Expectations

Understanding what we as Independent Educational Consultants (IECs) can and cannot do for students, parents and families, as well as managing your expectations for the college search process is an important first step.

“You helped me so much throughout the past year and I am going to my college of choice because of you. I couldn’t be more excited! Thank you for everything! I’m looking forward to sending you lots of pictures from college!”
— LL (Student)

What we can do:

  • We can help create a college search plan, including:

    • recommending college visits and schedule

    • practice and preparation for interviews

    • follow-up activities (thank you notes, etc.)

    • timelines

    • deadlines

    • test prep referrals

    • standardized test recommendations and registration

    • financial aid/scholarship guidance

    • current university admission practices and trends

    • facilitation of the relationship and communication between student and school counselor/adviser

    • essay writing, brainstorming and review

  • We can help the student carve out a niche of colleges that may be appropriate for application.

  • We can explain to the best of our knowledge how the college admission process works.

  • We can offer guidance for the scholar-athlete recruiting process and communication strategies.

  • We can offer guidance in creating a personal and/or athletic resume.

  • We can offer guidance and referrals for creating a portfolio, film and audition preparation.

  • We can help your teenager get a head start on essays and applications over the summer prior to senior year.

  • We can help with the Waiting Period from application to decision. "Senioritis!"

  • We can help analyze offers of acceptance, deferral, financial aid and wait-list decisions.

  • We can have daily/weekly contact with the student beyond the face-to-face through texting, email or phone calls.

  • We can bridge communication between parent and student.

“The college counselors at our son’s high school are all very knowledgeable and good at their jobs but we couldn’t help wondering if we should get additional help. A friend suggested Nancy Wigley so we contacted her and decided to meet. We then encouraged our son to meet with her and he came home enthusiastic, declaring he wanted to start working with her on the college process. Beginning in the Spring of Junior Year, they met twice a week and he looked forward to his sessions each time having accomplished another hurdle in the college application race. The greatest benefit to us was that Nancy took away the constant struggle between parent & child. Among many things, she focused on narrowing his search and was instrumental in honing in on topics for his essays. He applied early to the college of his choice and we never felt the need to pressure him. After receiving his acceptance Nancy continued to work with him to prepare him for college life freshmen year. He commented to us that working with Nancy was time well spent, because she gave him the individualized and personal attention he needed to guide him through the process. Our son is now off to the best college for him!”
— Teri (Parent)

What we cannot do:

We cannot replace the high school counselor. However, we are able to spend more time with the student on many college search aspects and work with you over the summer. High school counselors generally carry larger client loads along with other school responsibilities. We work with no more than 15 students per grade level.

No, we cannot guarantee results.

No, we cannot make a student do anything. The motivation to step up and lead the way toward their future is the student's job. But, we can cajole, jostle, encourage and offer suggestions.

Services are offered as part of an all-inclusive package.

Please contact College Search Strategies for more information and an initial appointment.