Welcome to HECA’s Media Room

The Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) is a professional organization focused exclusively on the practice of independent college admissions consulting. Since 1997, our organization has been dedicated to advancing professional standards for the higher education consulting field while supporting our members as they expertly guide students through the transition from high school to college.

Our organization and our member consultants are excellent resources for interviews and information on college admissions and financial aid. Please email our Director of Communications at communications@hecaonline.org. You can also find HECA members in your local area in our HECA Member Directory.

Frequently Asked Questions about College Admissions Consulting

What is a college admissions consultant? What is a higher education consultant? A college admissions consultant, also called a higher education consultant, is a professional who assists students and parents with college and financial aid planning. College admissions consultants are skilled in helping students find colleges where they can be successful. They also serve as guides to the college application process, making sure that students meet deadlines and prepare complete and effective applications. Some higher education consultants specialize in helping students with special needs, such as learning disabilities.

What do college admissions consultants do? College admission consultants are trained professionals who assist students and their parents with the college planning and application process. They help families by providing a realistic assessment of a student’s individual strengths and weaknesses as a prospective college applicant, identifying colleges and universities that match the student’s needs and interests, and providing guidance on all aspects of the college application and financial aid process. Please read our information sheet for families about the services provided by college admissions consultants.

What are the benefits of working with a college admissions consultant? Many high schools have high counselor to student ratios. This can make it difficult for some students to get personalized and on-going advice about college planning and college admissions. While a college admissions consultant does not replace the school counselor, a professional consultant serves as a guide to the entire college and financial aid process, helping both students and parents feel less stressed, better prepared, and more confident.

What should families consider before deciding to hire a college admissions consultant? Families should start by considering their child’s individual personality, needs and interests in order to determine if hiring a college admissions consultant would be advisable. If so, the family should carefully evaluate the experience, skills, and professionalism of any consultant before hiring them. The Higher Education Consultants Association has put together a guide to questions families should ask when choosing a consultant.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA)

What is the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA)? HECA is a non-profit, volunteer association comprised of higher education consultants who share a passion for helping students reach their educational goals. Our members uphold the highest professional and ethical standards, and enjoy opportunities to further develop their consulting skills through HECA events, networking, and other support.

When was the Higher Education Consultants Association founded, and why? The Higher Education Consultants Association was founded in 1997 by a group of higher education consultants who recognized the need for professional standards for the growing field of college admissions consulting. From its inception, HECA received support and assistance from college admissions officials, who recognized and welcomed HECA’s commitment to advancing high standards for the profession. To learn more about HECA’s history, click here.

What is the background of a typical HECA member? Our members come from many different backgrounds, but all prospective members must demonstrate the training, and experience necessary to effectively assist families during the college admissions process. Additionally, HECA members are required to demonstrate commitment to on-going professional development, by participating in training and educational programs in the field of college admissions, visits to college campuses, and active involvement in HECA and other professional organizations related to college admissions counseling.

Do HECA members abide by professional ethical standards? Yes! A core tenant of our organization is our dedication to upholding the highest ethical standards for educational consulting. All of our members agree to abide by the Statement of Principles of Good Practice (SPGP) established for counselors by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC). However, HECA also goes above and beyond those standards through our own organizational standards for ethical practice. These standards are based on four core values: Sound advice, integrity, respect, and confidentiality. Read more about HECA's standards, here.

What opportunities for further training and development does HECA offer its members? Because the college admissions landscape is always changing, HECA recognizes the importance of training and development for our members. Our members share information about trends and issues affecting college admissions through our member internet Listserv, member publications, and other professional resources available only to members on our website. Additionally, HECA’s annual conference provides our members with an exceptional professional development opportunity. Each year, our conference includes presentations from college representatives, higher education consultants, and others involved in the college admissions field. During the conference, our members can also participate in members-only campus tours, as well as connect and network with other members.

Are HECA members available to discuss college admissions and financial aid with the media? Because they strive to stay informed about college admissions and financial aid trends, and have first-hand knowledge of how students and parents make college choices, HECA members can be excellent sources for media stories on topics such as planning for college, college applications, and higher education financial issues. If you are looking for a knowledgeable expert on these issues, please use the HECA Member Directory to find a HECA member in your local area. Additionally, we would be happy to arrange an interview with the current HECA President or another HECA member for you. Please email our communications manager at communications@hecaonline.org.

Here are some topics that HECA and HECA members can be sources for:

• Trends in college admissions
• Finding the right college
• College application and essay tips
• Financial aid/college affordability
• College entrance exams, SAT vs. ACT
• Waitlist and deferral strategies

What is the mission of the Higher Education Consultants Association? HECA's mission is two-fold. We are dedicated to supporting students and parents during the transition from high school to college, with a commitment to equity and access to higher education for all students. Additionally, our organization is distinguished by our commitment to advancing professional, ethical conduct and standards for the profession of college admissions consulting. To learn more about HECA’s mission, click here.