FAQs

Here is an overview of why you might want to hire an IEC, and a good article from Forbes.

Below are some of the reasons for working with an IEC:

Personalized Guidance: In the US, many schools average with a student to counselor ratio of 400:1, with just 38 minutes of dedicated time to meetings about college. In many other countries, the concept of university guidance is still developing. Unlike school counselors, who might have hundreds of students to assist, an IEC can offer one-on-one attention tailored to the student’s unique strengths, interests, and goals. As a former school counselor, I decided to move to IEC so I can best serve the students and families I work with by dedicating my time and attention solely to them.

Expertise and Experience: I visit 20 – 30 colleges each year, and completed over 200 visits to date. As I have personally visited institutions across the U.S., Canada, U.K., Europe and Asia, I am able to recommend the most appropriate options for students to evaluate. This personalized approach is one that is superior to relying on online algorithms (such as you will find on College Board Big Future among many others) that develop a college list based on generics like campus location and test scores, and national rankings that don’t take into consideration personal factors and unique circumstances and preferences that directly impact a student’s college experience. I attend conferences where I connect with the admission representatives and stay on top of trends in higher education and admission. I understand what colleges and universities are looking for and how decisions are made, and can provide tips and strategies to enhance chances for admission.

Stress Reduction: The college application process can be overwhelming for both students and parents. Sometimes, conversations around this topic can be a major source or stress and conflict for families. This is normal, and I see it often. I can help calm things down, reduce college-conversation conflict, and preserve family life by acting as a mediator and project manager. I can help manage deadlines, organize application materials, and provide a structured timeline, reducing the stress and anxiety associated with the process.

Essay Assistance: Crafting a compelling personal statement and supplemental essays is crucial. An IEC can help brainstorm topics, provide feedback on drafts, and ensure that the essays reflect the student’s voice and effectively convey your story.

Support for Unique Circumstances: Students with special circumstances, such as learning disabilities, athletic recruitment, or a non-traditional educational background, or those who are looking to transfer from college can benefit from the specialized knowledge of an IEC to address their specific needs.

With so many independent advisors practicing worldwide, it’s important to know that not all counselors have the same level of experience or qualifications.

I am committed to facilitating a personalized match between a student and their future college or university. A combination of specific training, experience in the field, and cultural knowledge from living in different countries and working with international, transient families allows me to recommend colleges best suited to the strengths and interests of the student.