In the wake of the Varsity Blues scandal (and frankly, always!), we are thinking a lot about ethics and what to look for when seeking support for applications. When seeking college counseling services, it's important to identify counselors who will truly help you in your admission process, rather than those who may try to exploit your lack of understanding of the US education system (if you are less familiar with the system) or preying on already stressed out families. To avoid falling prey to misleading counselors, here are some red flags to watch out for:
Pretending to have extensive knowledge, but not truly knowledgeable about the US admission process.
Making false promises or guarantees, such as a guaranteed admission to a specific university.
Encouraging unethical practices, such as forging documents or taking shortcuts in the admission process.
It's crucial to understand that US universities are highly cautious about the credibility of international student records. Cheating or engaging in unethical behavior will only harm your chances of admission and potentially your future education. If you end up in a school that you're not academically prepared for, you may struggle to keep up and potentially drop out or transfer.
While working in schools, I encountered students who sought my help after hiring agents in China but lacked trust in their expertise and intentions. To ensure you're working with a trustworthy counselor, it's crucial to look beyond marketing tactics and evaluate their expertise and experience.
As a parent or student, you should inquire about a counselor's credentials and professional affiliations (Independent consultants IECs should be members of IECA, HECA, and in the best case be a certified educational planner CEP). to assess their qualifications, NOT just their advertised list of student results. This will help you determine if they have the necessary knowledge and experience to guide you through the college admission process.
why hire an educational consultant
There are several reasons why someone may seek the assistance of an independent education consultant:
Individualized Attention: Consultants offer one-on-one guidance, providing personalized attention and a tailored approach to meet specific needs and goals. The average US public school guidance counselor has a caseload of over 250 students, it would be impossible to presume they will be abe to offer individualized attention.
Expertise: Independent education consultants have extensive knowledge and experience in the college admission process and can provide expert guidance and advice.
Time-Saving: With busy schedules, students and parents may not have the time to research and navigate the complex admission process. An independent consultant can save them time by handling all aspects of the process, from creating a college list to filling out applications.
Increased Chances of Admission: With a consultant's help, students can improve their applications, highlight their strengths, and increase their chances of being accepted into their desired colleges.
Objectivity: Independent education consultants offer an unbiased perspective, providing objective advice on colleges, majors, and career paths, free from any outside influences or pressure.
Peace of Mind: With a consultant's guidance, students and parents can feel more confident and at ease knowing they have a professional on their side, helping them navigate the college admission process.