A Word on the College Admissions Scandal

The news this week that the parents of college-bound children were paying a so-called “college counselor” from California, who was conspiring with college coaches, test-prep operators, and others to game the admissions process has been beyond disturbing to those of us who work as independent educational consultants to do the best job that we can for our families. I started my business because I love working with young people and want to see them move into the next phase of their lives with a sense of excitement and accomplishment. The process is always fraught with stress; my job is to make it less stressful, more transparent, and rewarding. I don’t promise admissions to certain schools as a guarantee; in fact, my contract states that I can’t guarantee admission into any school. What I can guarantee is a genuine working relationship with student and family, one where I provide positive reinforcement yet realistic goal-setting; listen to your needs and provide an individualized plan, and let the student take ownership of the process and feel good about the results. As a member of HECA (Higher Education Consultants Association) and IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association), I adhere to a set of ethics guidelines. I am posting messages below that HECA and IECA have written in response to the news of the past few days.

HECA STATEMENT: “PAY FOR PLAY IS INDEFENSIBLE FOR
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROFESSIONALS”
(Spokane, WA – 3/13/19) – The Higher Education Consultants Association
(HECA), a professional organization of independent educational consultants,
reacts to the breaking news of a widespread college admissions scandal by
urging families to do their homework before working with independent
educational consultants.
The Higher Education Consultants Association has a two-fold mission:
● Support students and parents during the transition from high school to
college, with a commitment to equity and access to higher education for all
students.
● Advance professional, ethical conduct, and standards for the profession of
college admissions consulting.
To fulfill both parts of our organizational mission, all members agree to abide by
HECA’s Standards and Ethics Statement for members. The Statement is based
on four core values: sound advising, integrity, respect, and confidentiality.
“HECA feels strongly that families seeking help with the college search and
application process outside of the school setting should do their homework to
ensure that they hire someone who is a member of a professional organization
with a strict code of ethics,” states HECA President Brooke Daly. “Every HECA
member is charged with providing sound advice, confidentiality, integrity and
respect for their students, parents, and the colleges to which they are applying.”
Founded in 1997, Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) is a 1,100+
member 501(c)(6) not-for-profit professional association representing
independent educational consultants from every region of the country and across
the globe who focus exclusively on helping students navigate the college
admissions process. Guided by HECA’s Standards and Ethics Statement for
professional conduct, their members serve the college planning needs of more
than 23,000 high school seniors each year. Many HECA members also assist
underserved students through pro-bono advice and volunteer service to nonprofit organizations and local schools.
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IECA Stresses Ethics and Personal Fit to Guide Students in Choosing a College

The Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and its members are committed to helping families find the most appropriate college for their students, and assist families in navigating the application process. Following a comprehensive code of ethics, IECA members are professionals who understand and adhere to high ethical standards in all their interactions with clients and institutions and are compensated by and work exclusively on behalf of their client families.

In response to the breaking news of an FBI probe and Justice Department charges for 50 people—college officials from elite institutions, wealthy parents, coaches, and others—in a long-running admissions bribery scheme, IECA CEO Mark Sklarow said, “The charges presented today exemplify the intense anxiety that even some wealthy parents feel about their children being admitted to their preferred colleges.”

Parents and students should keep the following advice in mind as they begin their college search.

· The college search and application process should be a fun and exciting time for students and their families. If anyone in any setting is exerting pressure or causing undue anxiety and pressure, be cautious. If you are told someone has “inside” information, can pull strings, provide shortcuts to admission, or give you a special advantage (for a fee or otherwise), you are being misled.

· There are many great postsecondary options for every student, and no student should be made to feel that they must become something they are not to get accepted. The “best” school is the school that fits a student academically, socially, and financially. Being and presenting one’s authentic self and demonstrating one’s own talents and abilities is a way of ensuring the right college fit. This is central to what an ethical independent educational consultant does.

· The vast majority of admissions officers, school counselors, and IECs are ethical and compassionate professionals who dedicate their careers to advising students and families.

If you decide to seek help with the college search and application process outside of the school setting, ensure that you hire someone who is a member of a professional organization, such as IECA or NACAC, that requires them to abide by the highest ethical standards. A fully vetted independent educational consultant (IEC) will be solely concerned about an individual student’s well-being and helping to gain admission to a school where they will thrive and succeed on their own merits.