On the right track

As with most things in life, when it comes to the college application process, knowledge is power. The more you know about colleges and universities, the application process, standardized testing, and financial aid, the better off you will be in helping your child make an educated decision about what he or she wants, the right fit, and gaining admission. The process has a reputation of being complicated, confusing, and overwhelming. In reality, it is very straightforward, pragmatic, and student-centered. 

You must commit to the process and make it a time of growth and reflection for your child. Additionally, the application process is a time for students to learn skills that will serve them during and beyond college. Because these are skills that will be unfamiliar to them, it is my job to assist and teach your child how to hone in on them and make the application process one of enjoyment and excitement. I am here to advocate for you and your student! 

Benefits of working with an IEC:

• Expert knowledge of universities/colleges and programs

IEC’s spend time away from their practice touring schools, meeting with professors, and student and admissions representatives to bring back first hand information about the school to their clients.  During these tours IEC’s learn about academic program strengths, variety of activities, and the financial reality of each institution to bring back knowledge and introduce options to their students and families.

• Objective third party

Many students feel an IEC is their partner and listen to them unlike a parent or counselor at school.  For some, being the liaison and facilitating those difficult conversations is the most valuable aspect of working with an IEC.

• Equanimity

In this time of uncertainty of “who gets in” and “where”, as the admissions climate is ever changing, it can lead to anxiety for both the student and parent.  Sometimes those regular check-in’s for parents can be as therapeutic as they are informational. In addition, freeing the parent from the role of “taskmaster” allows the process and the relationship to be less stressful and more enlightening.

• Pragmatic/Sensible expectation setting

An IEC can assist parents in understanding the new realities of college admissions by dispelling the myths and illusions of gaining admissions to a particular college or university.  “Who gets in” and “where” is not as apparent and straightforward as it was when they were applying to college. IEC’s are able to communicate this reality and assist in setting and reaching attainable goals.

• Student self-awareness

An important and crucial aspect of an IEC is to provide students with the ability to be self-aware, “who do you want to be?”, “why do you want to go to college?” are questions that engage the student in the process of recognizing their strengths and learning how to articulate them.  This skill building process equips students to gain self-awareness and motivation. Such awareness is pivotal in college when it comes time to “adult” and find internships, use student support services, manage work and social balance, learn fiscal responsibility, and build relationships with potential recommenders and employers.

Absolutely! KnowledgeWorx students hail from around the country and world. I work with students and families in person or remotely via Skype, FaceTime, GoogleHangouts, phone, or email. All of KnowledgeWorx’s services can be accessed remotely, as I find it to be efficient and an excellent match for the busy schedules of students and families.

Just as each institution is unique, so is each individual student! My philosophy and approach to the college admissions process differs from others in that it is student-centered, focused, and driven. With that, the focus will be on personal growth allowing for skill development, character building, and leveraging experiences to encounter success in a broader sense, rather than the limited process of college admissions. Ultimately, this presents and prepares the student for the most optimal college admissions process for success.

Preparing for the college application process can be stressful. Planning ahead during high school can turn your applications into a time of growth and reflection. Knowing how to sequence courses throughout middle and high school to provide the most rigorous college preparation can mean the difference between a competitive applicant and one that is not. 

Today’s aspiring college students face more complexity in the selection process than ever before. Vast amounts of information, complex questions and answers, and multiple application formats can overwhelm even the most dedicated students. Additionally, this takes place amidst studies, work, and free time. 

High school counselors are indeed valuable assets and are in integral part of the college admissions process.  I work with them collaboratively to realize student and family goals.. Unfortunately, many college counseling offices have been decimated due to budget cuts.  Across the country the average student caseload for a high school counselor is over 400 students; in California that can rise 900:1 student to counselor ratio as being the norm.  In comparison IEC’s average 30 to 50 students in their caseload. Additionally, many high school counselors wear many different hats and college counseling is only one aspect of their job that also entails handling behavioral and discipline issues and supervision and administrative duties.  Consequently, they lack the time and fiscal resources to travel to stay abreast of changes in the higher education world.

My approach draws from years of experience as an educator working with students and understanding the demands of the process in addition to the the requirements needed for course sequencing, rigor, and the skills needed to navigate the process with organization and confidence.  

As I remind parents and students, the college admissions process is not a stand-alone piece in personal growth  but rather is a piece that scaffolds the foundation of functionality and is the cornerstone for success in life. As these skills are applied to the college admissions process, students will learn to assert them to other life processes and challenges. 

Preparing early allows for proper course sequencing, relevant test prep, engagement in meaningful extracurricular activities and exploration of interests and goals. When preparing early for the admissions process, it provides for early analysis and the discovery of learning style, personal strengths, and natural aptitudes. All of this leads students to engage in major exploration, career-matching to find the  proper college “fit.”

• Just like each student is a “fit” for a college or university; every IEC should “fit” with the family and student. Look for someone who is supportive and who’s style and personality is a match for your student.
• A qualified IEC should be knowledgeable about current admissions trends in addition to colleges and universities and their offerings.
• An IEC that contributes and continues in their professional development growth and activities.
• Fees and services are established and are adhered to based on a written service agreement.
• Effective and qualified IEC’s are members of respective professional organizations such as the organizations below, as they adhere to principles of good practice and ethics.
• HECA – Higher Education Consultants Association
• NACAC – National Association of College Admissions Consultants
• WACAC – Western Association of College Admissions Consultants

Resource Links:

HECA Standards for Working with Students and Families

NACAC Statement of Principles of Good Practice (SPGP): Code of Ethics and Professional Practices (CEPP)

While no ethical college admissions consultant can guarantee that a student will gain entry into a particular institution, I provide resources, skills, and experience. I will work with you to identify multiple college and university matches and provide sustained, focused counseling every step of the way so that the process and finished application will place you in the most competitive light. Having someone on your side who knows the ropes increases your chances of acceptance into institutions that are your “best fit.”

Not all colleges are looking for the same student. Believe it or not, there is more to a great college application than having a top GPA. Colleges accept non-4.0 students all the time for qualities beyond students’ high school grades. 

Every GPA, standardized test score, extracurricular activity, and interest has an institution that is looking for that match.  Unique circumstances such as undecided career paths, those with learning disabilities and difficulties, and/or average academic performance; does not mean that a college or university will not accept you. KnowledgeWorx offers a consultation to thoroughly review each students full potential. Every college and university in the country is unique in its mission, composition, and character. Their goal, however, is the same, to find students who are the right “fit” for them. 

Knowing what the school is looking for and what they have to offer (financially, academically, socially, and most importantly, emotionally) is what makes it the right “fit” for you!

My approach stems from years as an educator and also as a mother of two grown boys. If I have learned anything it is that “hassling” or “bugging” a teenager about anything only results in push back, continued procrastination, resentment, and relationship struggles.  Changing the perception that the application process happens around you rather than because of you is how you get to be in the driver’s seat. 

You need to take an active role in the process and you must be the driver. Ultimately this is your goal not mine. In other words, you will get out of it what you put in. That is why, from the onset, I will ask YOU what you want from the college application process and I’ll support you, your parents/guardians, teachers and school counselor to ensure that those goals are always at the forefront of the process. Yes, I will remind you of deadlines, keep you focused on the process, suggest revisions to essays and college lists, recommend testing options, and advise you of internship and extracurricular opportunities.  Ultimately, my job is to advocate for you, help you feel less annoyed and stressed about the process, and to empower you to reach your goals to pursue the college or university education you want and deserve.