Independent Educational Consultant vs. Guidance Counselor: What is the Difference?

Within the past several weeks you have been introduced to The Collegeologist blog and hopefully gained some insight from the subject matter, especially if you are the parent of a college bound student.  In this time I too have come to understand that few actually know what an independent educational consultant is.  I have received emails from people wondering about the purpose of a consultant and the differences between a consultant and high school guidance counselor. In response to these questions I wish to provide some answers in this post.

First, an independent educational consultant provides individualized attention and assistance for students and parents by helping them appropriately define college choices, therapeutic schools, or boarding school placements for a student.  The professional’s role is to provide direction in the choices that need to be made which should ultimately compliment a student’s academic, social, and emotional needs.  As professionals, we are privy to hundreds of educational opportunities and resources, travel extensively to learn first-hand about schools and college campuses, and are experienced in helping students deliberate the many factors in the decision making process.  Moreover, consultants can devote more time to the needs of students and families because they have only one obligation, which is to meet the needs of the student.  Conversely, school counselors have a  large caseload, very often exceeding the American School Counselor Association’s recommended student to counselor of 250:1, and responsiblities that include attending to the academic and social/emotional issues of the student body.  On the other hand, for educational consultant there are no scheduling constraints, no unrelated obligations to perform, and the amount of clients a consultant commits to is limited in order to render personalized professional service.  Some practices hone in on one particular specialty while others can have multi-faceted practices.  Notwithstanding, consultants adhere to the highest  professional and ethical standards of practice set forth by the professional associations to which they belong.   

If one were to seek the guidance of an independent educational consultant, he or she should chose someone who is affiliated with a professional association. There are two main professional organizations: The Indendent Education Consultants Association (IECA) and the Higher Edcuation Consultants Association (HECA).  Additionally, there is also the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and The New England Association of College Admission Counseling (NEACAC), which are organizations with members that are both independents, guidance cousnselors, and admission professionals. All associations have strict criteria for membership and require extensive experience in one’s field. Membership criteria for IECA  for instance includes: attainment of a master’s degree or higher, at least three years of admission counseling experience, a minimum amount of students advised,  a minimum amount of evaluative campus visitations,  at least three professional references from admissions officers or colleagues, and demonstrated work with students before an application is even considered for membership. Investing wisely in the high cost of higher education and recognizng the importance of  matching a student with the right institution are very significant.

Families working with an IECA consultant can expect a professional practice where the emphasis of discussion is placed on the student’s strengths and weaknesses, interests and talents, needs and educational objectives. By recommending possibilities pertaining to cost, location, curriculum, activities, and institutional atmosphere, the goal is to guide the student toward finding the “best fit” school where he or she has the ability to  thrive.

As for The Collegeologist, families seeking advisement with respect to the college admission process can expect access to the knowledge and attentionof a certified professional school counselor and educator with multiple professional affiliations and extensive experience within the field of education and admissions. The practice welcomes students and families from middle school through high school, from students with special interests (art, music, athletics, or equine) to students with learning issues or talents.

Overall, in terms of availability and personalized attention, an educational consultant is nearby to help all through the calender year from morning to evening with a schedule catered to meet the particular needs of the client.  This makes an independent educational consultant an invaluable source of guidance and support for students, who need the one-on-one thorough help of an expert fully invested in meeting his or her needs.

The Collegeologist is an independent college consultation practice which simplifies the college process for students and parents in the Farmington Valley area. Located at 395 West Avon Road in Avon (Across from All-Star Driver). Tel. 860-673-1500 www.thecollegeologist.com. Call for a complimentary consultation. Office visits, email & Skype are available. Like the Collegeologist on FB and follow us on twitter @thecollegeologist.

©The Collegeologist 2013.