What is an IEC? When is the Right Time to Start the College Process?

Let’s do a little exercise. Name the first 20 schools that come to your mind. If your family follows collegiate athletics, you probably named some Big 10 or ACC schools. And you probably named the Ivy League schools. Does it surprise you that there are over four thousand college options in the United States? From some of the oldest like Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Delaware; to the largest universities like Texas A & M, University of Maryland, or Ohio State; to some with notable alumni networks like Penn State, NYU, Rutgers, or the University of Wisconsin – there are so many college choices! 

Researching and comparing college programs, student life, and career opportunities can be a bit overwhelming. Add on determining the best way to motivate and guide a teenager while still enjoying junior or senior year, and the entire process can become remarkably scary. One of the ways many families are navigating this process is by hiring an IEC to help. Similar to hiring a tutor that has the expertise to help your child with algebra or chemistry, an Independent Educational Consultant has expertise on colleges, the application process, scholarships, and financial aid. 

At College Mode Consulting, we support students through the college admissions process. We make sure all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed, but we do something more. We walk students through a tested curriculum that gets them ready for the responsibility of college. We facilitate, and the student drives the process. College Mode’s step-by-step process is student-focused, engaging, and comprehensive. 

Going to college becomes an exciting prospect for our students when we help them think expansively about their future and move the conversation away from “where will I get in” or “who will accept me.” Our conversations and processes revolve around fit – academic fit, financial fit, social and emotional fit. Our students understand why stretching themselves in high school and making the most of their high school years is important. On top of all the encouragement and coaching, our students get to know themselves better and maximize their acceptances and financial aid offers. 

Navigating the college admissions process can seem like a heavy undertaking and takes time. The best time to reach out to an IEC is early on in high school. If you think that it might be the right time for you to start your student’s college planning and would like to talk to experts who have your student’s best interest in mind, please reach out to College Mode Consulting. We always offer a free family consultation where we can answer many of your questions. Check us out at collegemodeconsulting.com, email us at info@collegemodeconsulting.com, or call us at 845-704-1650.