themselves to the standards of these organizations. As professionals we focus on constantly increasing our knowledge and finding the best-fit colleges, along with being a student’s biggest cheerleader and honest confidant throughout the process.

IECs don’t get students admitted—they help students demonstrate why they deserve to be admitted at appropriately chosen schools. We help students find colleges they might not have heard of—often out of their region—and then help students put their best foot forward throughout the college application process.

So, with that said, here are 4 questions that families should ask when hiring an Independent Educational Consultant:

 Does the prospective consultant belong to a professional association, such as IECA and/or HECA?

Does the counselor offer guaranteed admission to a school or a certain minimum dollar value in scholarships? If so, RUN away. 

Does the IEC adhere to the ethical guidelines and rigorous standards for private counselors established by IECA and HECA? 

Does the IEC visit college campuses, along with meeting admissions representatives regularly in order to keep up with new trends, academic changes, and evolving campus cultures? Do they attend professional conferences or training workshops on a regular basis to keep up with regional and national trends and changes in the law? 

Hire someone who is committed to doing what's best for your child and providing you with outstanding service.  At Admit U Consulting, we look to minimize stress and maximize student potential...the right way.  

Thank you for your continued confidence since 2003, Melanie and the Admit U Consulting Team