Preface

I want to share a brief disclaimer that everything you’re about to read is done in good fun and is not intended to offend any individuals who work as college coaches or utilize their services. My lyrics and opinions are mine alone and do not reflect the entire IEC industry, which, as of 2022, has more than 2,500 practicing members.

Focusing on getting the student into the best college possible is a valid and worthy goal. Prestigious schools often open more opportunities for students in terms of career growth, provided they can capitalize on them. My intent is to highlight the differences between my philosophy and other coaching approaches.

In the end, there is no objectively right or wrong way to coach; it simply depends on what the coach values and how that resonates with the student and parent. For example, some coaches focus on college acceptance as the primary goal, while my approach prioritizes holistic student well-being alongside college acceptance.

Which approach resonates more with you? Either way, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out and continue this conversation through socials (@yourepic.consulting) or email (feiyang@yourepic.consulting)!

The Inspiration Behind My Diss Track

A few months ago, like many of you, I was caught up in the Drake and Kendrick beef and couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. As a proud member of Team Kendrick, I became more impressed as analyses showed that many of K-Dot’s lyrics were based in reality, contrasting with some questionable things Drake has done or been associated with in the past.

The more I thought about it, the more it reminded me of my own feelings toward the college admissions coaching or IEC (Independent Educational Consultant) industry. Particularly since the Varsity Blues fallout in 2019, some people have come to view coaches as all-powerful college whisperers with inside scoops who can pull strings for families who can afford to pay to play and win.

In reality, that stereotype is far from the truth. Many of my colleagues and former classmates in this field are some of the kindest, most compassionate people you will ever meet. Some, like myself, pivoted into college coaching because we felt overly constrained by the bureaucracy of higher education and wanted more freedom to personalize how we support students. These are positive qualities that deserve to be highlighted and celebrated!

However, in the last year, I have also encountered coaches whose views and approaches to college admissions I fundamentally disagree with. Unfortunately, some of these companies are well-known and perpetuate certain aspects of this line of work, such as exacerbating student/parent anxiety and achievement culture. So, while I had “Not Like Us” on repeat for the 1474583th time, an interesting idea took form...what would happen if I tried to write my own diss track directed at these specific types of college coaches...?? 🤔

A couple of weeks and a few enthusiastic friend endorsements later, here we are. To watch the full video of this verse, click here. Below are the lyrics and some comments on the thought and inspiration behind each specific line.

Editor's Note: YES I know I sound like a dork (not blessed with that rich rapper voice unfortunately sighhh) and have been told by multiple friends I'm a better lyricist than rapper 😂

Lyrics Breakdown and Inspiration

IECs, I hear you ain't a life coach: ‍

I once had a college coach tell me, “I work for the parents. I don’t care what the student wants. My job is to get them into college. What they do after that and if they grow along the way isn’t my concern. I’m not a life coach.” While it's entirely within their business’s right to focus on college acceptance, saying that they don’t care about what the student wants came off as dismissive. It invalidates and disempowers the student, who has opinions and ideas of their own.

Better college apps don't equal long-term growth:

Many college coaches primarily focus on helping students submit a stronger and more coherent application. While this is important, there are benefits outside this scope, such as helping the student learn about their core values, build confidence/resilience, find self-acceptance, or set goals for intrinsic reasons. These qualities will help them be more successful once in college and the workplace.

Hooking parents in by dangling schools they love:

IECs often highlight the prestigious schools they get students into, especially if they themselves attended a highly selective institution, subtly implying that their methods can work for any family. By doing so, these coaches perpetuate the assumption that the most important thing is the name of the school the student attends rather than what they do once they get there.

But lacking holistic mentorship, that’s tough:

College coaching often focuses only on admissions and acceptance, which, while crucial, is just the first step in a student’s journey. There’s not enough emphasis on student success after they arrive on campus. Are they able to adjust to campus life, make friends, network, and navigate career choices while balancing academic, social, and mental challenges? Very few college coaches address these important aspects.

You recycle success stories like hand-me-downs:

A consultation with an IEC can sometimes focus more on the success story of another student rather than the unique needs of the family in question. For instance, my partner once inquired about a coach for her younger brother who loved playing video games. The intake coach immediately shared a success story about a student who got into every school she applied to by getting involved with an animal rescue organization. This wasn’t relevant to her brother, highlighting a lack of personalized advice.

Simon says and I’ll guarantee your student's future now:

Many college coaches present themselves as all-knowing experts, suggesting that if students follow their exact advice, they will be guaranteed admission to their dream school. My approach is different. While I have expertise from my Master's degree and professional experience in higher education, I emphasize that I am not an expert in knowing your particular student. The student must be empowered to share their unique qualities and goals.

Kids already thriving, so why are you around:

In many cases, college coaches work with high-achieving students who were already on track for very selective schools. Once the acceptance letter arrives, the narrative often implies that the student couldn’t have achieved it without the coach. However, many of these students would have been successful regardless.

Certified over-priced? Certified hundred thou(sand):

‍College tuition is already rising, so it’s surprising to me how some IECs get away with charging tuition-like prices as early as 9th grade for their services.

Wop wop wop wop wop, Fei coach 'em up, Wop wop wop wop wop, students have enough

Why you wanna change the kids, ain't you tired:

The subliminal message that some IECs send to families is that there is something fundamentally “wrong” with their student that only they can “fix” to make them more attractive to colleges. This often involves changing the student’s narrative for external reasons, such as writing about a unique topic or engaging in certain activities solely to stand out. This approach can fundamentally change the student’s authentic story for the sake of college pleasing.

Just to profit off parents and their minors:

One of the biggest areas I disagree with in the IEC industry is when coaches feed off and take advantage of the insecurities of parents and students. College admissions is already competitive enough, and as coaches, we should be alleviating anxiety, not adding to it. Studies have shown that many parents believe their kid’s college is the single biggest deciding factor in their life. Coaches should balance that assumption and educate students and parents that, while school name plays a role, there are many pathways to success with the right attitude and work ethic.

They not like us:

‍I’m probably unlike any college coach you’ve encountered before, and the fact that I actually went and recorded this verse is a testament to that, haha. It feels like just yesterday that I went through the admissions and college process myself. As a result, I feel I can relate and understand students at a level other coaches may not. Other coaches may say, “I’m a parent, so I know about the college admissions process seeing my kids go through it.” However, do students want another parent-like figure in their college process? Most I’ve talked to don’t. Additionally, there is a whole other side of the student that may be hidden or closed off to parents, which is key to understanding and tapping into their most authentic self.

Conclusion: Embracing Authenticity in College Coaching

The college admissions coaching industry often mirrors the problematic practices we've seen in the music industry, much like the Drake and Kendrick beef. Just as Drake has been called out for inauthenticity, many college coaches emphasize getting into prestigious schools at the expense of genuine self-expression. This performative approach encourages students to craft perfect applications and achieve high test scores, but fails to prepare them for long-term success and self-fulfillment.

At Your Epic Consulting, we take inspiration from Kendrick, who emphasizes authenticity and reality in his music. Our mission is to transform the college admissions journey by prioritizing authenticity over college-pleasing. We focus on personal growth and self-discovery, guiding students to embrace their true selves and integrate their passions into their future careers. This approach not only leads to college acceptance but also sets the foundation for long-term self-fulfillment and career success.

By helping students identify, practice, and communicate their values authentically, we foster holistic success, allowing them to thrive in any academic environment. Join us at Your Epic Consulting for a successful, stress-free college admissions journey that celebrates your child's true self and sets them up for a thriving future. If our message resonates with you, please shoot us a message through socials or email feiyang@yourepic.consulting to keep this important conversation going!