Why should we use an independent educational consultant?
Students and parents often feel overwhelmed by the college selection and admissions process and many do not make the best possible choice when choosing a college. An independent educational consultant (IEC) can be a valuable resource during the college search and application process. Students and their families choose to work with an educational consultant because the consultant provides them with tailored, personal attention, augmented by extensive experience and knowledge. An educational consultant can help to guide you through the intricacy of college admissions. We will take the time to thoroughly understand a student’s strengths and desires, and provide information and guidance in finding colleges that are a good fit for the unique needs of the student.
When should I begin working with an independent educational consultant?
You can begin working with an independent educational consultant at any time through high school. We are prepared to initiate the college selection and application process at any point in a student’s high school career, whether that is in the freshman or sophomore year, beginning of the junior year or even the summer before or beginning of the senior year. We can help the student plan their courses for the four years of high school and keep them on track as they progress through the college selection and application process. During the student’s freshman or sophomore year of high school, we assist in course planning, suggest extra-curricular activities, and provide guidance regarding summer activities. Starting with the junior year, we offer guidance on what tests the student will need to take, what preparation, if any, is required prior to the tests and we help the student create a list of colleges that meet his/her needs academically, socially and financially. We also offer assistance through each step of the application process, review essays, and prepare students for campus visits and interviews.
Can we have an introductory discussion before we decide whether or not to work with you?
We encourage everyone who is interested in learning more about what we do to call and set up an initial complementary meeting with us during which we will conduct an in-depth discussion with the student and their parents. During this discussion, we will answer any questions you may have, describe the type of services that we offer and acquire information about the student. If you should decide after this meeting that you don’t want to continue with our services, you are under no obligation to do so and incur no costs.
What about confidentiality?
We never identify our clients to anyone, under any circumstances. All communications between College Link Consulting and our clients are kept strictly confidential.
Will you complete the college applications, write my essays, or fill out financial aid related forms for the student and families?
We are prepared to offer assistance and guidance for each of these activities, but feel it is the responsibility of the student and his/her family to complete these tasks.
Will you guarantee that the student will get into any college, or a specific college?
We do not guarantee to get the student into a college. We provide assistance and guidance to students to identify colleges that are a good fit for his/her needs academically, socially and financially. We assist in the selection and application process, but ultimately, have no control or influence over the admission.
Why College Link Consulting?
We offer a unique and fresh perspective for educational consulting. We approach educational consulting from a different background than many. Rather than coming to consulting from an educational background, we have real world, corporate experience. This knowledge and experience is invaluable when it comes to offering guidance on majors and career choices.
David has a BS in Microbiology from UCLA, an MS in Biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and an MBA in Marketing from Rutgers University. In addition, David has a certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from the University of California, Irvine.
David has worked in pharmaceutical market research for over 20 years for such companies as Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Novartis and Merck. His expertise in marketing research and analytics provides him with skills that complement the requirements of an Independent Educational Consultant. He has successfully managed, coached and developed numerous individuals over the years. He is also able to frame key questions, identify information needs, develop an action plan and provide solutions.
College Link Consulting also offers different service options at different prices in order to make our services affordable to more people. By making these services more affordable, we make our services more accessible to more people.
Throughout David’s career, people have commented about his passion for work and commitment to always do the very best job possible. He promises to bring this passion and commitment when working with students on the college admissions process.