What does an Independent Education Consultant (IEC) do? 

Independent Educational Consultants are education professionals who provide personalized guidance and support to both students and families while they navigate the realm of higher education. Generally, IECs assist with:

• Identifying appropriate schools, colleges, or programs that are a good fit for the student

• Developing a customized educational plan that takes into account the student's strengths, weaknesses, interests, and goals

• Assisting with the college search and application process, including essay writing, test preparation, and interview preparation

• And offering advice and support to students and families as they navigate the complex financial aid process

Why should I use an IEC for my college planning?

Similar to what we see with consultants across many industries, IECs provide an expertise and insight that could only be achieved through years of service and experience. With higher education becoming increasingly costly, and complex, the benefit of speaking to an expert would be:

• Cost-Saving: Even when accounting for the fees charged by IECs, families and students save thousands of additional dollars due to the greater opportunities and choices, provision of additional financial aid opportunities and strategies and assistance with avoiding many costs which are not necessary for the average college student

• Time-saving: Working with a consultant can help students and families save time and reduce stress by streamlining the college planning process and providing clear guidance and support

• Improved outcomes: According to the IEC Association, studies show that students who work with IECs are more likely to attend private and out-of-state colleges/universities; there is also anecdotal evidence that students who worked with an IEC were far more likely to stay at a school through graduation (the national figure among four-year colleges is under 50%)

How early should a student begin working with an IEC?

The ideal time for a student to begin working with an IEC can vary depending on the individual's goals and needs. We at Omnia believe it is never too early to begin planning and prioritizing your academic and career goals. Therefore, we encourage students and families to seek out the guidance of an IEC at least one to two years before any major educational transitions, such as transitioning from high school to college. Currently, our practice focuses on assisting 11th & 12th grade students gain admission to their dream school, with individualized plans for 9th and 10th grade students looking to get a head start.

How expensive are their services? Can I afford one?

The cost of an IEC’s service varies depending on a variety of factors, such as the consultant's experience, level of expertise, services provided, and geographic location, therefore fees generally range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. It’s all a matter of the support you’re looking to receive. Many families often find that the cost of an IEC is well worth the expense, as it increases the chance of success while decreasing the outlay of tuition expense.

Do you provide support or assistance for the financial aid process?

Paying for college is one of the largest, most significant investments that a student and their families make in their lifetimes. We acknowledge this factor and assist in your search for scholarships, grants, and loan opportunities. Frankly, “free money” goes unclaimed each academic year, and we are here to help you attain it.

Do you offer your services remotely?

Yes, our services are entirely remote. Although we are flexible to arranging in-person events and meetings in the tri-state area, with the increasing popularity of online communication tools, we are able to work with students and families regardless of their location.

What credentials do you have which permit you to provide accurate professional guidance?

In addition to our decades of combined service in the field of higher education, we are graduates of the University of California Irvine’s Independent Education Consultant Professional Certificate program. Our senior management include university professors, college administrators, and data scientists. Each has a unique perspective on creating the finest opportunities for our clients. All have received honors and awards for their work in higher education. They are all personable and excited to help you with your educational journey. 

Do you make any guarantees?

No, we cannot make any guarantees. This is due to the fact that we are not admission counselors and do not determine admission statuses and receipts of financial aid.