What is an Independent Educational Consultant?

An independent educational consultant is a skilled professional who guides students and families through the process of finding, selecting, and applying to a college, school, or program that is a good personal match: one that will foster the student's academic, emotional, and social growth.

Grad and dad

An IECA member provides a student and family with individual attention and extensive knowledge of all the options available.

A teenage girl of Pacific Islander descent smiles while working on a computer in the school library with the help of a mature adult female teacher or tutor.

Independent educational consultants begin with an evaluation to help your student identify their strengths and weaknesses as well as their educational goals, choices, and plans.

Happy IEC meeting with family

How do you find the right consultant to work with your student? Check out our questions to ask before hiring a consultant, and red flags to look out for.

Resources for Students & Parents

Explore articles, tip sheets, and other free resources to help you in the search and application process for a college, school, or program.

Types of Advising Available for Students & Parents

IECA member consultants specialize in different types of advising: college, K-12 day/boarding school, graduate school, and therapeutic. They also have expertise in learning differences/neurodiversity and international education options.