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w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 6 • I NSIGH T | 39 list of 10 school recommendations. With five college applications in the mail, the high school senior's perspective has shifted to one of enthusiasm, thanks to working with Erickson, the mother says. is experience is typical for Erickson, who revels in seeing that light switch turn on. "I want to see these kids get in the car come fall, excited and ready to move into their college." MEMBER I N D E P E N D E N T E D U C AT I O N A L C O N S U LTA N T Salary: Projected $30,000 this year; variable based on number of clients Employees: 1 Hours: 15 to 20 per week To learn more about independent educational consulting: Independent Educational Consultants Association — www.iecaonline.com; Higher Education Consultants Association — www.hecaonline.org caseloads mean that most teens net just 40 minutes of facetime with their counselor throughout the course of their entire high school career, Erickson says. is, coupled with an increasingly complicated admissions process, has led to stress for some students and parents. Jennifer Johnson, director of admissions for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, says that students today have many options. Whether they seek help from a parent, counselor or staff at a college or university, having an advocate is valuable, she says. "Having a support person can have a huge impact for students," Johnson says. To Erickson, it just makes sense. "is is the largest financial decision your child will probably be connected to," he says, "Why are you not getting professional help?" In addition to Erickson's face-to-face meetings with students, his services include extensive research and a personalized website that keeps track of tasks and deadlines. He charges a fee of $2,250 for his College Search package but stresses that he offers payment plans and flexible options to families. According to the mother of one of Erickson's clients, who prefers to remain anonymous, the investment was well worth it. With around 2,500 four-year colleges and universities in the nation, narrowing down the prospects felt daunting to the family. "What if we're ignoring the one school that will be the perfect fit?" the mother had worried. e busy teen entered the college search process a bit grudgingly, his mother says. In the process of working with him, Erickson took into account all of the boy's interests and preferences, including academics, sports and extracurricular activities, culminating in a Chuck Erickson