Alicen E. Adams, M. Ed.
Owner, Independent Educational Consultant
I obtained my M. Ed. with a concentration in Higher Education Counseling. I have worked in higher education since 2001, taking some time off in between to raise my three children. I work as a solo practitioner and belong to several professional organizations. I am a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, as well as a member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling, the Higher Education Consultants Association, and the National College Attainment Network. I average 30 college visits a year and make my knowledge of colleges across the United States and my professional development a priority. I received my certificate on college affordability from IECA. I volunteer with the Scholar Match and Matchlighers programs.
I only work with 20 comprehensive students per graduating class in order to give each client individualized attention. Students may start working with me as early as freshman year, while most begin our work together during junior year. I am very hands-on with my students and meet them where they are in the process, taking into account different needs and learning styles. I focus on the student's wants and needs in the college process and work to find their best-fit college. Determining college fit is a three-prong approach for social fit, academic fit, and affordability. While I educate parents about the college process, my work is primarily completed one-on-one with the student. I use college planning software and Google Docs to keep students engaged. I offer virtual appointments via Google Meet and Zoom and I occasionally meet with students in my area school districts at a local Dunkin'.
I engage with students via our virtual meetings and texts. I encourage students to stay on top of their emails, as this will be important when in college. I meet with freshmen and sophomores twice per semester for academic and summer planning. Juniors can expect monthly meetings. Meetings pick up during the summer before senior year when most of our work together will be completed. Students can expect to meet weekly or bi-weekly, Monday-Friday, until college applications are submitted. I am available to meet after school hours until 6 pm during nonpeak months. In the summer, my calendar is open from 11 am - 6 pm. At the height of the application season (August thru October), my calendar is open until 9pm.
R. W.
EAS provided the guidance and support my daughter, husband and I needed during this important time in our child’s life. Alicen is extremely knowledgeable in all areas of the college application process. She worked with us in a way that met our family’s needs, which helped our daughter feel motivated and positive. We can’t thank Alicen enough for all that she did to support us and lead our daughter to success in receiving acceptance letters from her top college choices.
David W.
Alicen assisted our oldest daughter throughout her college discovery and application process and we could not have been happier. Alicen is very organized in terms of identifying and hitting deadlines and generally keeping our daughter (and us as parents) focused and engaged throughout this process. And just as importantly, she established trust and rapport with our daughter upfront, which resulted in a very productive partnership.
Greg I.
Alicen was a great mentor this year to my second high school graduate. She assisted my oldest daughter a couple of years ago and was extremely helpful. As a parent, utilizing Alicen eased a lot of stress throughout the entire college application process. Having two more daughters going to college in the next 4 to 7 years, I will look to Alicen for any assistance they need. I have referred others to Alicen and will continue to do so.