10 Important Ways IECA Members Are Unlike Other College Consultants
1. EXPERIENCE
IECA members are serious professionals. They must have at least three years of experience in admissions counseling and have worked with scores of students before we will consider their applications for membership. Each application is reviewed by a committee of respected peers, assuring professionalism and competence. campus knowledge
2. CAMPUS KNOWLEDGE
IECA members have, on average, visited more than 150 college campuses each, and spend about 20% of their time each year touring colleges to stay knowledgeable and up-to-date. professional integrity
3. PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY
IECA members sign a yearly pledge that governs their interactions with colleges, students, and parents. They agree to avoid any action that distorts or misrepresents a student’s record or interferes with a university’s ability university, college, or any institution in exchange for placement. truth in advertising
4. TRUTH IN ADVERTISING
As a criterion for membership, IECA consultants must submit their marketing materials so that we can ensure no false promises are made to prospective clients. When communicating with students and parents, IECA members members of our Association do make outlandish promises to win over potential clients. IECA’s stringent Principles of Good Practice discourage such promises and we bar those who make them from membership. education
5. EDUCATION
IECA members don’t stumble into college consulting. We require a master’s degree in counseling or an commitment to keep current
6. COMMITMENT TO KEEP CURRENT
No association places a greater emphasis on professional training. IECA sponsors conferences and workshops meant to ensure that our members understand the very latest trends in admission, learning theory, and adolescent counselors and admission directors vie with our members for these ‘standing room only’ learning opportunities.
7. SERVICES FOR ALL STUDENTS
Yes, educational consultants are hired by families with the ability to pay for their services. But IECA members are programming to help school-based counselors and parents better meet the needs of all students during this important time in their lives. dedication to reducing anxiety
8. DEDICATION TO REDUCING ANXIETY
Every member of IECA understands his or her important role in the college application process. Members immediately seek to reassure students and parents that there are great college choices for everyone, and commit to help reduce anxiety for both parents and students. Our members believe that the student, not the parent or the a successful experience wherever a student chooses to matriculate. respect of colleagues
9. RESPECT OF COLLEAGUES
Members in IECA must demonstrate their commitment to students’ welfare and professional standards by providing professional references. Given their extensive knowledge and experience, it’s not surprising that IECA members are routinely tapped for national and regional boards, presentations, and lectures. stringent ethical standards
10. STRINGENT ETHICAL STANDARDS
Rarely, but occasionally, a member violates the spirit of the principles cited on this page. When that happens, the only way we can assure you that when a consultant is an IECA member, it means something. We know other groups with sound-alike names may try to confuse you. But make no mistake – IECA members are unique among independent college consultants. They offer a level of expertise, competence, and professionalism that has been unequalled since 1976. Now you know why our members wear their IECA membership proudly.
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