Absolutely not! While there are plenty of consultants out there making big promises, ethical IECs don't have magic formulas and can't guarantee outcomes. Our job is to help guide and support a PROCESS that we believe sets our clients up for outcomes that they can be happy with, but we can't guarantee anything in the rapidly changing and evolving college admissions landscape, particularly with admissions to highly selective schools. Our value lies in helping families to understand and manage a complex process, reduce stress, and help to connect students with best-fit schools where they can thrive.

While I understand that parents are doing due diligence in asking this question when researching consultants, I like to gently push back on this to say that the students I work with have gotten themselves into their chosen schools through their commitment, hard work, and personal qualities and talents. This is not my doing. I can confirm that I have supported students who have gained admission to every type of school on the range of selectivity from the most highly selective/rejective to the most inclusive in their admissions policies. And am I absolutely thrilled for each and every acceptance that my clients receive!

Many students successfully apply to college without the support of an IEC, particularly if the counseling services at their high school are strong, or they have engaged adults in their lives to help with the process. However, with major shifts in the college admissions landscape, increasing competition at the top schools and state flagships, unpredictable employment outcomes for new college graduates, and ballooning college costs far outpacing a family’s ability to pay, parents and students alike are feeling pressure. A skilled IEC can provide expertise, guidance, and project management support to help identify a balanced list of schools to achieve positive outcomes.

I find it helpful for families to consider the overall cost of college in their financial planning, and compare that with the relatively modest investment in IEC services that might help them save on these costs. This might be through identifying affordable, best-fit schools, or connecting their student with options where they can thrive and reduce time and expenses on potential transfer due to lack of fit. IECs also tailor their services to their clients and provide highly responsive, custom support, thus reducing time and stress and overwhelm for families.