Calling Independent Educational Consultants (IECs)
Include your Voice for the Future of Educational Consulting
Dissertation Title: Beyond the Application: A Mixed Methods Study on How IECs Shape College-Bound High School Students’ Journeys
Researcher: Márta Vajda, M.Ed./ Doctoral Candidate at Florida Atlantic University|Educational Consultant of Vajda Consultants, Professional Member of IECA, Member of SACAC |
Contact: vajdaconsultants@gmail.com | Phone: 561-908-4148
🔍 Purpose of the Study
This study seeks to investigate how Independent Educational Consultants (IECs) support college-bound high school students, address disparities in access, and impact college admissions outcomes. It fills a critical gap in the college access literature by examining IEC practices through an ecological lens using the Ecological Model for College Access. A mixed methods design will be used to collect both qualitative (interview) and quantitative (survey) data which will be integrated to gain a deeper understanding of effective advising practices and improve access to higher education for all students.
🔄Research Design
- Design Type: Sequential Exploratory Mixed Methods
- Phase 1 (Qualitative): 1:1 semi-structured interviews to explore IECs experiences supporting college-bound high school students.
- Phase 2 Survey Development
- Phase 3 (Quantitative): Disseminate survey instrument to IECs to identify patterns and relationships among IEC practices and student outcomes. Integrate findings with real-world implications.
🎯 Why Participate?
- Contribute to meaningful educational research
- Help promote equitable and effective advising practices
- Be part of shaping industry standards and policy recommendations
🗓️ Time Commitment:
- (COMPLETED) Interview (if eligible): (Phase 1) ~ 35-45 minutes 1:1 virtually with Márta Vajda
- (CURRENT STAGE) Anonymous Online Survey (Eligibility + Main Survey): (Phase 3) ~ less than 15 minutes
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🔒 Confidentiality & Ethics
All responses are anonymous & kept confidential. Participation is voluntary and approved by the Institutional Review Board, IRB#2504133. Informed Consent will be provided at the beginning of the online survey.
Questions?
Please Contact: Márta Vajda | 📧 vajdaconsultants@gmail.com |
Phone: 561- 908-4148
vajdaconsultants.com 