Gail Meyer, LCSW
Certified Educational Planner
Requirements, expectations, and interactions have changed a great deal since you were a college-aged student, and watching your teen navigate the college admission process is stressful! Finding the right college takes time and care—and family obligations, work, and other responsibilities can sometimes make it impossible to give your teen the support they need.
If you’re feeling nervous about how to help your teen as they begin the college search, you may want to consider working with an independent educational consultant (IEC). Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you figure out if getting an IEC is the right choice:
- Do I have the time to devote to helping my teen search for colleges?
- Do I have experience with current college admission processes?
- Can I handle the additional pressure of the college search?
- Do I agree with my teen’s college choices?
- Have I visited the schools in which my student is interested?
- Do my child’s college choices fit within our family’s budget?
If you answer “No” to two or more of these questions, then working with an IEC may benefit your student. An IEC can streamline the search process and answer questions to help your teen avoid common mistakes, allowing you both to conserve your energy and save time. IECs are familiar with many campuses and college cultures around the country. They can provide an insider perspective, allowing you and your student to make informed choices, even if you’re unable to visit a school personally. If money is a concern, they can also guide you toward institutions that will not only be a fit for your student—but also a fit within your budget.
Also, whether you’re ready to admit it or not, your student is gaining independence, and you may not agree with their favorite colleges. An IEC can help you navigate differences of opinions by examining your teen’s criteria and your own, and make suggestions that make you both happy. Ultimately, applying to college shouldn’t feel like an insurmountable obstacle. An independent educational consultant can supply third-party support to help your teen successfully move into the future.
Whether you hire a consultant or not, you and your student can get started on the search today using our AI-Powered College Search tool.