What Is an Independent Educational Consultant?

An independent educational consultant (IEC), sometimes called a college counselor or college consultant, is a professional who helps students and families navigate the often-complicated process of finding, applying to, and choosing a school, college, or therapeutic program. They are experts in education who provide personalized advice and guidance, helping students find the best fit for their academic, social, economic, and emotional needs.

Unlike school counselors, who typically work for a specific school or district at a ratio of nearly 400 students to every one counselor, IECs are independent and work directly with families, offering unbiased recommendations based on each student's unique strengths, interests, and goals.

An IEC's goal is to make the educational journey smoother and more tailored to each individual, ensuring students find environments where they can thrive academically and personally.

If you are a high school student beginning the college planning process, or a current college student considering graduate or professional school options, an IEC can help you:

• Identify colleges and universities that match your academic interests, social preferences, and budget.
• Guide you through the application process, including essays, interviews, and recommendation letters.
• Provide insight into standardized tests, scholarships, and financial aid.
• Understand educational opportunities available outside your country of residence.

If you are the parent of a K-12 student looking for the right independent (private) K-12 school environment, an IEC can help you:

• Identify boarding and/or day schools that match your child’s academic strengths, interests, learning style, extracurricular interests, social and emotional needs, learning differences (if present), and your family budget.
• Guide you through the application process, including interviews.
• Provide insight into standardized tests, scholarships, and the school culture and environment to ensure a good fit.

If you are the parent of a struggling child, teen, or young adult, an IEC can help:

• Support your family during a time of crisis, offering support and direction in recommending the best intervention and solution.
• Review testing reporting, therapist notes, and family members’ viewpoints to determine whether in-home services or out-of-home treatment will better support your child.
• Address mental health, disordered eating, trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, or other challenges present.
• Identify treatment options available, including therapeutic boarding schools, residential schools and programs, young adult transitional living programs, and wilderness therapy programs.
• Navigate your family through your child’s progress and next steps.