fbpx

Capstone Educational Consultants

Helping Students with Test Prep, Tutoring, and Navigating the College Journey

News

By Leave a Comment

Hiring an IEC Still Good

Hiring an IEC

Hiring an IEC is still a good idea for many families looking to garner the assistance and knowledge of colleges and the application process for their son or daughter from an in-field expert. It still makes good sense!

A good IEC walks a student through the college selection and application process by approaching the front door. When working with IECs, it’s not about getting students admitted — we find it far more rewarding to usher the student through a process of admissibility into the colleges or universities unique to their personal profile. All-in-all, IEC’s are looking for institutions of goodfit!

The Independent Educational Consultants Association describes the fundamental role of an independent educational consultant as one who help students explore college opportunities and find the right place for them to succeed academically and socially. IECs don’t get students admitted—they help students demonstrate why they deserve to be admitted at appropriately chosen schools. They help students find colleges they might not have heard of—often out of their region—and they help students put their best foot forward.

So, if you’re looking to hire an IEC, here are 5 things families should consider first:

  1. Does the IEC belong to a professional association such as IECA with established and rigorous standards for membership?
  2. Do not trust any offers of guaranteed admission to a school or a certain minimum dollar value in scholarships.
  3. Ensure that the IEC adheres to the ethical guidelines for private counseling established by IECA.
  4. Find an IEC that visits college, school, and program campuses and meets with admissions representatives regularly in order to keep up with new trends, academic changes and evolving campus cultures. 
  5. Do they attend professional conferences or training workshops on a regular basis to keep up with regional and national trends and changes in the law?

If you would like more information on considering an IEC at Capstone, let us know here!

By Leave a Comment

New Location – Peachtree City

We’re growing and needed to find a new location to meet those demands, so we found it in the heart of Peachtree City!  This new location is conveniently located across the street from McIntosh High School and easily accessed by all of Fayette County’s other high schools.

Our new address is 6000 Shakerag Hill, Ste. 108, Peachtree City, GA, 30269.  Directly behind the Waffle House!

Pinwheel of College Pennants

This new address will involve several changes.  Over the next several months, we’ll be announcing ACT/SAT test prep opportunities, ACT/SAT practice tests nearly every weekend, academic tutoring, and much more to complement our already successful and favored college admissions consulting.

When it comes right down to it, Capstone has been a growing presence in Fayette County, assisting families and students far and wide.  With this new location, we are positioned to provide the same quality and respected service at a sweeter value without the hassle of those congested roadways.

By Leave a Comment

College Consulting in Huntsville

College Consulting - Huntsville
Stefanie Miles – Educational Consultant

Capstone Educational Consultants is now providing the same quality college consulting Huntsville, Alabama and the surrounding area for families of college-bound high school students. We are pleased to welcome veteran independent educational consultant, Stefanie Miles to the team. She is a dynamic advisor and has served the Huntsville area for many years — read all about her story here.

For many years, Capstone Educational Consultants has wanted to provide the same unique approach to assisting families of college-bound students in navigating the college journey with families beyond Georgia. When we came to learn more about Stefanie, her values and work ethic, it was apparent we had found a gem.

We are excited to serve the Huntsville, Alabama community and now call the Huntsville area home — too!

Give Stefanie a call, book a free initial consultation or send her an email if you are looking for assistance in the college journey. Explore our services and learn how Capstone Educational Consultants can be the best decision you’ve ever made in and around Huntsville, Alabama!

Stephanie Miles
256-541-7755
smiles@capstoneed.com

Like us on Facebook!

 

By Leave a Comment

Mark Cruver Earns CEP Designation

Mark Cruver of Capstone Educational Consultants in Fayetteville, GA is part of a growing group of educational consultants and school counselors in the nation to earn the designation of Certified Educational Planner (CEP).

Mark Cruver Earns CEP Designation
Mark Cruver is located in Fayette County Georgia and provides college planning assistance throughout the greater Atlanta area.

