The Value of Working with an Educational Consultant in a Tight Economic Climate

The comments on AdmissionsQuest.com are a part of a civil discussion. We expect contributors to behave.

Be nice. No degradation on the basis of gender, race, class, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability. Keep it clean -- no epithets, abusive language, or obscenity.
We appreciate well reasoned argument. Stay on topic and stay honest.
Break our rules, we will ban you. No exceptions, no second chances.

If you feel a comment on this story violates our rules, please email support@AdmissionsQuest.com and we will review the comment.

by Peter Baron, AdmissionsQuest

Mark Sklarow, Executive Director, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) explores the value of a consultant in the admission process. In our conversation, Mark highlights the value of working with an educational consultant especially in tight times. Mark begins with an introduction to educational consulting- who consultants are; what they do; and, an educational consultant's role in the admission process.

Conversation highlights include:

The relevance of consultants in tight economic times. Using an educational consultant might seem expensive at first, but, the value of the best school or college choice possible provides a strong argument for a consultant's services.

Consultant services- limited inexpensive consultations to multi-year, full service options.

Ways consultants can help families with the financial aid process. More than completing forms, a good consultant knows that merit aid is relative to the individual schools and colleges. What kind of student is valuable to each individual school or college? Knowing this can broaden a student's choices and options.

How can a family find a consultant and what kinds of questions should they ask of a prospective consultant? "A consultant has to match the family as much as the school or college has to match the family," says Mark. Consultants should be up-front regarding costs and their special expertise.

Questions families should ask prospective consultants. Annual campus visits? How does the consultant stay current? Professional organization memberships? Experience and background- what perspectives does the consultant bring to his/her work?

Have questions or feedback for this episode? Leave a comment below or e-mail us at boardingschoolpodcast@admissionsquest.com.

Listen to the podcast (21:32):

The Boarding School Podcast is a publication of AdmissionsQuest.