16 May Hiring help to choose colleges

Q. I’m thinking of using a college counselor to help my kid with applications, but he’s not even sure to apply. How can I make sure a counselor isn’t a scam artist, and what can they actually do to help the process?
— Mom

A. Making college decisions can be overwhelming, so we understand why you might want expert help.

If you’ve decided you want to use the knowledge and skills of an “independent educational consultant,” it’s very important to vet the person just as you would a doctor or a lawyer.

First, ask for credentials.

One credential to consider is membership in the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), the largest national organization of independent educational professionals in the country, said Janet Loren, a partner and certified educational planner (CEP) with College Benefits Research Group (CBRG) in Roseland.

“The organization has ethical rules that their members must abide by while working with families,” Loren said.

According to the IECA, “Educational consultants must sign an annual pledge that governs their interactions with schools, colleges, programs, students, and parents. They agree to avoid any action that distorts or misrepresents a student’s record or interferes with admission personnel’s ability to get an accurate picture of a student.”

Loren said you may want to search for consultants with a Certified Educational Planner (CEP) certification.

“This is an elite group of seasoned professionals who have demonstrated the depth of their knowledge through their tenure in education, personal references and lengthy exams,” she said. “These organizations have members who are qualified, ethical and excellent at helping families achieve their educational goals.”

The benefit of using an IEC is to get a wealth of information you may find challenging to do on your own. Because “school fit” and admission are their primary focus, they are required to visit campuses and to learn about individual school environments.

This includes staying abreast of any changes in school data, admission criteria, governmental regulations and financial aid, Loren said. Some IECs specialize in learning differences, graduate schools, athletic recruitment, boarding schools and college.

But they will not do the work for a student.

“They use their knowledge and expertise to coach and guide the student and their family toward options and opportunities,” Loren said. “Their job is to help their families find the right academic and social environment that will allow their student to thrive and be successful.”

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This story was first published in May 2017.