See the "Post-secondary Placement" section on NBI's "Career and Educational Consultation" page.

Our hours are those that compliment the busy schedules of working parents and involved students. We typically meet with students after school hours, on the weekends, and on days off of school. We are available by telephone and via email early in the morning until late in the evening every day. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, telephone calls and emails are answered the same day they are received.

Educational consultants who specialize in special needs are experienced in working with, and placing, students with these issues. From wilderness therapy programs and residential treatment centers to more clinically intense transitional programs, a student can be guided to a program that will deal with the psychological or psychiatric issues while still maintaining the goal of a student becoming an independent, successful adult.

Of course. Doctors, lawyers, schools, colleges, and even car dealerships let you meet or take a "test drive" before buying, and so too, should an educational consultant. I am happy to arrange a session, free of charge, to meet and give you the opportunity to test your comfort level with my office, my services, and my style.

NO! Educational consultants do not "get your students into college," nor do they have any pull with admissions officers or secrets to "get you in." Consultants aim to find colleges that are appropriate matches for a student and then help a student present themselves in the best possible light in a college application. Consultants have the insight and experience to portray a student in 3D through their essays and resumes, the organizational strategies to maintain all deadlines, the knowledge of what colleges are looking for, and the contacts in admissions offices to gain insight and get accurate information. A consultant who promises you "pull" or "secrets" is doing just that - making promises.

Your high school based college counselor is a very important part of the team. However, just as teachers split their time and attention among all those in the class, a school based counselor must devote a limited amount of time to a large number of students, while still shuffling other counseling and administrative duties. So, like a subject specific tutor, a qualified independent college counselor takes on a limited number of clients and works one-on-one with each student to meet their individualized needs. This ensures personalized attention and service from an expert in the field of "college."

College Counseling - The college search process should begin by the fall of junior year. A freshman or sophomore start, however, will benefit a student by planning course schedules, standardized test strategies, extracurricular activities, community service, and summer activities. Since updated testing is necessary to receive accommodations in college, planning the right time to be retested can save a great deal of money, time and effort.
Special Needs Counseling - A student having difficulty at home, in school, in college, with peers, with him/herself, or with authority is either in danger or wasting valuable growing time. An educational consultant should be contacted as soon as a parent is aware that the difficulties are beyond their ability to manage. A consultant will make every effort to call in specialists to help the situation and to discuss all possible options with a family before a difficulty becomes a crisis.

There are several important factors to consider in choosing the right educational consultant for you. Don't be afraid to ask consultants pointed and straight forward questions during your interview process; you are putting your child's future in their hands.

• Consider the consultant's background and training - Look for a consultant with an educational degree, employment history, and ongoing training efforts that make you confident in their level of knowledge.
• Consider the consultant's organizational affiliations - There are many wonderful organizations that have been created to educate, aid, train, and support educational consults, such as IECA, HECA, and NACAC. Look for a consultant who supports relevant associations by way of membership and active participation.
• Consider the consultant's specialty - In a time where our complex society inundates us with information and choices, the field of educational consulting, has developed specialties. Being that it is impossible to gain and maintain knowledge of all areas of education, look for a consultant whose practice specializes in the area of interest to your family. Some examples of specialties are; Learning Disabilities, Special Needs, K-12 Schools, Traditional Boarding Schools, College.
• Consider the consultant's customer service - Customer service is essential in a field that is build around individualized counseling and relationship building. Find a consultant who is readily available and is willing to meet on an unlimited basis.
• Consider the consultant's personality, style, and reassuring nature - Regardless of why you are seeking out the services of an educational consultant, one thing is for sure; you are in need of help. A consultant will not be helpful unless you AND your child are comforted by their presence and advice

A little research will go a long way to insure that your relationship with your educational consultant is a positive, long lasting one!

An educational consultant is a trained professional. Hired by families to help guide them through educational transitions, a consultant thoroughly evaluates a student's academic/social/emotional needs and suggests educational options, colleges, or schools to meet those needs. Consultants do not accept compensation from colleges, schools, or programs, thus allowing them to remain objective in their evaluation of a provider's mission and work on behalf of a student and family. An educational consultant's job is to find the right match to ensure that a student is happy and successful.