Early Decision Dates: Unlocking the Calendar The college application process is an exciting yet nerve-wracking time for high school seniors. For those considering early decision options, understanding the early decision release dates, application deadlines, and notification timelines is crucial. In this article, we will discuss when schools’ early decision applications are due and when those schools inform you of a decision to help you plan your application strategies effectively. Understanding Early Decision Early Decision (ED) is a college admissions process that allows you to apply to yo ..read more

Early Decision 1 vs. 2 - Which One to Choose? More and more students are applying to colleges via Early Decision, and rightfully so. The college application process is a pivotal moment in a student's life, and one crucial decision they face is whether to opt for Early Decision 1 (ED1) or Early Decision 2 (ED2). Understanding the nuances between these two options can significantly impact both admission chances and financial aid offers. Understanding Early Decision 1 vs Early Decision 2 Early Decision (ED) was introduced in the mid-20th century. The purpose of the admissions policy was to str ..read more

Early Decision vs Early Action Series College admissions continue to grow more and more competitive. As such, many parents, students, guidance counselors, and educational consultants on Early Decision. Early decision, to grossly oversimplify, is an application process where a student applies to a college early in the admissions cycle.  Like anything in college admissions tactics, it’s complicated, with no small amount of nuance. Thus, we believe it deserves its own series. Ed1 vs Ed2: What’s the difference?  As if Early Decision wasn’t nuanced enough, there are two of them: ED1 an ..read more

The Four-Year Academic Plan as an IEC Business Game Changer How I experienced the postsecondary process as a recruited D1 athlete is likely unique. I began visiting universities in the 7th grade to compete in various swim meets and improve my skills through the guidance of college coaches during summer camps. When I applied, I had toured 42 campuses and zeroed in on an athletic program that met my needs. However, I realized what I was pursuing was already a foregone conclusion – swimming in college – but I never really focused on my academic purpose. This backdrop highlights the transformativ ..read more

Becoming an Educational Consultant - Series Wrap-Up This post wraps up our discussion on becoming an educational consultant. If you’re interested in becoming a college counselor, there are several steps you need to take to get started. It involves becoming part entrepreneur, part teacher, and part coach. While the journey of that transformation isn’t always easy, it’s possible and gratifying. As we’ve previously mentioned, the industry is unregulated. And while that has its perks, it also means that there’s no structure, manual, or set of regulations to guide your fledgling steps to becoming ..read more

Connecticut's Bold Move: Towards Ending Legacy Admissions in Higher Education In a groundbreaking move, Connecticut is poised to challenge a long-standing tradition in higher education: legacy admissions. A bill set to be proposed in the upcoming legislative session aims to ban this practice in both public and private universities across the state. With bipartisan support, this initiative could mark a significant shift in the college admissions landscape. The Connecticut General Assembly, convening from February 7th to May 8th, 2024, will be the stage for this potentially historic legislation ..read more

Finding Your Niche In The Educational Consulting Market This post continues our discussion on how to become an educational consultant . In the last post, we explored how to grow your network of independent educational consultants . In this article, we’ll discuss how to find your niche in the educational consulting market. First, however, let’s learn why having a niche is essential.  Why Must Educational Consultants Find A Niche: An Absurd Case Study on BestBuy and Phone Chargers  Let’s not complicate this any more than we need to. You operate your business to make money. Thus, yo ..read more

 Navigating the Maze of College Planning Software: A Mostly Unbiased Review. The point of this article is to cut-to-the-chase for you, on which college counseling software is best at moving you and your program forward. Choosing the best educational consulting software is critical. Luckily, there are few choices and only one stand out option. If you are shopping for a software tool that reflects the esoteric needs of college readiness planners and delivers on the magic of technology, then you're struggling to find a tool that delivers on everything for a few reasons; 1) A solution has ..read more

Guide for Aspiring IECs and College Counselors: Series Intro Embarking on a journey in Independent Educational Consulting (IEC)? This series is your compass. Designed for both novices and seasoned educators, we aim to provide a roadmap to success in the world of college counseling. The field is vast, but with the right guidance, you can navigate it with ease. Our goal is to equip you with the tools and knowledge you need. Let's dive in and explore the exciting world of IEC. Registering Your Educational Consulting Business Starting right is crucial. It's your business, after all, not a hobb ..read more

Setting Up Your Educational Consulting Business - Start Up Series How to get paid The is the first article in a series of articles taking you through the steps to startup your educational consulting business. As an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC), you may offer services as a college planner or academic coach. Either way, your primary concern is taking care of your students. However, you also must make sure you get paid. This article covers the crucial steps of financially setting up your educational consulting practice. Before we get into the specifics, though, please understand two ..read more