FAQs

FAQ

Why hire an IEC when I already have a counselor at school?

Your relationship with your high school counselor is an important one. After all, this is the person who will be providing a recommendation for your college applications, so it benefits you to get to know your counselor. However, counselors often have a workload that will not allow them to give you the personal attention you need to navigate the college admissions process. That is where hiring an IEC works to your advantage. A recent study by the U.S. Department of Education showed that:


  • U.S. public high school students receive an average of 38 minutes of personal advising on college admission over their entire high school years. With an IEC, the time spent with a student is roughly 40 hours!
  • Students working with IECs are FOUR TIMES more likely to attend private, non-profit colleges and THREE TIMES more likely to attend college out of state.


What if my child does not have an outstanding GPA or test scores?

With over 4,000 colleges in the U.S., there is a school for every type of student! It is a matter of determining the “right fit” for your child. Finding the best fit is a collaborative effort between the student, parents and IEC; together, we determine where your child will best thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Evaluating your student’s strengths and talents, as well as listening to her personal preferences and interests will allow us to create a list of “good match” colleges that will allow her to best achieve her goals on all levels.


Does Geldermann College Consulting help students wishing to transfer?

Yes! But before diving into the process of transferring, we first fully evaluate the reasons behind the decision to transfer. Gaining this understanding helps students understand the best next steps in their educational pursuit. GCC provides guidance with transfer procedures, while encouraging students to take ownership of process.


Do you work with kids with learning differences? Athletes? Other specialties?

Yes, yes, yes! At Geldermann College Consulting, we embrace the unique qualities of every student, and approach the college admissions journey with those unique attributes in mind. Whether your child has an IEP, wants to pursue collegiate sports, needs a portfolio for application submission or is seeking need and/or merit based financial aid, GCC offers a comprehensive program that is customized for every student.


How do I choose the right IEC?

Selecting an independent educational consultant is an important investment in your child’s education. It is recommended that you schedule a consultation to determine if the IEC will be someone you and your child will enjoy working with. In addition to a good rapport, the consultant must be knowledgeable about the college admissions landscape, and have outstanding listening and organizational skills. Your IEC should also be a member of a professional organization that governs ethics and professional integrity.


Is there an ideal time to start with working with an IEC?

It is never too early to start the process! While the majority of students start working with an IEC at the beginning or middle of their junior year, some begin as early as 8th grade. Starting at the beginning of high school gives the family and the IEC time to chart a plan of action regarding class selection, summer programs, and enrichment opportunities.


How do I get started?

Contact Geldermann College Consulting by either completing or submitting the online form or by calling (847) 736-1452 to learn more about us.


Student Login

SUSAN (Parent):


"The process of applying to colleges has dramatically changed since today’s parents applied. Carolyn was able to quickly bring us up to speed on how colleges view applicants beyond a GPA and test score. She helped my son find incredible alternatives to his first choice (which he will be attending) that made all options a win-win situation. The financial assistance education that Carolyn gave us more than outweighed the cost of the consulting fees. The experience from start to finish was excellent, and Carolyn’s enthusiasm is infectious, but I have to say having her go over every deadline, every requirement and proofing every essay with someone who was not his parent was icing on the cake, as well as giving my son the opportunity to work with someone so vested in his interests. We highly recommend Carolyn and all the value she brought to the experience of finding the best fit for a student applying to college.
"

Share by: