Question 1

What is an Independent Educational Consultant?

Accepted Answer

An Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) provides individual attention to a  student and family, firsthand knowledge of colleges and the admissions process to various types of schools, and devoted time to explore all options. With their extensive knowledge of colleges, IECs can guide students to better choices, and provide vital help in weighing factors such as cost, location, and curriculum.

With an IEC, your student has the opportunity to explore a wider variety of options and discuss possibilities in a meaningful way. Because we are not tied to any specific school or college, as a member of the IECA, we are not burdened with unrelated duties, and are available at the family's convenience - not just during school hours during the school year.

As a member of the IECA, our Principal Consultant (Steve Colley) adheres to the Principles of Good Practice and is required to annually sign and follow the principles as part of his Association membership in good standing.

Question 2

Why hire an Independent Educational Consultant when my high school student already has a counselor at school?

Accepted Answer

While high school counselors are the backbone of our high schools and work incredibly hard, they normally have limited time to help college bound students because of their additional responsibilities. Hiring an Independent Educational Consultant can enhance their work by adding a devoted member to the team that is helping your child get into their best fit college. We will provide the time and expertise to empower your student and work with counselors to strengthen their support.

Read more at "Why Hire a College Consultant"

Question 3

What is the consulting process like at Waypoint College Consulting?

Accepted Answer

We first begin with a free 45 minute consultation with any interested student or family member. This is an opportunity to answer any questions, while we assess the student's academic and extracurricular progress and their current goals for high school and college.  Based on this information, we discuss an appropriate consulting service to suit the student and family's requirements, and then tailor a package specifically for that student as needed.

Once a student signs on with our services we provide them with access to our student portal and send our detailed consulting plan to the family. This will provide a detailed list of meetings, objectives, and deadlines that we will follow together.

Learn more about our services here.

Question 4

How involved are parents during a student's work with you?

Accepted Answer

We ask that parents at least maintain a minimum level of awareness regarding the progress we make with students each session, and that open communication be maintained between us on a regular basis.  We also ask that parents give us an opportunity to work with their student and allow them to express themselves authentically and openly so we can craft a strong and genuine narrative to colleges that best fit their interests, personality, and goals.

Question 5

Are you focused on helping certain types of students?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. We are here to serve every unique student from all types of backgrounds at any point in their journey to college - from 8th graders to non-traditional college bound adults. While most of our clients are traditional high school students from both public and private schools, we have also served 1st generation students, low-income families, military servicemembers, veterans, musicians, athletes, and international students. All of our students have applied to schools ranging from community colleges, to state schools, private colleges, music programs, art programs, service academies, international universities, and to highly selective schools in the Ivy League.

Question 6

Can Waypoint College Consulting still help my student if we do not live in your local area?

Accepted Answer

Yes! While most of our students are local in Central Arkansas, we have many clients that live on both sides of the United States, as well as students from Europe,  Asia, and South America. We work just as efficiently remotely as we do in-person.

Question 7

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

You can give us a call at 501-712-3252, email us at stevecolley@waypointcollege.com, or schedule a free consultation to discuss how we can help your child.