Do You Need an IEC?

What is an IEC? (Independent Educational Consultant)

According to the IECA, "Independent Educational Consultants can provide a student and family with individual attention, firsthand knowledge of hundreds of educational opportunities, and the time to explore all of the options."

A college consultant can take much of the confusion and insecurity out of the college admissions process.  As I work with you as your personal consultant, there are several commitments I define below that I hope will change the months ahead from an energy drain to energizing!

• Alleviate stress by guiding you through the process, each step of the way.
• Offer support and structure for the family.
• Empower students to take control of their college planning and gain confidence in their own abilities and decision-making.
• Assist you with defining and prioritizing your objectives.
• Provide timely interactions, current information, and quality professional services.
• Be accessible to you throughout the duration of your agreement.
• Respond to your telephone calls, texts, and e-mails promptly.

Defining the specific ways I can help you is important to understand, as it facilitates knowing what questions to even ask! Check out the list below for some of the ways an IEC can help you navigate the complex world of college planning.

An IEC Can:

• Explain the college admissions process and guide the family into a solid understanding of it themselves.
• Walk through the application process to determine the best possible course of action.
• Manage and communicate deadlines and requirements through creating a personalized calendar to keep you on track.
• Provide you with information on all fronts of the admissions process to give you the confidence you need to make the best decisions along the way.
• Evaluate student’s records, including transcripts, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, athletic, and special talents.
• Assist in selection of high school academic, curricular choices and planning extracurricular activities, including summer activities.
• Assess interests and passion areas.
• Administer personality, aptitude, and learning style tests geared toward college and career exploration.
• Administer college and personal assessments based on College Match module.
• Assist in development of resume.
• Assist in brainstorming and editing of essays, including supplemental essays and scholarship essays.
• Explain the way financial aid works, assist in FAFSA and grant applications, and evaluate the financial aid packages.
• Create an evolving list of possible best fit colleges for you to research and visit and help discover the true nature of the college through non-visit resources.
• Continually evaluate changing interests, evolving resume opportunities, and financial needs as we develop the final list of schools.
• Build the final list of 8-12 "best match" colleges for you to apply.
• Provide tips for getting the most out of your college visits including interview techniques and special meetings with professors and departments.

I hope this helps you visualize this process. If you want to meet with me as a family for an initial consultation, please contact me by text, phone, or e-mail. 

What can Launched Consulting do for me?

Choosing to work with Launched means you will gain the partnership of a professional who will provide you with all the information and guidance you need to have confidence and direction during the college search and application process. As a member of several professional organizations in higher education, I have access to immense resources to keep abreast of the needs and changes surrounding college preparation and admissions, and I have the time and expertise to walk with you throughout the process, whatever package you choose. Launched is an investment in a relationship that is committed to your family's success and well-being during what can be one of the most vulnerable and stressful times of your student's life.

Do you need an IEC?

Preparing for college is different for each family. So is deciding whether to invest in professional guidance as you navigate the process. The questions below may help you decide.

FOR STUDENTS:

• Do I get excited about the possibility of maximizing my strengths?
• Do I dream about that college where I fit right in and am really happy?
• Do I think that i need to have a career focus or major picked out before conducting an active college search?
• Do I wonder if college can adequately prepare me for a job I love and will succeed in?
• Do I want to consider colleges that none of my friends or relatives have gone to?
• Have I gotten some lower grades and test scores that made me lower or abandon my hopes and expectations?
• Am I nervous about talking to my parents about my dreams for college?
• Do I worry about how I am going to pay for college?

FOR PARENTS:

• Do I get excited when I notice my child’s strengths and think of him or her using them after high school?
• Do I wonder if there is a great fit college out there for my child?
• Do I wonder if I can afford it if there really is?
• Would I like my child to gain confidence, and take ownership of the choices ahead by creating goals and following through with them?
• Would this process benefit from a third party who can serve as a mediator and motivator, and who can take the guesswork out of the steps, requirements, and deadlines?
• Would I like professional feedback and facts to support the choices that are in front of us as we look ahead?
• Am I open to creative opportunities for my child, even if it means out of state or the unfamiliar?
• Would I like to increase my knowledge of financial aid, so that my finances aren't dictating my options?

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