Ibrahim Firat, MBA
Co-Founder and Chief Educational Consultant, guiding families through school, testing, and college admissions since 2006.
Ibrahim Firat is the Co-Founder and Chief Educational Consultant of Firat Education in Houston. He has guided families privately since 2006 and co-founded Firat Education with Josephine Firat in 2008. He served a two year term as President of the IECA Board of Directors in 2022 to 2024, teaches business at Houston Community College and Babson College, and is a licensed FIFA football agent and private school founder. He works with families in Houston and around the world.
An educator, an entrepreneur, and an advocate for families
Ibrahim grew up in Istanbul and went through the United States college application process himself as a 17 year old international student. That experience, equal parts stressful and clarifying, became the work of his life. In 2006 he began guiding Houston families one on one, and in 2008 he and his wife Josephine founded Firat Education on one belief: families do better with a clear plan and an independent expert in their corner.
Nearly two decades later he is one of the most recognized independent educational consultants in the country. He has led at the national level, taught the next generation of business owners, written the book on private school admissions, founded a private school, and built a team that supports students from middle school through college and beyond.
Most families do not struggle for lack of effort. They struggle because they do not have a plan.
Today Ibrahim combines admissions expertise, business insight, and a genuine love of teaching to help each family make confident, informed decisions at every stage.
A trusted voice at the national level
Ibrahim does not only advise families, he helps shape the field. He meets with members of Congress on Capitol Hill to discuss the future of college admissions, and he appears on local and national media to break down admissions, standardized testing, and the choices families face.
The path
A career built across education, business, and leadership.
Starts guiding families
Begins tutoring at the University of St. Thomas and working privately with families on their academic plans.
Test prep tutor
Joins a private company as a standardized test prep tutor, deepening his work with students and parents.
Co-founds Firat Education
Launches Firat Education in Houston with Josephine Firat: one on one college counseling, test prep, and private school placement.
Professional Member, IECA
Joins the Independent Educational Consultants Association, later adding NACAC, TACAC, and IACAC.
Educator and business mentor
Professor of Business Administration at Houston Community College, Entrepreneurship Instructor at Babson College, and Lead Faculty for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.
Publishes The Firat Guide
Releases the first edition of The Firat Guide to Houston private school admissions, now in its fifth edition.
McGraw Hill & the IECA Board
Becomes a Digital Faculty Consultant for McGraw Hill and joins the IECA Board of Directors.
President, IECA Board of Directors
Serves a two year term as President, leading national strategy, and continues as Past President and Nominating Committee Chair.
Author, agent, school leader, advocate
Author of The Firat Guide, a licensed FIFA Football Agent, Co-Founder and founding Head of School of Nexus Futbol Academy, Treasurer of Barrier Breakers, and an advocate meeting members of Congress on college admissions.
Roles and reach
One consultant, many vantage points. Each role sharpens how Ibrahim guides families. Select any role to learn more.
The book Houston families rely on
The Firat Guide is independent research on Houston private schools, written and updated by Ibrahim since 2014 and now in its fifth edition. It helps families understand each school on its own terms and decide which is the right fit, the same way Ibrahim guides families through college admissions.
Credentials and affiliations
Education
- MBA, University of St. Thomas (TX)
- BA in History, University of St. Thomas (TX)
- Certificate of Entrepreneurship, Babson College
Memberships
- Professional Member, IECA since 2009
- Past President & Nominating Committee Chair, IECA
Service & leadership
- Treasurer, Barrier Breakers
- Past Vice President, iWrite Literacy Organization
- Co-Founder, founding Head of School & College Admissions Consultant, Nexus Futbol Academy
Connect with Ibrahim
Follow his work and the organizations he leads.
Connect with Ibrahim
The Firat Roadmap is your direct line to Ibrahim and his team. In one focused session we assess where your student stands and map the plan ahead. Click to connect with Ibrahim. If you do nothing else, do the Roadmap.
Frequently asked
Ibrahim Firat is the Co-Founder and Chief Educational Consultant of Firat Education, a Houston firm offering college admissions consulting, test prep, and private school placement. He has guided families since 2006, co-founded Firat Education in 2008, and served a two year term as President of the IECA Board of Directors in 2022 to 2024.
He holds an MBA and a BA in History from the University of St. Thomas (TX) and a Certificate of Entrepreneurship from Babson College. He is a member of IECA, NACAC, TACAC, and IACAC, teaches business at Houston Community College and Babson College, is a Digital Faculty Consultant for McGraw Hill, a licensed FIFA football agent, and the author of The Firat Guide, now in its fifth edition.
Yes. Firat Education serves families in Houston in person and across the United States and internationally online, from middle school through college and beyond.
Begin with the Firat Roadmap, a focused assessment and planning session for $300. The Roadmap is how you connect with Ibrahim and his team. You can book the Roadmap or text 713 725 8199 to get started.