How can an independent educational consultant help us?

An independent educational consultant can be an invaluable resource during the college search and application process. At Matlack Educational Consulting, we are committed to personalizing each family’s college admissions process through careful evaluation and knowledgeable guidance. We take the time to thoroughly understand a student’s strengths and needs, and provide information and insight to finding good fit schools while building independence, organizational, and decision-making skills. Families appreciate our accessibility, hands-on guidance, and the objective point of view that helps keep the process manageable.

When should we start planning for college?

While our formal college planning program begins in the junior year, we are happy to meet with families in the years leading up to the junior year to assist in early college planning. Curriculum planning, student assessments, extra-curricular activities, and considerations about summer plans or work are all part of early preparation that can start in the 9th and 10th grades. Exploring a variety of college campuses is another way for families to initiate the search process. We are happy to begin the college process at any point in a student’s high school career, whether that is in the freshman year, spring of the junior year or even the summer before senior year.

What if my child seems reluctant to start the college search process?

A student’s readiness can depend to some extent on their perception of the process. Applying to college is the longest and most complex process that most students have ever had to tackle so it is not uncommon for them to feel overwhelmed and reluctant to start. We find that by beginning with a thorough assessment and opportunities for self-reflection, we can help students to begin to have a clearer understanding of their interests and strengths and what it is that they truly want from their college experience.

Isn't creating the college list the most important part of the process?

There is no question that a thoughtfully developed list that represents a range of colleges is one of the most important components of the college process. We work together with our students to build a list of colleges where they will find appropriate challenge as well as success and where they will thrive not just academically, but athletically, socially, and personally as well. This process is iterative and the list evolves to reflect the student's emerging goals, values and preferences. However, creating a college list is only one step in a multi-step process. In addition, we help students at every step of the college search and application process, including assisting with essays and preparing for campus visits and interviews.

What qualifications and professional memberships do you consultants hold?

Our educational consultants posses a variety of educational and professional backgrounds related to the fields of education, counseling and college admissions. We spend a significant amount of our time traveling to campuses and seeking other opportunities for professional development. We are members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), a national organization of more than 2500 consultants that holds its members to high ethical and professional standards. We also hold memberships with the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the New England Association for College Admission Counseling (NEACAC, and the Enrollment Management Association (EMA).

Can we have a preliminary conversation before we decide whether or not to engage your services?

We encourage everyone who is interested in learning more about our services to call. We will answer any questions you have, describe the range of services that we offer, and learn about your child. The college process is lengthy and complex and we believe that, for the most fulfilling outcomes, it is important that families find a consultant whom they like and trust to skillfully and compassionately work with their child. We welcome the chance to tell you more about us, our experience, and our approach to the college process.