Why Hire an Independent Educational Consultant?
With New Year’s resolutions in tow, now is a popular time for students and families to consider an independent counselor to help them with the college admissions process. I want to share my experience as an independent college consultant with you to learn more about my profession and see if my services are the right option for your journey.
For over 20 years, I spent most of my professional life balancing my role as a full-time college counselor in a high school setting with a small private practice as an independent college counselor. I am well acquainted with what is expected of a counselor working in a high school vs. the responsibilities of an independent educational consultant (IEC).
College counselors working in high school settings are often over-burdened with hundreds of students in their caseload, and even in smaller high schools, they are tasked with increasing responsibilities—being AP coordinators, planning SAT and ACTs offered at their schools, teaching classes, coaching (I was asked to be the cheer coach one year!)—all on top of the very full-time responsibilities of running an effective college counseling program.
I used to get my feelings hurt when I learned that one of my students used a college counselor outside of school. I would worry that I wasn’t doing a good job or that they didn’t feel supported. Now that I have been in private practice full-time, I realize how short-sighted and silly that was!
The best combination for success is to utilize an excellent college counselor at school AND a great independent college counselor privately. However, hiring an independent college counselor is not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one student and one family doesn’t work for everyone. So, as your family considers hiring a college counselor, or even if we have already worked together and you have younger children for whom you are wondering if we should partner again, these are some things to consider:
INDEPENDANT CONSULTANT CHECKLIST
Credentials: There are a lot of college counselors who’ve successfully helped their children navigate their way to college and erroneously believe their personal experience is enough to help others do the same. A great independent college counselor is invested in professional development and maintaining memberships in organizations that have high standards for their members. Being professional members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), regional associations for college counselors (like WACAC or SACAC), and being Certified Educational Planners (CEP) are all good indicators that their commitment to maintaining the ethical obligations required of their role is a priority. My background in counseling (I hold an MEd in Counselor Education and numerous licenses and certificates in mental health counseling) has served me well. The well-being of my client and their family is the cornerstone of my practice.
Well-traveled: I try to visit about 50 colleges per year based on my incoming classes. For example, right now, I am focusing on my 2025 and 2026 cohorts—which colleges do I need to see that reflect what might be a compatible college fit for them? I spent the day at The University of Alabama’s Honors College last week and am heading to Minnesota to see U Minnesota Minneapolis/St. Paul, Macalester, and Carleton. I have never been, and what better time to see colleges in MN than in winter! Ask counselors that you are considering hiring where they have visited within the last couple of years
Relationships “across the desk”: A well-respected IEC should be working very hard to maintain communication with college admissions representatives all over the world. As a high school counselor in a high school, I had the advantage of meeting with college admissions reps at my school and planning college fairs, college days, and college trips for my students in close collaboration with college admissions staff all over the country. I have maintained these relationships, and as my friends in college admissions advance in their careers and move to other universities, I continue to benefit. However, most college admissions teams are eager to share information with qualified IECs regarding their admissions practices.
Relationships with other IECs: There is a vast community of amazing college counselors with whom I collaborate every day. I am so inspired by what they know, how they advocate for their clients, and how they adapt to the ever-changing and increasingly challenging climate of college admissions. Cooperation and collaboration are the guiding principles, not competition. There are many resources and opportunities for me to stay in close contact with other IECs, so be sure to ask when interviewing an IEC about these relationships.
Relationships with great test prep providers: I work closely with a handful of incredibly qualified test prep partners. I make sure they, too, are staying ahead of the incredible changes happening as colleges grapple with test-optional practices. I like to check in with test prep partners regarding client progress so I can assist families with decisions regarding when and how to test. These relationships are central to what I can offer a client.
Have your child meet the IEC before hiring! Most great IECs emphasize “fit” for the student. Don’t assume that just because I worked well for your oldest, I am well suited for your youngest—let your child help you decide. If an IEC tries to rush you into the relationship, please consider this a red flag.
Ask questions that you prepare in advance, and don’t shy away from uncomfortable questions. I like being asked about client relationships that failed or my personal preferences that might not align with a client; for example, I do not work at the last minute. This might be an expectation that I do not know you have, and directing you to someone else so I avoid being frustrated as much as you do is best!
Do not let fear be your guide! An IEC can offer tremendous value to your family and unburden parents from what has become a ridiculously overcomplicated process. However, if you have a great college counselor available that you trust in your high school and your budget does not support hiring an IEC, you CAN and SHOULD do this without outside help. I like my clients to consider me a worthwhile investment, and nothing pollutes this more than a family feeling like they must hire someone or their child will not get into a good college.
Do not wait! I start taking clients in 8th grade. By the time 11th grade rolls around, it can be done, but opportunities have likely been missed. I like a long runway to help my client develop critical areas of interest and impact. This takes time.
Consider hiring someone who specializes in what you need. I have a few areas of expertise outside of my more typical or traditional clients. For example, clients interested in service academics, playing Division III or even Division II athletics, neurodivergent clients, and those pursuing BFAs fall under my umbrella. Not everyone has experience in these areas, which can cause problems and disappointment if you are not upfront about what your child is considering. A great IEC will be honest about what they can manage and refer you to someone if they don’t feel like what you need is aligned with what they offer.
Do not prioritize in-person college counselors. This can be limiting! Most great IECs work with clients all over the country - I have clients in CA, UT, IL, WI, DC, NY, FL, LA, TX, GA, and CO. I am just as impactful with my little loves who come to my cozy office and snack on my bar cart full of their favorite treats as my precious clients who are two time zones away from me. Do not just look in your own backyard!
Follow my advice above to ensure a potential IEC fits your needs and shares your values because this is one of the more important decisions you will make for your child. Above all else, trust your gut, rely on your instinct, and put your child’s needs first. You cannot go wrong if you follow these simple but often overcomplicated guideposts. You got this!
Whether you’re a student, parent, teacher, or advisor—you recognize the tremendous benefit of higher education and its impact on shaping one’s future. And no matter your role within this incredibly defining decision-making process, it can be a stressful time for you.
I’m here to be your advisor, organizer, tutor, cheerleader, friend, and compass through this journey. I’ve helped over 2,000 students locate and gain acceptance to the college of their dreams, and I’m so excited to help you, too.
Let’s get to work!
-Allie Pierson, Founder