I am an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) entering my 12th year in private practice. Over the past decade, I’ve helped students gain admission to a wide range of colleges and universities including Ivy League schools, top-tier public institutions, and highly selective liberal arts colleges. Many of those students received significant scholarship offers, reducing the financial burden on their families.
I’m a professional member of both the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA). These organizations require a commitment to ethical standards, ongoing professional development, and regular college visits; standards I take seriously.
Before starting my private practice, I worked as a high school counselor with caseloads that often exceeded 500 students. That experience showed me how little time many students actually get when it comes to college advising. I opened my practice because I knew students and families needed more: more time, more clarity, more strategy, and better support.
When I’m out in the community and share what I do, I often hear questions like: “What is that?” or “What school do you work with?” Others say: “I wish I’d known someone like you when my daughter was looking at schools.”
This tells me that many families still don’t know that hiring an IEC is even an option. It is, and it can make all the difference. So, why hire someone like me? Below are just a few of the reasons I believe I can help you and your high school student navigate the college process with confidence and results.
One-on-One Planning
When you work with me, your student isn’t one of hundreds. I offer direct, personal guidance starting early and staying consistent.
I help families map out the entire journey:
- Choosing the right high school courses each year
- Identifying extracurriculars that show real engagement
- Planning summer opportunities that matter
- Understanding which standardized tests to take, and when
For freshmen and sophomores, that might mean selecting honors or AP courses that fit their goals, while also identifying enrichment opportunities to explore emerging interests. For juniors and seniors, I provide structure around testing, timelines, campus visits, and application planning.
This is about making informed, strategic decisions every year. I meet with families regularly and guide them through each phase so there’s no guessing, no scrambling, and no missed opportunities.
Application Coaching
A great college application does more than list achievements. It tells a story. I work one-on-one with students to craft applications that highlight not just what they’ve done, but who they are.
We begin by identifying schools that are a strong academic, social, and financial fit. Then, we dig into the details. I help students write essays that are personal, specific, and compelling without relying on gimmicks or recycled content. These essays reflect their voice and vision, and show colleges exactly what they’ll bring to campus.
For students applying to competitive or specialized programs, like engineering, music, or pre-med, I make sure their materials align with what those departments value. And I help students stay on track with deadlines and requirements so nothing falls through the cracks.
Supporting Financial Aid & Scholarships
Most families are overwhelmed by the financial side of college, and with good reason. The rules are changing, and the forms are complicated.
I walk families through every step of the financial aid process:
- FAFSA
I help families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid accurately and on time, ensuring they don’t miss out on need-based funding from both federal and state sources. - CSS Profile
For colleges that require the CSS Profile, I guide families through the more detailed questions and help them understand how institutional aid is determined differently from FAFSA. - Scholarship Applications
I assist students in identifying and applying for both national and local scholarships, including those tied to specific majors, identities, or community service—many of which families overlook. - Understanding Merit Aid vs. Need-Based Aid
I explain the difference between these two forms of aid and help families determine which colleges are most generous with each, so they can focus their efforts where it counts. - Building a Realistic List Based on Cost and Likelihood of Aid
Together, we build a college list that balances dream schools with financial fit, taking into account the likelihood of aid and long-term affordability—not just sticker prices.
I also help families uncover scholarship opportunities that many don’t even realize exist. My goal is to help you understand the real cost of college before you fall in love with a school.
Strategic Planning
Every student is different. College planning isn’t throwing a dart at a name-brand school and pushing everything toward getting in. I take the time to understand each family and student I work with. We build a college list that reflects the student’s academic strengths, learning style, interests, and personality. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter advice and work with families to develop a plan that’s realistic and forward-thinking.
Some students need extra structure. Others need a push to think more broadly. I guide both. We consider academic rigor, class size, location, campus culture, and more. I ask the questions students may not think to ask and help them stay focused on the bigger picture.
For students interested in highly selective or niche programs, I bring insight into what those schools are really looking for and how to stand out without stretching the truth.
Assessment Of College Fit
There’s more to finding the right college than test scores and rankings. I visit at least 15 colleges a year to get a true sense of the schools I recommend. I pay attention to the energy on campus, how students interact, the strength of advising services, and the support systems in place.
This helps me advise families on the schools that will genuinely be a good fit, not just on paper, but in real life. My goal is to reduce mismatches and prevent the frustration that comes from choosing the wrong environment.
Advocacy & Support
If your student has a documented learning difference, medical condition, or other educational need, I know how to help. As a former special education teacher, I bring deep experience in helping families understand what kinds of academic accommodations and learning supports are available in college, and how to access them.
I review testing, IEPs, and 504 Plans with a trained eye and advise families on how to advocate for appropriate accommodations both in high school and at the college level. I help families prepare documentation for college disability services, and I make sure students are equipped to self-advocate after high school.
Importantly, I help students build the skills they’ll need to self-advocate. Because once they’re in college, no one will manage those services for them.
Why Hire An Independent Educational Consultant?
Because your child’s future deserves more than a rushed 20-minute meeting with an overworked school counselor.
I bring decades of experience, a strong track record of success, and a no-nonsense approach to helping students and families navigate one of the most important decisions they’ll ever make. I stay current on college admissions trends, scholarship changes, and campus shifts. I invest time in getting to know your student and help them move through this process with less stress, better outcomes, and more confidence.
Ready to learn how an Independent Educational Consultant can support your family?
240-285-1920
dianne@launchingcollegesuccess.com
