What Parents Need to Know about Educational Consultants and College Planning

How does a parent know about the latest trends in college planning and college admissions? How can you help your high school student apply to college without this information? Last week I attended the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) annual conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Much of what I learned I will pass on to the families I am helping with college planning.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Richard Light, a professor at Harvard who talked with the group on the topic of, “Guiding Students to Making the Most of College.” During the five day conference, the educational consultants heard speakers and had group discussions on many topics related to the college planning process. It is professional development like this that really helps me be a better, more informed college consultant..

The HECA members heard directly from the authors and creators of college guidebooks and websites. We attended sessions on college affordability and counseling students with learning disabilities. We discussed the SAT and ACT, the importance of college visits and providing college planning for high school athletes. Following the meetings, we all embarked on busses to visit seven colleges in Minnesota. This we believe is the only way to help our students find schools that meet their academic needs and personalities.

Since a college education is one of the biggest investments a family will make, many families are turning to educational consultants to help their students select colleges and provide assistance with the college application and admissions process. HECA is a professional organization that has some of the best college consultants in the country.