What is an educational consultant?

An educational consultant streamlines the college application process for students and their families. Consultants utilize their expertise, training, and research in order to help their clients find colleges & universities that will best fit them - academically, socially and financially. The level of personalized attention we give to students is unmatched. We also aid in the transition from high school to college as students think about moving away from home, settling in at their new school, and choosing a major. We are not employed by any school and are thus “independent”. A 2011 member survey by the National Association for College Admission Counseling found that the average public high school counselors spend 23% of their time on college counseling and the average private school counselors devote 55% of their time to college issues. Independent Educational Consultants work full-time on college consulting, campus visits and research, and other related college issues.

Students should always start with the resources provided through their high school counseling offices. They will also need to have their counselors know them well enough to write a college letter of recommendation. If your student needs additional advice and support during the college search and application process, an educational consultant can be an excellent resource.

• College matches uniquely suited to each student

• Organized college planning and application process

• Help in simplifying complex financial aid and scholarship options

• Exploration and coaching to select majors and careers

• Brainstorming and coaching to write effective college essays

• Advice to plan and make the most of campus visits

• Practice to build confidence for college interviews.

• Guidance with standardized tests and summer programs

• Assistance with gap year, two year, technical, military, transfer and graduate options

• Convenient hours to fit your busy schedule.

• Face to face and video consultation available

• A variety of packages starting as early as freshman year

• Peace of mind knowing the college process is under control

I started my "second career" as an IEC after becoming enamored with the process when my oldest daughter started looking at her college options. Since then I have returned to school to get my IEC certification from UC Irvine, mentored with a fellow IEC for one year, lived through the process myself with my three children and and have been practicing on my own for 8 years. 

I have a BS in Biochemistry and an MBA which have been valuable during my 15 year career in the Pharmaceutical Industry and now as I manage a growing business. 

I am passionate about and love working with high school students and my goal is to make the process both manageable and fun for the students that I work with. 

Through one on one meetings, workshops and group sessions I hope to focus my students and families on what is important and what to avoid during high school and throughout the college search and application process. This is a time of growth and change for most students - when they are figuring out who they are and who they want to be. I believe that working with them to get to know who they are helps them to make the right decision in the school that is right for them. 

Natalie M. Gipson, MBA

Independent Educational Consultant

IEC certificate, UC Irvine

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