Year

2026

Season

Spring

Paper Type

Doctoral Dissertation

College

Silverfield College of Education and Human Services

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (EdD)

Department

Education

NACO controlled Corporate Body

University of North Florida. Department of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum

Committee Chairperson

Dr. Kim Cheek

Second Advisor

Dr. Amanda Pascale

Rights Statement

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Third Advisor

Dr. Glen Besterfield

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Pamela Williamson

Department Chair

Dr. Christian Winterbottom

College Dean

Dr. Daniel Dinsmore

Abstract

While inequities in college admissions processes in the United States have long been discussed, there have been seismic changes in policies during the last decade with increased competition for limited spots, significant cultural and political shifts affecting higher education, and the effects of the pandemic all further contributing to what has become a very complicated process. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to explore the perceptions of professionals working as Independent Educational Consultants counseling students through the college admissions process to gain insight into how the system is functioning for all students from those working closely with both students and colleges. The following research questions guided the study: (1) What are the experiences of IECs who support students navigating the college recruiting and application process? (2) What are IECs’ perceptions of the influence of policy changes related to college acceptance decisions? Data collection for this study was conducted by employing Seidman’s (2019) in-depth three interview series with IECs representing four different geographic areas of the country. The essences that emerged from data analysis provide an understanding of the impact of changing policies and attitudes and their effects on the college application and acceptance cycles currently and in the future. Findings revealed changing advice given to college-bound high school students and suggest we are experiencing a pivotal moment in transformations to college admission on a micro level and to the academic pursuit itself on a macro level. The discussion includes findings, implications, limitations, and recommendations for future research.

Download

Share

COinS
 

Accessibility Statement

This item was created or digitized before April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy material created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the Library provides accessible versions of archival materials by request. If you are experiencing difficulty accessing the information on the site due to a disability, please submit a request through the following form for assistance.