What are recruiting services, Recruiting Advisors and Independent Educational Consultants? Part 3 of 3

What are recruiting services, Recruiting Advisors and Independent Educational Consultants?

Part 3 of 3

The role of the Independent Educational Consultant (IEC)

 

When I started PrepSearch in 2007, I was not certified as an IEC and in fact it took me nearly another decade before I added the certification to my role as College Sports Recruiting Advisor. There are hundreds of professionals certified as Independent Educational Consultants by the National Association for College Admissions Counselors (NACAC) or other organizations. Of those hundreds of IEC’s listed on the NACAC website very few specialize in working exclusively with prospective Student-Athletes like I do. The majority of IEC’s who may work with a PSA’s, may handle these clients in a few different ways. Some IEC’s will consult with other IEC’s like me who only work with PSA’s. Some will refer the client to work with a specialist like me and other will suggest the client work with the IEC and a recruiting service. I don’t necessarily believe there is a right or wrong here, however I’ll say as an Advisor, I naturally would suggest working with and Advisor like myself or an IEC who works with PSA’s. Let me talk about some specifics about what IEC’s do.

An Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) is a professional who helps students and their families navigate the college admissions process. These consultants are typically not affiliated with any specific high school or college, which allows them to provide unbiased guidance to students looking for the best-fit college. Their role is to offer personalized support, advice, and strategies to help students present themselves in the best light during the application process. IECs help students identify colleges that align with their academic interests, extracurricular activities, personal preferences (e.g., size, location, campus culture), and financial resources. They provide an understanding of different colleges and their unique features, helping students avoid making choices based solely on rankings or superficial factors.

Consultants work with students to create a strategic plan for the college application process, which may include deciding on early decision vs. regular decision, selecting the right combination of schools (safety, match, and reach schools), and considering factors like admissions chances and personal preferences. One of the most crucial parts of college applications is the essay or personal statement. Independent consultants help students brainstorm ideas, refine their writing, and ensure their essays reflect their authentic voice and experiences. They help students showcase their strengths, passions, and character traits in ways that resonate with admissions committees. Many selective colleges require or encourage interviews. IECs can conduct mock interviews with students, giving them feedback and helping them feel more confident in presenting themselves effectively.

Consultants guide students on how to choose the right recommenders (teachers, mentors, etc.) and help them understand how to approach these individuals. They may also offer advice on how to strengthen relationships with recommenders to ensure compelling letters of support. While IECs are not financial planners, they can provide advice on navigating the financial aid process, including understanding the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), CSS Profile, and other scholarship opportunities. They may also help families understand the financial aid packages offered by colleges. College applications involve multiple tasks (applications, essays, letters of recommendation, testing, etc.), and the process can feel overwhelming. IECs help students stay organized, manage deadlines, and develop a timeline to keep everything on track.

IECs may specialize in certain types of college admissions, such as highly competitive Ivy League schools, liberal arts colleges, or specific fields (e.g., arts, athletics, STEM). They offer tailored advice to meet the unique demands of those programs, including portfolios, auditions, or athletic recruitment. This is where I suggest to PSA’s to find either an Advisor, IEC specializing with PSA’s or a recruiting service. Once students receive offers of admission, IECs can help them evaluate and compare the different offers based on academic, financial, and personal factors. They may provide insights into making an informed decision about which school to attend.

Key Benefits of Hiring an Independent Educational Consultant or one who specializes in help Prospective Student-Athletes

• Personalized Attention: Unlike school counselors, who often have large caseloads and multiple responsibilities, IECs focus solely on the student and their college application process, providing tailored guidance.
• Expertise: Many IECs have extensive knowledge of the college admissions landscape, including trends in admissions, essay prompts, and strategies for successful applications.
• Stress Reduction: The college application process can be stressful, but working with an IEC can reduce anxiety by offering clear guidance and a roadmap to follow.
• Holistic Support: In addition to academics, IECs help students with extracurricular activities, test prep, and other factors that make them stand out in the application process.

How to Choose an Independent Educational Consultant:

• Experience and Credentials: Look for consultants with a background in education, admissions, or counseling, and check if they are members of professional organizations like the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) or the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners (AICEP).
• Compatibility: Find someone who understands your child’s personality, interests, and academic goals. A good fit is crucial for the success of the college search and application process.
• References and Reviews: Ask for references from other families who have worked with the consultant. You can also check online reviews or ask for testimonials to gauge the consultant’s effectiveness. Keep in mind due to privacy protection of minors there will be few online reviews, but all IEC’s and Advisors provide client testimonials.
• Pricing: Fees for IEC services vary widely, depending on the consultant’s experience and the scope of services provided. Make sure to have a clear understanding of the cost structure up front. I will mention here that I offer two pricing tiers for potential clients. The first tier is priced based on my work with a student and his/her family for one calendar year. My rates for this tier start at $2500.  The second tier I offer to my clients is to work with a clients starting as early as their freshman year all the way through high school. My pricing for this option starts at $5000.

To learn more about PrepSearch and how I’ve helped over 1,700 students attend college through sports since 2007, please explore the rest of my website. For more information about my seminars for high schools and clubs or to inquire about my recruiting advisory services for prospective student-athletes and their families, feel free to complete the contact form on my website at www.prepsearch.net.

If you know a prospective student-athlete in grades 8-12 who could benefit from additional free exposure to college coaches, have them download the new PrepSearch app today! It’s available now for download in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.prepssearchappsapp

https://apps.apple.com/app/prepsearch-app/id6738037970

EM