Question 1

What differentiates EdRedefined from other educational consulting firms?

Accepted Answer

We have a unique understanding of disabilities, education, and social and independent living skills from a professional and a personal standpoint. We are deeply committed to the work we do. When we work with individuals, we are frequently hopeful and sometimes worried. We cry tears of loss and tears of triumphs. We are you.
 
We conduct our work through a disability lens. While many consultants focus on applying to highly-selective universities, we focus first on fit – building on a student’s strengths, and determining what supports are offered by a college, what is offered in the local community, and what can be brought in virtually or in-person for additional supports, as needed.
 
We also provide more than college admissions services. We offer services across the whole spectrum of what students might need – therapeutic placement in high school, assisting with applying for public benefits to help pay for college, and providing ongoing coaching and support for students while they are at college.

Question 2

How do you know if a student is ready for college?

Accepted Answer

As part of our process, we conduct a thorough review of a student’s past assessments, IEP or 504 plans, and psychoeducational testing. We will then share our opinions on readiness for college including strengths and weaknesses and ongoing support services that may be needed. If college is the goal, we can help you with the admissions process. If college is not a good fit, we can assist with finding post-graduate programs for skill-building and vocational programs to help start a career.

Question 3

When should students start working with EdRedefined?

Accepted Answer

Because our services are customized and unique to each student's or institution's goals, please contact us to discuss when it makes sense to start services. Information below offers a general timeframe based on which services you are interested in.
College Admissions: For students who want to go directly from high school to college, fall of 11th grade is the best time to sign up to work with us. We can also work with students later in 11th grade and 12th grade too in a shorter, more intensive timeframe.
For students in 9th and 10th grades, we offer services focused on independent skills building and understanding the numerous post-high school options available for students with disabilities.
For students in postsecondary programs who want to apply to college and students who want to transfer colleges, we encourage you to contact us as soon as you can.
College Funding: Contact us as soon as you can to make sure you are not currently losing out on any public benefits you are entitled to. It typically takes months to be approved for benefits, and much longer if an appeal is needed.
College Transition Services: We recommend contacting us by early in the 2nd semester of senior year of high school for support during the summer.
College Support Services: Most students want supports at the start of the school year or second semester, and ideally should contact us several months before you want supports to begin. However, we can start working with you at any time.
Therapeutic and Boarding School Placements: While some programs admit based on a school-year calendar, many have year-round enrollment, pending availability.
Post-Graduate and Independent Living Programs: Many programs enroll students year-round, pending availability. 
School Training and Program Development: Contact us at any time.

Question 4

How do you charge for your services?

Accepted Answer

Since our services are personalized, we offer several levels of comprehensive packages as well as hourly consulting. Most students and families will benefit from a comprehensive package. Once we learn more about your goals, interests, and needs, we can give you specific pricing.

Question 5

Are there resources available to pay for your services?

Accepted Answer

Our services are private pay. We may be able to reduce what you pay for college and other postsecondary programs by assisting you with applications and appeals for financial aid, public benefits, and private scholarships. We can also work with you to maximize use of 529s, special needs trusts, and ABLE accounts.

Question 6

Are your services virtual or in-person?

Accepted Answer

Because we work with students and families across the country, the vast majority of our services are virtual. In the future, we may be able to offer in-person coaching at specific colleges or programs.  Please reach out and let us know what you are looking for.

Question 7

How do you stay on top of a frequently changing landscape?

Accepted Answer

We are constantly reading, researching, talking to college and program staff and absorbing as much information as we can (and will be visiting again once COVID allows). We regularly participate in national conferences and trainings. We are also members of numerous national disability and educational associations so we continually hear from researchers and experts so that we understand the latest trends and data.

Question 8

My school has a college counselor. How will I benefit from your services?

Accepted Answer

Schools counselors have a vital role in working with students. We know there are many great counselors, and we have seen many firsthand. Unfortunately, the current student-to-counselor ratio in U.S. public schools is 492 to 1. Throughout all of high school, students receive only 38 minutes on average of one-on-one college consulting.
 
The students we work with have complex needs that almost always require more than what schools provide. We specialize in understanding disabilities, and the colleges, programs, and supports available. We also strongly believe in partnerships and will work as collaboratively as possible with your school counselor.
 
For students who are not seeking our assistance with college admissions, we are available to provide services for college funding, high school to college transition support, and ongoing coaching when you are in college. For those not going to college, we provide post-graduate services.

Question 9

Do you guarantee admissions to college?

Accepted Answer

No. A college consultant should not be promising that to any student. After a thorough assessment, we help you determine which colleges we believe are the best fit and work with you to present yourself in the best light to admissions offices.

FAQs

We imagine you have lots of questions about how this all works. We know we did when we went through it.

Here are the top questions we get asked. Have a pressing question that is not included here? Please set up a consultation to talk.