An independent educational consultant (IEC) discovers that a student they are advising has fabricated significant extracurricular achievements listed on their common application. The student refuses to amend the application. What is the IEC's most appropriate ethical course of action according to industry best practices?
✓ Correct Answer: Option C
An IEC cannot ethically be complicit in fraud. Terminating the relationship is the necessary step to uphold professional integrity when a student insists on misrepresentation, along with explaining the severe consequences of such actions.