what is an iec?
IEC stands for Independent Education Consultant. IEC’s generally have a Master’s Degree or Graduate Certificate in Education or Psychology. Some IEC’s may have previous career experience in the industry of Business and Finance. IEC’s can serve many different roles. The most common roles are school placement or College Prep Consultant. Here at Consulting with Sol we also offer Educational Consulting Services for PreK-12. School selection, high school course selection and ESA/homeschool guidance are a feature service in addition to test prep and traditional college prep services.
Do I really need an IEC? Can I get into college without an IEC?
At Consulting with Sol we will always give you transparency and clearly communicate your choices. Only 25% of college students use IECs. That means every year 75% of college students attend without the aid of an IEC and you can too! While we do offer paid services, one of our primary goals is to provide anyone the basic information and resources to start the journey of planning their future. If you begin your planning in grade 8, you will have plenty of time to take one task at a time. Use the checklist resource below.
Do I need an IEC to help find a K-12 school?
That really depends on your individual circumstances. IECs can be helpful with the school search because we know of so many options in your area. There are over 70 variations of educational models in Arizona now. Do you know which one your local school represents? What other options are offered by your school district, charter, private, online, hybrid, homeschool or cooperative learning models near you? You can certainly take the time to research, call, and tour to find what may meet your needs. In fact we offer free resources here to guide you here on our site. For other families, whether short on time, multiple students with varying needs, or new to Arizona, our services can ease stress providing quick solutions.
If I can do it on my own why hire an IEC?
This process can be time consuming, confusing, or overwhelming. If you are short on time and struggling to navigate the information, our services begin as low as $29 a month. We offer the same benefits as traditional college counseling, as well as services for PreK-12 families such as school selection, supplemental resources, summer opportunities, high school course selection, direct to career pathways, disabled student planning and placement, apprenticeships, community college prep, vocational prep, and university prep.
Another primary reason to hire an IEC is for financial aid guidance. The new changes to the FAFSA in 2024 allow more professional class families to qualify for need based aid. Additionally there are more free college options for working class families than we have seen previously.
For other families an IEC is worth the cost for the many ways we can provide stress relief. No one wants to spend their last years under one roof with yelling, crying, door slamming, and locked away in separate rooms. We can help make this a magical season of your life full of victories, joy, and quality time.