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By Jenny Buyens, MBA | Independent Educational Consultant | IECA Member Parents often assume their student’s school guidance counselor will handle the college application process. And while school counselors do wonderful work, the reality of most high school counseling departments means there’s a significant gap between what families expect and what’s possible. Here’s an honest breakdown of the difference — and how to decide what your family needs. What does a school guidance

By Jenny Buyens, MBA | Independent Educational Consultant | IECA Member Building a college list sounds simple enough: pick some schools, apply, see what happens. But a thoughtful, balanced list is genuinely one of the most important things a student can do to set themselves up for a great outcome. Here’s how I think about it. What makes a college list “balanced”? A balanced list typically includes three tiers of schools: • Reach schools — schools where your academic pro

By Jenny Buyens, MBA | Independent Educational Consultant | IECA Member If you’ve started researching college consultants, you’ve probably wondered: “What does this actually cost, and is it really necessary?” You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions families ask me, and it deserves a straight answer. What do college consultants typically charge? Fees vary quite a bit depending on the consultant’s experience, location, and the scope of services. Here’s a general