The media loves to focus on IECs, (Independent Educational Consultants) who promise that they will “get a student in” to ultra selective colleges and universities. These consultants charge exorbitantly high fees ($15,000+) and promise that they know how to game the system, implying that they have “pull” at these institutions. Their work is based exclusively on winning admission, not on the student’s growth, independence, and preparation for their future.
But there is another kind of consultant – on who, rather than focusing on “getting in,” focuses on the unique talents and individual needs of every student. These consultants strive to understand the student’s learning style, academic strengths and career interests, extracurricular talents, personality style, and emotional needs, and who then work hard to identify colleges and universities that match these factors for every student. It’s not about getting in; it’s about finding the college or university where the student will succeed and be happy; one that will maximize the student’s abilities, support his emotional needs, and enable him to pursue his passions. Ultimately, the college journey is about students’ success and growth into adulthood, not the name of the college or university they attend.
This certainly requires the IEC to have knowledge of academic, extracurricular, and financial aid programs. But there is much more. In order to really serve the needs of the student, the IEC must understand learning disabilities, adolescent depression, anxiety, and much more. These factors must also be part of the process.
Not every student suffers from depression, has a learning disability, is an athlete, a musician, or a debater. Each student is an individual. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, and the most selective university isn’t necessarily the best one for every student. (By the way, if a student applies to every Ivy League institution just because they’re Ivies, it’s a huge mistake. The student who thrives at Princeton will not be happy in the larger environment at Harvard, and vice versa.) The key is to identify the important factors for every student and find the colleges that match their needs.
It makes good news to focus on the sensational – consultants who charge $25,000 and promise admission to any Ivy. However, it’s more sensible to work with someone who understands the individual needs of your student and who knows which colleges and universities will maximize their talents and support their growth into productive adulthood. This is what I promise my families. As a parent of one of my students said recently, “As a parent, what more could I ask for?”
© Copyright June, 2026
Northcoast Educational Consulting