“We are proud to have Mark Cruver receive this certification,” said Judy Bass, Chair of the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners (AICEP). “We believe this certification sets the standard for professional college counselors not only in knowledge and experience, but in ongoing professional development.  There is no higher mark of distinction in the profession,” she noted.

Capstone Educational Consultants is a growing practice serving the greater metro-Atlanta area and beyond, providing excellent service through professional expertise to college-bound students and their families in the college selection, admissions and financial aid process.  “[Capstone] is an excellent choice when your loved ones are facing the important college decision,” said Blueprint Automations and Robotics’ former president, Peter Schneider.  Mark Cruver’s consulting practice is an active member of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce.  More information can be found by visiting www.capstoneeducationalconsultants.com.

Certified Educational Planner Distinction
Click Photo To Read Actual Article

The profession of college counseling is growing in importance and recognition, as the need for a post-secondary education increases in today’s society.

Certification is granted to those consultants and counselors who meet stringent application requirements including a Master’s degree, specialized training, significant professional experience, and involvement in professional activities and organizations.  Mark Cruver had to pass a board certified examination which covered both institutional and professional knowledge; provided a list of professional references; and signed a pledge to adhere to stringent ethical practices.

CEP’s are recertified every five years on the basis of college visits, continuing education hours and other professional endeavors. All applicants are reviewed by their peers.

“The group of certified educational consultants and counselors is a remarkable one,” noted Bass. “Never before in the profession of educational consulting have persons been asked to demonstrate such a high level of professional knowledge and experience,” she concluded.

The CEP Program began in 1994 under the sponsorship of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), an association representing full-time experienced professionals in private practice in the field of college guidance and school/educational program placements. “The CEP designation assures families that they are working with a qualified professional who is committed to maintaining the highest quality of service to their students,” said Mark Skarlow, Executive Director of IECA.

Information on the CEP program is available through the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners, 617 W. Montecito Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024, www.aicep.org.

 

By Leave a Comment

Mark Cruver Honored in Planting School

Dayton, TN – Rhea County Academy (RCA) of Dayton, TN, today, recognized Mark Cruver of Fayetteville, GA, one of its founding members for his dedication, guidance and vision in establishing Rhea County’s first private school (K-12).  The founding members of Rhea County Academy represented a diverse balance across academia.  To include retired educators, Admissions professionals and invested parents, the founding members cast their vision began from the ground-up.Mark Cruver

Mark Cruver has been an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) since 2012 and assists high school students throughout Fayette County and the greater Atlanta area with all aspects of their college journey.   Mr. Cruver earned a bachelor of arts degree in Christian education with a youth emphasis from Bryan College (TN).   He received a master of education with a focus on college student affairs from Azusa Pacific University several years later.

Mr. Cruver earned an Independent Educational Consultant Certificate from the University of California – Irvine in 2014.    Mark Cruver has served as director of admissions for Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee, where he developed an insiders perspective from applications to essays, understanding the elements most attractive to university or college admissions departments and served on Rhea County Academy’s inaugural board.

Mark continues to expand his education as it relates to college and career.  He is a Strong Interest Inventory® and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator certified practitioner.  Mr. Cruver attends multiple national IEC conferences and workshops each year.  He holds active Professional Membership with the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and works primarily with students on their journey to college.

Rhea County Academy of Dayton, Tennessee was founded in 2003 and deemed Rhea County’s first private school for students K-5.  RCA continues to provide an excellent education, graduating their first class in 2015.  Today, RCA has a strong student body of 90 students K-12 with a continued vision focused on quality and excellence.

For many years following RCA’s launch they called Grace Bible Church of Dayton, Tennessee their home.  Due to overwhelming support, they now have their own space to call home on California Avenue in Dayton, Tennessee.  This full-sized facility, consists of classroom space for all grade levels.   Recreational activities are held outside on their well-equipped playground and athletic fields.  RCA has partnered with Rhea County’s local homeschool network to offer classroom experiences.  Bryan College provides dual-enrollment options for RCA’s high school students.