Frequently Asked Questions

An Independent Educational Consultant works one-on-one with each student, helping to identify colleges and universities that offer the best fit for a student's unique needs, and keeping the student on track through every phase of the college search and application process. We are not employed by any school and are thus “independent."  

Students should always start with the resources provided through their high school counseling offices or Post Grad centers.  They will also need to have their counselors know them well enough to write a college letter of recommendation.  If your student needs additional advice and support during the college search and application process, an Independent Educational Consultant can be an excellent resource.

A 2011 member survey by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) found that the average public high school counselors spend 23% of their time on college counseling and the average private school counselors devote 55% of their time to college issues. 

The American School Counselor Association recommends a student-counselor ration of no more than 250:1, a ratio met by only three states (New Hampshire, Vermont and Wyoming). A 2014-2015 NACAC study showed that the national average student-counselor ration is 482:1.  In Colorado, it is 383:1.  

Most Independent Educational Consultants work full-time on college consulting, campus visits and research, and other related college issues.  Miller Educational Consulting also limits the number of students per class to provide personalized attention and maintain client relationships and responsiveness.

In choosing a consultant, remember that the member consultants of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) are experienced professionals, committed to providing quality service to students and parents. To learn more about the benefits of working with a HECA member consultant, click here.  

Miller Educational Consulting  provides the following benefits to students and their families:

• Personalized services from a professional who can address the unique needs of your student.
• Increased awareness of available college choices to provide the best fit for your student.
• Increased family harmony between student and parents by involving an objective third-party.
• Reduced anxiety for everyone involved, resulting from good planning, preparation and organization of the college search and application process
• Access to extensive knowledge about colleges, financial aid and the admissions process that will increase your ability to make informed decisions.

To put it in perspective, the average family will spend upwards of $500 - $1,500 per week, for at least four years, to send a child to college.  Enlisting professional assistance to help create options for your child's best college match and to facilitate the application process is a very small part of that total investment.

College consulting services in the Denver area typically range from around $5,000  - $10,000 for a comprehensive package.  Hourly services usually cost $150 - $300 per hour, roughly the same as you would pay a therapist or other professional consultant. Miller Educational Consulting services are an excellent value, in line with local pricing.

Ideally, meeting with your student no later than the fall of junior year allows enough time to discuss course choices, grades and activities. The elements that students need to complete for selection and application are the same, no matter when they get started. Starting earlier with a clear understanding of the process and the timeline can make it more thoughtful and less stressful.  

If you are just deciding you do need some professional help, please do not hesitate to call, as I am happy to discuss if I can assist your student anywhere in the process.