FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should we get started with the college search and application process?

High school sophomores are initiating their preparation for the college entrance exam and setting their coursework to meet entry requirements. Juniors are further along in following steps that will set them up for success in pursuing their college dreams. For those who may benefit from the guidance offered through an educational consultant, earlier is better. Setting a strategy map to cover all the necessary steps for college entry is integral to handling the college application process.

2. What are the advantages of hiring an educational consultant?

Educational consultants provide counseling to students and their families in identifying colleges and educational programs that are a good fit. To achieve this goal, educational consultants target student strengths in establishing optimal higher education goals and the means of pursuing these objectives. Educational Consultants help to bring clarity to the ever-changing world of college admissions. While assessing student abilities and interests, educational consultants are able to employ their professional judgment in creating appropriate recommendations that will enhance the college application and admissions journey.

3. What type of students do you focus your consulting business on?

Our practice is geared for a wide range of students who seek to build their image and refine their college application presence. We address the needs of high caliber students who have their eyes set on attending elite universities, while also meeting the needs of capable, college-ready students who seek admission into their preferred schools. In addition, we have a special concentration on athletes, particularly student-athletes looking to participate at the non-scholarship level, as well as special needs students whose academic abilities will allow for success at schools that provide a broad array of accommodations.

4. What services are provided that will benefit a student in the college application and admissions process?

The Services and Pricing page provides our menu of services that will highlight the full range of benefits. More precisely, we strive to clarify a student’s strengths and preferences so that they can make educated choices about potential colleges that are a good fit. Similarly, our goal is to develop an understanding of a student’s personal interests and their potential college major(s) that will allow for success. Equally important, we offer a sounding board for students and their parents to receive answers and information on each facet of the admissions and application process.

5. What is your professional background and specific training as it relates to being an Independent Educational Consultant?

As a school psychologist for the past 32 years, I have had the privilege of facilitating Committee on Special Education meetings, completing and interpreting cognitive and academic assessments and creating and implementing Individualized Education Programs. Working for the NYC Department of Education in Queens, N.Y. at all school levels has provided a solid foundation in assessment, program placement, and data interpretation and student and parent consultation. Professional training as a consultant includes completing the Independent Educational Consultant certificate program from The University of California, Irvine. Additionally, I am a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and have participated in their training programs and attend their national conferences to continually keep up to date with professional trends in the field.
Professional Degrees:
B.A. Psychology, State University of New York, Albany (1981)
M.S. Educational Psychology, State University of New York, Albany (1982)
Professional Certificate of Advanced Study, School Psychology, SUNY Albany (1983)
Independent Educational Consultant Certificate Program, University of California, Irvine (2016)

6. How are the services of an Independent Educational Consultant different from a school guidance counselor?

The primary difference is the depth and breadth of individualized services provided to our students and their families. School counselors serve a valuable and substantial role in addressing academic programming, counseling, school adjustment, college search guidance, and a wide range of needs as a school-oriented resource. As a supplement to these services, the Independent Educational Consultant works in dedicated fashion to guide students through the college admissions process with an eye towards enhancing each component connected to this process. Educational Consultants make it their mission to visit a broad assortment of educational settings as part of their professional training. They gather first-hand knowledge about the merits of universities and educational settings and are able to build a fund of information to guide their recommendations as they relate to a student’s unique profile. Essentially, Educational Consultants seek to polish a student’s profile to help them present their “optimal self” in pursuit of higher education.

7. What type of assistance is provided with regard to financial aid and scholarship information?

Integral to our service menu is a financial aid review, which will assist in identifying anticipated sources of aid in relation to a families’ financial picture. As part of our educational philosophy, we search for schools that will meet academic goals, but also for schools that may offer merit grant scholarships or need-based aid that will soften the financial costs of college attendance. In developing an appropriate college list, it works in our families favor to include schools that will meet and sustain a family’s financial health and provide the prospect of low or no college debt upon graduation.