The college application process can be overwhelming and confusing. Each year, high school counselors are being asked to advise more and more students. The average high school counselor can spend one hour with the student’s family in the junior year. That is simply not enough. At the same time, college admissions has become more complex. You can benefit from individualized attention that your school counselor may not have the time to provide. In addition, families cannot always meet during the traditional school day but an independent college counselor can provide more flexibility. At Charted University Consultants, our sole focus is you and your college admissions process.
You certainly can. However, keep in mind that the student is applying to college while he or she is striving to do the best in school, participating in extracurricular activities and being a teenager. Add on the time-consuming college admission process and the limited amount of free time may be reduced to none. In addition, the learning curve is steep. Our goal is to reduce the stress that is often a product of lack of time and lack of information.
One other consideration is the role of parents. At this time in a student’s life, it may be beneficial for parents to enjoy the time with the student and not be in the role of organizer and, dare we say, nagger.
We can easily accommodate our out-of-town and out of country clients via FaceTime, Zoom, WeChat and Skype. Written communication is particularly easy via Google Docs and email and works particularly well when discussing essays.
We never pigeonhole students into a certain type. We work with all sorts of students including those who are very high achieving, those who are the first in their family to attend college, those with special artistic talent, recruited athletes, etc. Most importantly, each student is viewed as an individual and we listen very carefully to tailor our services toward the specific needs of the student and the family.
We honor the confidentiality of the college admissions process and pride ourselves on the individuality of our services. We do not meet with students in groups. We welcome the involvement of family members.
Given the competitive nature of college admissions, the earlier that the process is begun in high school, the better. Why? Because the courses that you choose and the academic record that begins in ninth grade affects the options that you have throughout high school. The sooner that you begin receiving advice, the greater the likelihood of finding the colleges that fit for your unique situation. However, do not panic if you are starting this process late. We can still provide advice that can strengthen your application.
No. Our contract is solely with the student and the family. It is unprofessional to provide to or accept any fees from any college admissions offices.
According to the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners, the Certified Educational Planner (CEP) designation is a mark of distinction demonstrating expanded knowledge and commitment to the profession. It gives families the assurance they need that they are working with a qualified professional who is committed to maintaining the highest quality of service to students. Only the best and most experienced counselors qualify to become CEPs. To become a Certified Educational Planner, a college admissions consultant must hold at least a Masters degree in a relevant educational field, submit five professional references who can attest to experience and expertise, take a written exam that demonstrates ability to interpret student needs, and recommend appropriate colleges.
The Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) is a not-for-profit, international professional association representing experienced independent educational consultants. Its mission is: To promote the highest quality independent educational consulting to students and families seeking skilled, ethical, academic or therapeutic guidance; to enhance professional development; and to foster career satisfaction among members. It works to ensure that those in the profession adhere to the highest ethical standards.
HECA (Higher Educational Consultants Association) consultants focus exclusively on supporting high school students in their search for the right fit college. According to the HECA website, HECA members create greater access to opportunity and change lives. HECA is guided by the core values of sound advice, integrity, respect and confidentiality.
