An educational consultant, also called a higher education consultant, is a professional who assists students and parents with college and financial aid planning. They also serve as guides to the college application process, making sure that students meet deadlines and prepare complete and effective applications. Some higher education consultants specialize in helping students with special needs, such as learning disabilities. What do educational consultants do? Educational consultants are trained professionals who assist students and their parents with the college planning and application process. They help families by providing a realistic assessment of a student’s individual strengths and weaknesses as a prospective college applicant, identifying colleges and universities that match the student’s needs and interests, and providing guidance on all aspects of the college application and financial aid process. What are the benefits of working with an educational consultant? Many high schools have high guidance counselor to student ratios. This can make it difficult for some students to get personalized and on-going advice about college planning and college admissions. While an educational consultant does not replace the school guidance counselor, a professional consultant can serve as a guide to the entire college and financial aid process, helping both students and parents feel less stressed, better prepared, and more confident. How do we know if we need an educational consultant? The decision to hire an educational consultant is a personal one, and not every family will need or want to work with a consultant. Working with an educational consultant can be particularly helpful if your child is: confused about their college options; has limited opportunity to meet with their school guidance counselor; is interested in a less common major or career; has an unusual academic background or admissions profile; or would benefit from one-on-one assistance with college planning and applications. Educational consultants can also be helpful when a student has learning disabilities or other special needs, when families are having difficulty agreeing on college choices, or for students who are particularly anxious about the college admissions process. Is an educational consultant a replacement for the school guidance counselor? No, an educational consultant is never a replacement for the school guidance counselor. While an educational consultant can provide more personalized service than your high school guidance counselor may be able to provide, it’s important to understand that your school counselor will still play a vital role in your or your child’s college application process. You should think of your educational consultant as another member of your college planning team, all working together to help your child achieve his or her goals. Can an educational consultant guarantee that my child will be admitted to a particular college? No one can guarantee a student admission to a particular college or university – except, of course, the admissions committee! If an educational consultant or anyone else suggests that they can do so, it is best to find another consultant. Professional educational consultants understand that many variables factor into admissions decisions and therefore they do not make false promises. They can, however, help students improve their chances of admission by identifying colleges that match their admissions profile, and interests, and by guiding them through the college application process. How much does it cost to work with an educational consultant? You may have read an article or seen a news report about educational consultants who charge exorbitant fees for their counseling services. Luckily, the majority of professional educational consultants offer reasonable prices for their services. Some consultants offer all-inclusive packages for a single fee, others will work with families on an hourly basis. Still others offer some combination of the two. By comparing services and prices, you should be able to find a professional consultant that your family can afford. Our family has limited finances. Does that mean we can’t get help from an educational consultant? Joji Higher Education Services offers sliding fee scales to families who have limited financial means. Sometime we waive their fees entirely for students from low income families. Also we are active volunteers in local schools and non-profit organizations that assist students with college planning and college applications. Do not assume that your family’s financial situation means you can’t get help from an educational consultant! Is it best to work with a local educational consultant? It depends on both the student and the consultant. Many students prefer to work face-to-face with their educational consultant, while others benefit from working with a non-local consultant who has specialized experience or skills. If you can’t find a professional educational consultant in your area who you feel comfortable with, working with a consultant who is based elsewhere can also make sense. If you’re considering working with a consultant outside of your local area, be sure to ask about their experience working with students at a distance, and discuss the tools and techniques they use to provide quality services for distant students. Many HECA member consultants are also happy to make referrals to other HECA members that live in your local area. When should we begin working with an educational consultant? You may want to consult with an educational specialist early in your child’s high school career in order to get advice and suggestions on curriculum planning, testing advice, extracurricular activities, and enrichment opportunities. In general, however, the majority of consulting time will occur during junior and senior years of high school, as students begin to identify their college options and prepare college applications.
