Frequently Asked Questions

What is an independent educationAl consultant (IEC)?

An IEC is a trained professional who helps guide families through the college search and application process. Think of an IEC as a freelance college guidance counselor or a freelance college advisor.

Check out our recent blog post “7 Reasons to Hire an Independent Educational Consultant.”

Why should i hirE an IEC?

The college process can be filled with myths and misinformation, which add to the stress families may encounter. An IEC is your reliable source for accurate details and guidance at every stage of the process, additionally I am able to respond to your needs promptly and personally.

Check out our recent blog post “7 Reasons to Hire an Independent Educational Consultant.”

Why should I hire stodghill consulting?

The team at Stodghill Consulting, with over 50 years of combined education experience, is dedicated to guiding students and families through the college admissions and financial aid process with expert insight and a student-centered approach. With extensive practical experience from working in high schools and on college campuses, we provide firsthand knowledge of the high school experience and admissions landscape, offering expert, personalized guidance that truly sets us apart.

What is my role as a parent throughout the process?

Parents can be as involved as your family feels comfortable with, but the ultimate goal is to let the student lead the process. I always like to meet with parents during the initiation of our partnership and continue having follow-ups depending on the phase your student is in. Parents are usually more involved with 8th – 10th graders, and become a little less involved from 11th to 12th grade as they mature.

what are the students’ roles throughout the process?

Coaching works as long as the student is willing to put in the effort.

I will help your student to the best of my ability, but they do have responsibilities to ensure success: 

Be present & participate during 1:1 sessions

Be open to expressing your true wants and needs to assure best match and fit

Be ready to have real & honest conversations about the college prep & admissions process

 Complete college requirements & assignments on-time and to the best of your ability

how do we connect?

The Stodghill Consulting team offers expert college admissions guidance both in person in Charlotte, NC, and Birmingham, AL as well as virtually via Zoom for students all across the country. Whether meeting locally or online, our counselors provide personalized support to help students navigate the admissions process with confidence.

Let Stodghill Consulting be your partner in this journey. 

Unsure about the process or what you need?

Let’s set up an intake session to evaluate and determine what is needed to help your student in the college planning process. 

Click here to get started

What people are saying about us…

“I’ve worked with Kim for the past five years in helping students gain admission to their dream colleges and universities, and I’ve always found Kim to be a deeply knowledgeable and compassionate counselor. She has a knack for understanding precisely what each of her students needs to succeed, and she goes the extra mile to help her students achieve their college admission goals.”

~ Al Benthall | Benthall Test Prep

“Kim has already helped me and my children and they are only sophomores. She has helped us to understand the aspects of certain career fields they might enjoy because of their natural tendencies and abilities. She has helped them think through their interest outside of school and how that feeds into their college career and their lives. I am encouraged that they are being set up to be successful in their college aspirations.”

~ Class of 2023 Parent

“Kim has already helped me and my children and they are only sophomores. She has helped us to understand the aspects of certain career fields they might enjoy because of their natural tendencies and abilities. She has helped them think through their interest outside of school and how that feeds into their college career and their lives. I am encouraged that they are being set up to be successful in their college aspirations.”

~ Class of 2023 Parent

“My twins started working with Kim the start of their junior year. What impressed me most was her ability to immediately pick up on their differences and create specific plans for both on their college choices. I was also comforted with Kim’s ability to provide critical information during the middle of a pandemic via her “Coffee with Kim” sessions.”

~ Class of 2021 Parent

“Kim has been invaluable during the college search and admission process. She has helped flesh out our college list, guided my daughter in producing a resume, provided support through the process of asking for teacher recommendations and more. When our stress levels start rising, we just schedule an hour with Kim and bring her our questions and concerns. We always leave with answers and a renewed sense of perspective. Her regular “Coffee with Kim” zoom sessions have also been helpful and informative. We are grateful to have her guidance and expertise through this journey!”

~ Class of 2021 Parent

“Kim has been invaluable during the college search and admission process. She has helped flesh out our college list, guided my daughter in producing a resume, provided support through the process of asking for teacher recommendations and more. When our stress levels start rising, we just schedule an hour with Kim and bring her our questions and concerns. We always leave with answers and a renewed sense of perspective. Her regular “Coffee with Kim” zoom sessions have also been helpful and informative. We are grateful to have her guidance and expertise through this journey!”

~ Class of 2021 Parent

“With nearly 20 years of experience in the admissions process and being on all sides of it–-from high school guidance, to private guidance, to behind closed doors reading applications––Kim is the person you want with your student during their college process. As parents, my husband and I felt completely comfortable taking our hands off the “admissions wheel” and had full confidence our daughter was submitting strong applications to colleges that fit her to a tee.”

~– Rachelle McClintock, Class of 2021 Parent

“Mrs. Stodghill was my college guidance counselor throughout my high school career, and I could not have asked for a better one! I am a first generation college student, so going into the process of applying to colleges I was unsure and afraid. Mrs. Stodghill welcomed me with open arms, seeing my potential and inspiring me to accomplish whatever I set my mind to. She carefully critiqued essay after essay, gave me her full attention during meetings, and answered every question I had to the best of her ability. It is truly evident that she has a passion for helping students succeed and loves her work more than anything. I am now able to attend the college of my dreams and feel more prepared than ever.”

~Emma, Class of 2020, Wofford College

“My son and I first met with Kim Stodghill in May of his Junior year of high school. At the initial meeting Kim asked excellent questions, was a great listener, offered helpful guidance and established a trusting rapport with my son. Having gone through the college search process with an older child, what my family valued most was allowing the child to own and guide the process. I knew from the initial meeting that Kim would be a great fit for us, and from there on out, I confidently stepped away! Kim provided a clear path forward with timelines and reminders along the way, supplemented by regular face-to-face meetings and positive encouragement. Kim puts the student and their goals in the center of the process, fully aware of their responsibilities and the independent thinking required to make good decisions for their future. In the end, my son felt very good about the fact that he researched, visited and applied to multiple schools and stayed ahead of all of the deadlines while managing his senior year academics and a varsity sport.”

~ Class of 2020 Parent, UNC