About Umerica
Where deep expertise meets ethical guidance.
Founded in 2009, Umerica is a professional consulting firm led by a team of full-time, certified, ethical and Ivy League–educated consultants. Every member of our advising team holds a master’s or doctorate degree and is a certified member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) or holds the prestigious Certified Educational Planner (CEP) designation—an elite credential earned by fewer than 300 professionals worldwide.
We are not part-time mentors, essay editors, recent graduates, or former admissions officers offering casual advice. We are full-time professionals with an average of 25 years of experience in U.S. college consulting, providing families with deep expertise, strategy, and integrity throughout every step of the admissions journey.
We don’t rely on rankings or secondhand information.
Our team regularly visits U.S. colleges and universities in person, meets with admissions officers, and attends major education conferences every year to stay current with the latest trends, institutional changes, and admissions insights. This commitment to continuous learning and firsthand research ensures that our guidance is not only accurate—but truly tailored to each student’s unique goals and fit.
What Are Ethics in Educational Consulting?
Ethics refer to professional standards that guide how consultants advise families—ensuring honesty, objectivity, confidentiality, and always prioritizing what’s best for the student, not the consultant’s profit, school relationships, or shortcuts.
(Read the article “12 Must-Ask Questions To Avoid The Wrong Consultant“)
Why Do Ethics Matter?
- Raises industry standards: In a space full of agents and influencers, true professionals stand out through principled work.
- Protects the student: Ethical consultants never guarantee results or push families toward schools for personal gain.
- Ensures objectivity: Recommendations are based on fit—not rankings, commission, or pressure.
- Builds long-term trust: Ethical consultants stay independent, confidential, and focused on each student’s unique path.
Credentials
The profession of independent educational consulting began in the U.S. as early as 1976, with a strong foundation in ethics, standards, and specialized training. Becoming a trusted educational consultant requires far more than admissions experience—it demands ongoing professional development, deep school knowledge, and strict adherence to industry ethics.
A former Harvard admissions officer once said:
“IECA members are like the Harvard of educational consultants.”
At Umerica, every member of our team holds elite professional credentials—recognized not just in the U.S., but globally. We are proud members of:
The Certified Educational Planner (CEP) designation represents the highest standard in the field of educational consulting. Fewer than 300 professionals worldwide hold this elite credential—less than 2% of consultants in the U.S. To earn the CEP, consultants must meet rigorous qualifications, including advanced degrees, proven long-term success, and campus visit experience. Candidates must also pass a five-hour written exam and renew their certification every five years, ensuring they maintain the highest level of expertise and ethics in the industry.
Founded in 1976, the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) is the largest and most respected nonprofit professional association for educational consultants worldwide. IECA members are held to the highest standards of ethics and expertise. Each consultant is expected to have visited at least 80 college campuses, and most spend about 20% of their time each year on campus visits to ensure up-to-date knowledge of admissions trends and school cultures.Harvard Dean of Admissions Dr. William Fitzsimmons once described IECA as “the Harvard of educational consulting.“
Founded in 1937, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is one of the most authoritative and influential nonprofit organizations in U.S. higher education.NACAC sets rigorous ethical and professional standards for those involved in the college admissions process. Membership is highly selective—candidates must demonstrate a strong track record of integrity, expertise, and must be approved by a majority of voting members.Respected by colleges and schools across the country, NACAC shapes policy, supports counselors, and promotes fairness and transparency in U.S. admissions.
The International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC), founded in 1991, is the world’s largest and most respected organization focused on supporting international university admissions. As the global affiliate of NACAC, IACAC connects school counselors, educational consultants, and university admissions officers across more than 100 countries. Its mission is to promote ethical, student-centered practices and professional development in international college guidance.With a rapidly growing global community, IACAC serves as the leading platform for sharing resources, research, and best practices in international admissions counseling.
Why Colleges Visits Matters for IECs?
For Independent Educational Consultants (IECs), visiting colleges is a professional necessity—not just a nice-to-have. It allows consultants to gain firsthand insight into campus culture, academic rigor, and student life—things no website or ranking can fully convey. By walking the campus, speaking with students and faculty, and meeting admissions officers, IECs build deep understanding and trusted relationships that benefit their students directly.
These visits help consultants move beyond superficial lists to make fit-based recommendations rooted in current, personal experience. Colleges evolve—so should our knowledge. In an industry crowded with agents, AI tools, and part-time editors, college visits are what set serious, ethical, and student-centered consultants apart.
At Umerica, we’ve walked more 200 campuses, met the admissions teams, and know what they’re really like—not just to help students get into top schools, but to help them find the right schools where they can truly thrive.
Duke University
Amherst College
UC San Diego
University of Washington
University of Richmond
Bowdoin College
Georgetown University
University of Pennsylvania
University of Chicago
University of Minnesota
Rose Hulman Institute of Technology
Washington and Lee University
Institut auf dem Rosenberg
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Harvard University
Pomono College
University of Notre Dame
Wake Forest University
Carleton College
University of Wisconsin Madison
Washington University in St. Louis
University of Virginia
Indiana University Bloomington
DePauw University
Stanford University
Northwestern University
Davidson College
UC Berkeley
University of Denver
Macalester College
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Princeton University
Swarthmore College
Soka University of America
Yale University
Bates College
Brown University
Colgate University
Hamilton College
U.S. Air Force Academy
Wesleyan University
Mount Holyoke College
Barnard College
Colorado College
Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center
Scripps College
New York University
SUNY Buffalo
Johns Hopkins University
Rice University
Williams College
RISD
University of Southern California
Wentworth Institute of Technology
University of Colorado Boulder
Emmanuel College
Stonehill College
MIT
Wheelock College
Colorado School of Mines
Simmons College
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Haverford College
UMass Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences
