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35 Best College Admissions Consultants 2024 Best College Admissions Consulting Services

Created on August 1, 2023 Updated: August 27, 2024

A recent College Consensus poll found that the majority of Americans still believe college is the best path to a satisfying future. But getting into college can be a real challenge. The best admissions consultant programs offer practical tools that assist students in choosing the right career path . A college admissions consultant’s job is to help students evaluate their career goals and then match them to a degree program that will provide them with the skills and abilities they will need to reach their goals.

Many students enroll in generic degree programs because they aren’t quite sure what career they want. Some start school and then explore their options once they have taken a few courses. It isn’t until they have gotten a taste of what their degree program is really like that they make the final decision concerning their final career choice.

Who is Using College Admissions Consultants?

Many parents might think college admissions advisors are just for the wealthy, or for super-driven students who want to get in to an Ivy League school or one of the most prestigious research institutions. But, high-profile scandals at elite schools notwithstanding, that’s not at all the case.

College admissions are competitive, the process can be long and confusing, and many parents don’t know how to get their kids into college. This is especially true for parents who didn’t go to college themselves. That’s why the best college admissions consultants offer a range of pricing options and services, from essay help to a complete package. So, parents and students have a lot of possibilities.

Featured College Admission Consultants	Princeton Review	Admissionado	PrepScholar	Prep Expert
Full-Service Package Price	$3,499	$5,370	$6,895	$13,999
Free Consultation
a la carte options
# of options	4	2	4	4
1-on-1 options
Junior and Senior Prep
Financing Options	X	X	X
Learn More >>

NOTE: The college admissions counseling programs featured here are presented in alphabetical order. Interested in an MBA? See our list of the Best MBA Admissions Consulting Firms .

Accepted Professional Admissions Consulting Firm

Personalized attention from these top college admissions consultants every step of the way ensures you have everything you need to move forward with your education. Each consultant is highly skilled in identifying untapped potential and will help you get on the right path. The complete college application package includes school choice evaluation, essay strategy and editing, resume critique, application review, waitlist support, and decision counseling.

Services: College Admissions, Grad School Admissions, MBA Admissions, Med School Admissions, Healthcare Admissions, Law School Admissions
Price: $16,480 for Gold Package, $20,480 for Platinum Package
Free Consultation: yes, initial consultation is free
Consulting Model: individual
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to Harvard, Yale, NYU, Cornell, Brown, and Johns Hopkins
Member: Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants (AIGAC)

Admissionado College Admissions Consulting Firm

The top college admissions consultants at Admissionado give students the best chance at being accepted by the university they feel will provide support for their education. Telling their stories in the best way possible is the key to gaining access to the highest quality education.

Services: College Admissions, MBA Admissions
Price: Silver $2050, Gold $3320, Platinum $5370
Free Consultation: yes
Consulting Model: Team-based approach
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to Stanford, UT Austin, and Middlebury College

Admit Advantage College Admission Consulting

Services: College Counseling
Price: not published on website
Consulting Model: team based approach
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to ivy league colleges Stanford , Harvard , and Yale .

American College Admissions Consultants College Admission Consulting

Francine E. Block , President of American College Admissions Consultants, has over 25 years of experience. A former admissions officer for the University of Vermont, she is an expert at helping students and families navigate the college admissions maze. And, American College Admissions Consultants has a proven track record of helping clients get into their dream schools.

Services: College Placement Assistance, Personal Assessment
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to New York University, University of Michigan, Boston University
Membership: American Institute of Certified Educational Planners (AICEP), National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA)

Anna Ivey Consulting College Admissions Consulting Firm

Additionally, Anna Ivey’s experienced admissions consultants assist students in enhancing their writing skills when it comes to producing an essay that portrays the vision they have for their future. With the guidance of an admissions consultant, students are able to dramatically increase their chances of getting into the college of their choice.

Services: College Admissions, Law School Admissions, Speaking Engagements
Price: not available on website

Barrier Breakers Admissions Advisings

Formerly S. Montgomery Admissions Consulting, Barrier Breakers is a nonprofit providing admissions advising services for students regardless of race, income, or other background. Students on the school lunch program may also qualify for pro bono or sliding scale advising programs.

Barrier Breakers has also helped students earn more than $95 million in scholarships. Military, first-generation, and other marginalized students may qualify for financial help.

Services: college undergraduate admissions, Law School Consulting
Price: sliding scale
Free Consultation: not published
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to American University, Quinnipiac School of Law, Howard University School of Law

Bright Horizons College Coach College Admissions Consulting

Another game-changer for students is writing their admissions essays. With competition being fierce, students need to continually find ways to make themselves stand out above their peers. A good admissions consultant, from Bright Horizons College Coach, can make that happen. Bright Horizons admissions coaches give students what they need to succeed.

Services: College Admissions, Medical School Admissions, Transfer Admissions
Price: not available on the Bright Horizons College Coach website

C2 Education College Admissions Consulting

Admissions consultants at C2 help students choose the right courses to challenge and inspire them. They also help students identify extracurricular activities that highlight their talents, passion for their career, and commitment to improving their lives on every level. With the right essay and application answers, students can increase their chances of approval dramatically.

Services: College Admissions, High School Tutoring, Exam Prep
Price: not published
Member: National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)

College Wise A Different Kind of College Application Experience

At College Wise, students overcome the obstacles many students may face when they start the application process. Many students are at risk of being denied because they don’t have the skills or abilities to present themselves in a professional manner.

Services: College Admissions Counseling, Tutoring, Test Prep
Price: not listed
Free Consultation: yes, initial consultation is free
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to UCLA, University of Edinburgh, Tufts University

College Zoom Helping Students Get Into Dream Colleges

Students receive the counseling they need that allows them to accentuate their potential and give themselves the boost they need to breeze through the college enrollment process. The chances of being accepted by the college of their choosing are much higher if the student works with an admissions consultant.

Services: College Admissions, Transfer Counseling
Price: comprehensive packages starting at $3,000
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to Harvard, Yale, UCLA

Command Education College Consulting Services

Command Education’s admissions consultants learn everything they can about the student. The one-on-one counseling allows students to produce quality enrollment essays and complete the application so that all of their strengths and abilities are highlighted, showing their full potential.

Services: College Admissions, SAT and ACT T est Prep Services
Member: National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC)

Crimson Education College Admissions Consulting

Admissions consultants at Crimson Education are able to improve a student’s chances of acceptance by helping them overcome common challenges many students face during the enrollment process. Programs offer academic support, full application strategy, and comprehensive application essay support. Additionally, students are taught how to use extracurricular activities to their fullest advantage as well as choose the right classes to keep them challenged and focused on the future.

Services: College Admissions, College Sport Recruitment, Graduate School Applications

DC College Counseling College Admissions Consulting

Services: college admissions counselors
Price: basic plan $10,000
Free Consultation: website does not say

Elite Advantage Prep College Admissions Consultants

An admissions consultant often works with high school students to allow them the opportunity to add extracurricular activities and courses that will make them more appealing to the college of their choice. Including these things and improving their ability to tell their story through their admissions essay and application for admission to the university or college.

Services: General Consulting , College List Development, Academic and Activity Resume Planning, Essay Review
Price: starting at $350 for a la carte services, application packages start at $3,000
Member: member of NJACAC and an associate member of IECA

Empowerly College Admissions Consulting

Consultants at Empowerly get to know each student. They provide them with the help they need to create the most proficient and accurate application and essay possible. Students can begin using the counseling services while they are still in high school. Which gives them the advantage of building a more powerful resume and including more activities that may improve the odds of being accepted to their favorite school.

Services: College Admissions Counseling, Financial Planning Assistance, Essay Editing

Flex College Prep College Admissions Consulting Firm

Additionally, Flex College Prep uses the latest technology to allow admissions consultants the tools they need to guide the student through the application process. Each student is unique and requires that their own ambitions and passions be taken into consideration. The top college admission consultants at Flex regularly take the real SAT and ACT, so they are always up-to-date on test changes.

Services: College Admissions Services, Test Prep

HS2 Academy College Admissions Consulting Firm

Admissions consultants of HS2 Academy give students the confidence they need to apply to the university of their choice with confidence. Counseling sessions can include tutoring, test prep, essay prep, and the creation of a complete and thorough resume. With the odds being more for denial than acceptance, students can rely on the academy to provide them with every possible advantage.

Services: College Counseling, Standardized Test Preparation ( SAT/ACT/PSAT/AP ), and one-on-one tutoring in class subjects
Member: some counselors are members of the National Association for College Admission Counseling

Ilumin Education College Admission Consulting

By starting early, students gain the best advantage possible of being able to attend the college of their choice. This means taking the right courses that will direct them towards their specific career choice. It also includes taking part in extracurricular activities that will show positive social skills and a commitment to the community. It allows students to build a much stronger resume.

Services: College Admissions Counseling, Life Coaching
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to MIT, Carnegie Mellon University, Dartmouth University

InGenius Prep College Admissions Consulting Firm

The best admissions consultants offer guidance on how to create a stellar resume and powerful admissions essay. Each student works hand in hand with a consultant to create everything they need to show how committed they are at succeeding in school and achieving their goals. InGenius Prep works hard to ensure that each student it works with is able to get accepted by the college of their choice.

Services: College Admissions, Grad School Admissions, Business School Admissions, Medical School Admissions, Private High School Admissions, Career Counseling
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Vanderbilt University
Member: National Association for College Admission Counseling

Ivy Coach Admissions Counselors for Elite College Admissions

Better test scores, a detailed resume, and a well-written admissions essay are all key factors for being accepted by the schools you apply to. You must be able to portray both your commitment and passion for learning in such a way that you are able to convince the school that you will be an asset to their programs and advance your career after graduation.

Services: College Admissions Counseling, Graduate School Admissions Counseling
Consulting Model: individual and team
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to Columbia University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania

Ivy Wise Educational Consulting Company

The best admissions consultants go to great lengths to ensure that each student has what they need to be considered by the school or schools they are most interested in attending. Students are given valuable resources they can use to improve their overall chances of being accepted by the college they want to go to. The benefits each student receives will not only improve their chances of being accepted, they will also boost their ability to get any scholarships they may apply for.

Services: College Admissions Consulting Services for universities in the US, UK, and Canada
Consulting Model: team based
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to Amherst College, Brown University, Washington University in St. Louis

Marks Education Academic Counseling and Test Prep Tutoring Services

The best admissions consultants are able to provide much-needed counseling to high school students who want to improve their chances of attending the school of their choice. Consultants can help students choose classes that will help them improve their chances of being accepted. By encouraging the student to explore extracurricular activities that will broaden their horizons, the consultants are able to move ahead when it comes to preparing for college.

Services: College Educational Planning Services, Graduate School Educational Planning
Price: $4,500 for Fundamentals Package
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to Pepperdine University, Drexel University, Rice University

Menlo Coaching College Admissions Consulting

Students receive the tutoring they need to improve their grades and score higher on placement tests. In order to beat out the competition, students must be able to prove that they have the passion and commitment to put their studies first. They must be able to tell their story convincingly enough to show the school what they are made of and what they want to do with their lives.

Services: College Admissions, Professional MBA admissions consulting for business schools
Price: not available
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to Bowdoin College, UCLA

Midwest College Consulting College Admissions Coaches

The best admissions consultants at Midwest are able to help students find the right classes to help them strengthen their chances of being accepted by the college they most want to attend. Consultants offer advice on how to write a powerful admissions essay that will effectively tell their story and detail their goals for the future.

Services: College Admissions
Free Consultation: no
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to Arizona State University, Virginia Tech, University of Miami, University of Miami

Prep Expert Expert College Admissions Consulting for Students and Families

Prep Expert gives students the academic support they need to get higher scores on their placement tests. Earning higher grades on placement tests not only improves a student’s chances of being accepted by their favorite school, it also helps them when it comes to applying for scholarships and grants they will need to help pay for their tuition.

Services: College Admissions, SAT and ACT Tutoring Services
Price: comprehensive packages starting at $6,999

Prepory College Admissions Consultants

Additionally, Prepory offers tutoring services and test prep courses that students can rely on to help them boost their grades and improve their chances of receiving scholarships and grants they apply for. Counselors help students tell their stories so they can highlight their achievements and showcase the career goals they have set for themselves.

Price: standard hourly rate is $300 and counseling programs start at $4,500
Member: NACAC

PrepScholar Best College Admissions Consultants

PrepScholar understands what students need to achieve the goals they have set for themselves. This often involves helping them write essays that not only tell their stories but also highlight their achievements. Essays are meant to explore why a student is choosing a certain degree program and what makes them a valuable asset to the school.

Price: starting at $4,895 for Annual Mentorship Package

Princeton Review Best College Admissions Consultants

In order for students to improve their chances of being accepted to the college of their choice, they need to start planning early. This means choosing the right classes and participating in extracurricular activities that help to showcase the student’s natural talents. And college admission consultants at the Princeton Review know students also need to be able to write an essay that tells their story in a compelling and concise manner.

Services: College Admissions, Medical School Admissions
Price: $3,499 for Ultimate Admissions Package
Admissions Experience: Princeton Review clients are accepted to Columbia University, Georgetown University

Quad Education College Admission Consulting

Services: Tutoring for Standardized Tests, Personalized Admissions Consulting
Consulting Model: team
Admissions Experience: Ivy League admissions include Dartmouth College, Cornell University, Yale University. Clients accepted to Art & Design Colleges including the Pratt Institute, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Berklee College of Music
Membership: NACAC

Shemmassian Academic Consulting College Admissions Advising

Shemmassian Academic Counseling gives students an opportunity to apply to their school of choice and have the confidence they need to succeed at every level. The work they do to improve their chances of being accepted by the school of their choice can also help them earn the scholarships they apply for.

Services: College Admissions, Medical School Admissions
Free Consultation: yes
Consulting Model: individual
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to Yale, MIT, and UCLA

Solomon Admissions Consulting Best College Admissions Consultants

Additionally, Solomon Admissions Consulting gives students an opportunity to start planning for their future while they are still in high school. Students are provided with both tutoring and test prep options that will enable them to keep their grades high and their odds for acceptance higher. With the right admissions consultant, students can feel confident that they will have everything they need.

Admissions Experience: clients accepted to Princeton University, MIT, UC Berkeley

Spark Admissions Top College Admissions Consultants

Spark Admissions offer students the resources they need to learn how to communicate their stories and present a fully developed package. Students are able to share their hopes for the future as well as their achievements and how committed they are to building a solid and strong career path.

Services: College Admissions, College Athletic Recruiting, Art, Film & Music School Consulting Services, Students with Learning Differences
Price: base price $9795
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to Harvard, University of Virginia, Emory University

Testive by A-List Education Experienced College Admissions Consultants

College admissions coaches at Testive offer help with financial aid, enrollment essays, and creating the perfect resume. Essay writing courses allow students to explore their creative side while the best admissions consultants work with them to make sure they have access to each and every advantage. They also offer advising packages to assist students with the graduate school admissions process.

Services: College Admissions, Graduate School Admissions, SAT/ACT Tutoring Services, Grad Entrance Exam Tutoring, Academic Tutoring
Price: hourly services are $300 per hour with 10, 20 and 30 hours packages

Top Tier Admissions Best College Admissions Consultants

Top Tier Admissions consultants offer tutoring sessions and test prep that will allow them to improve their grades as well as their chances of earning scholarships that will help them pay for their education. Another benefit associated with admissions consulting is helping students write an admissions essay that will tell their story and show their compassion and commitment to the career they have chosen.

Services: College Application Essay Guidance
Price: Not published
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to Carnegie Mellon University, George Washington University, US Naval Academy

Varsity Tutors Admissions Consulting

College admissions counselors at Varsity Tutors provide students with resources they can use to improve the odds of being accepted by the college of their choice. With Varsity Tutors, students receive the guidance they need to write effective admissions essays and also improve their test scores. When students start planning for their future early, they are able to start building their resume and building a career path that they can build on throughout their time in college.

And Varsity Tutors has the best admissions consultants available to help students plan for their future. Students have access to the tools and resources they need to improve their grades and give themselves the opportunities and challenges they need to succeed on every level when it comes to their careers and personal lives.

Services: college undergraduate admissions
Price: $4,700 for the Comprehensive Package
Admissions Experience: clients accepted to Northwestern, Duke, Stanford

What is a College Admissions Consultant?

When students need help applying to universities or colleges and require assistance during the interview or financial aid application process, an admissions consultant may be hired. While high school guidance counselors provide some college application support and advice, most schools need counselors for the express purpose of advising university-bound students through the challenging process as an admissions consultant does.

The best college admissions consultants take students from the exploratory phase through the multiple application and interview steps and follow up with students as they navigate college acceptances and secure financial aid and scholarships. This degreed professional may work independently or with a firm or an agency. Still, all will be well-versed in the “inside track” information needed to get into a wide variety of colleges and universities successfully.

What Makes a College Admissions Consultant Worth It?

A college admissions consultant is a great resource for students looking to get accepted into their dream school. These professionals can provide valuable guidance and assistance throughout the entire admissions process, from choosing a school, applying to schools, preparing for standardized tests, securing financing for college, and more.

Each student’s situation is unique and as such, a college admissions consultant can provide tailored advice that’s beneficial to the student’s specific circumstances. Additionally, college admissions consultants can also provide behind-the-scenes insights into the colleges’ admissions processes, popular majors, course requirements and much more. Ultimately, a college admissions consultant can help your application stand out among admissions committees and makes an impressive impact.

How Can a College Admissions Consultant Help Me?

If you are a high school student trying to plan for your future, an admissions consultant can help you in many ways. They can help you submit an application that will give you an edge when you apply for college. Improving your grades and scoring high on placement tests is a must when it comes to being accepted at the school of your choice. So, many companies offer academic tutoring and test prep services.

An admissions consultant is also valuable when writing an essay that speaks volumes about your character, commitment, and willingness to succeed at reaching your career goals. Your consultant can help you through the entire college admissions process. Working through any challenges you may face, they will help you build a resume that will get you into your favorite college and propel you forward after you graduate with your degree.

What are the Advantages of Hiring College Admissions Counseling Services?

When you hire a college admissions counselor it makes it easier for you to navigate the college admissions process. Many college counseling services hire former admissions officers with a wealth of expertise and knowledge. So, hiring a college admissions counselor or a college admissions consulting firm basically gives you access to a network of resources that allows them to efficiently provide personalized guidance. These professionals use their wealth of experience to streamline the process for prospective students. As a result, using college admissions services typically increases the chances of acceptance and also helps reduce stress and anxiety.

What are the Types of College Admissions Consultants?

The top college admissions advisors may work for themselves for for a consulting firm. Below are the general types of consultants and college admissions consulting firms.

Independent College Admissions Consultants

These Individual Consultants are self-employed professionals who specialize in assisting prospective students with college admissions.

Small Firms

Small college admissions consulting firms may be better able to Zero In on the unique needs of their clients and provide more specialized and tailored advice. Additionally, a boutique firm have consultants who specialize in specific areas such as SAT/ACT prep, college application essays, or college visits.

Large Education Consulting Firms

Most college admissions consulting firms offer different packages and a la carte services. These organizations typically assist with college admissions, including school selection, application guidance, and financial aid counseling. Generally, speaking, the larger the firm, the more options aspiring college students may have.

What are the Services Offered by the Best College Admissions Consultants?

Students that use a college admissions consultant can expect to receive multiple services when one is employed to help in this process. They offer a range of services for helping students gain admission. Below are some benefits that are potentially included when an admission consultant.

College Selection

Developing a college list and selecting the right schools for a student’s academic and personal goals is essential. Most college admissions consultants can also help to assemble and fine-tune a customized college list.

Application Strategy

A college admissions consultant can also help you outline academic and extracurricular accomplishments to create a successful application strategy. Additionally, your consultant can help you create a timeline for what needs to be done and when and an application budget so you can stay on track financially through the application process and college admissions process.

College Essay Coaching

Drafting an authentic college essay takes work. A practical and persuasive essay can be the difference between acceptance and denial. However, college admissions consultants can ensure that an article reaches its desired effect.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Calculating the actual cost of a college education and discovering ways to reduce the financial burden is essential. Additionally a college admissions advisor can assist families with financial aid advice and finding the best options for financing higher education. Some also help with scholarship and financial aid applications.

Exam Preparation

Preparing for the college admissions entrance exams such as the SAT and ACT can be the difference between acceptance and denial. College admissions consultants can guide to help students get ready for these tests.

Interview Preparation

Most schools will require applicants to participate in an interview process, either on campus or via Skype. Many consultants use mock interviews to improve these skills.

Career Planning and Major Selection

College advisers, faculty, and family members are all great resources when choosing a major. So when you navigate the competitive college admissions landscape, collect opinions, weigh options, and don’t be afraid to ask questions and get advice.

Who Can Benefit from a College Admissions Consultant?

Anyone who needs help navigating the complex college admissions process can benefit from working with a college admissions consultant. This includes students with unique backgrounds or circumstances like student-athletes, first-generation, international, and individuals with learning differences. First-time college applicants and students targeting competitive schools can also benefit.

Students find help deciding their educational goals, finding the right college to apply to, researching program options, writing college applications and essays, developing an application strategy, preparing for college admissions interviews, and negotiating financial aid packages. College admissions consultants provide personalized guidance to students of all backgrounds to help ensure that the admissions process goes smoothly.

First-Generation College Students

Most first generation students who are the first in the family to attend college need extra assistance and guidance. College Admissions Consultants can help first-generation college students with each step of the college admissions process, providing support through every stage, from researching and applying to schools, writing essays, optimizing financial aid packages, and more. College Admissions Consultants may also be familiar with specific scholarships, grants, or supports for which first-generation college students may qualify. Ultimately, a College Admissions Consultant can be an invaluable resource to support and enable a successful college journey.

Student-Athletes

College Admissions Consultants can help student-athletes in a variety of ways. They provide personalized advice about the application process, including choosing the right college, selecting appropriate classes and majors, writing compelling personal statements, and ensuring all application parts are completed thoroughly and on time. College Admissions Consultants also uniquely understand the NCAA and D1 admission process. They can help student-athletes craft their athletic profiles to make the most of their college applications. This expertise can prove invaluable as student-athletes navigate the college admissions process.

International Students

With the high-stakes nature of the college admissions process, it can take time for an international student to figure out the best way to stand out and make a strong impression on admissions officers. International students often face unique challenges when getting into college in the United States. This is where College Admissions Consultants can provide timely advice and help to maximize their chances of admission success. By working with someone familiar with the American college admissions process and experienced in working with international applicants, international students can quickly identify potential obstacles to their success and create strategies to overcome them.

Students with Learning Differences

A College Admissions Consultant could give students with learning differences the guidance and expertise they need to ensure that their applications are competitive with other applicants. They can provide applications that accurately reflect students’ abilities, strengths, and interests. Specialized consultants can help students identify appropriate accommodations and explain the differences to admissions boards to ensure their needs are adequately understood and addressed. Overall, a consultant can give students with learning differences the confidence and representation they need to get into the college of their dreams.

What Should You Look for When Hiring a College Admissions Coach?

You decided to use a consultant, so how do you choose a college admissions consultant? When selecting a college admissions consultant, it is essential to research and compare different options. Before choosing a consultant, you should determine your expectations, budget, and needs.

Look for consultants specializing in a specific college admissions field, such as SAT or ACT preparation, essay writing, or interview prep. Additionally, it would help if you asked for references from past clients to ensure that the consultant is qualified to assist with your college admission process. Ultimately, the most crucial aspect of hiring a college admissions consultant is finding someone you trust and feel is a good fit for your situation.

How Much Do College Admissions Consulting Services Cost?

The cost of college admissions consulting services will vary depending on the type of service, the level of service provided, and the provider. For example, some companies offer comprehensive coaching packages that may cost up to a few thousand dollars. Others may offer more limited services for a few hundred dollars. You should research different services and decide which fits your needs and budget best.

What are the Typical Pricing Structures for College Admissions Consultants?

Pay structures vary. For example, some college admissions consultants might charge a flat fee for easy-to-tackle admissions essays and quick applications. In contrast, other consultants might charge an hourly fee for more comprehensive services such as essay editing, test prep, mock interviews, and extracurricular help. Many firms offer a free initial evaluation of a student’s credentials to discuss the options in the future.

Expect hourly service rates to range from $50 to $300 per hour, with some higher-priced applicants providing more personalized and strategic guidance. Generally speaking, if a consultant offers more comprehensive services such as essay editing, test preparation, and mock interviews, the total cost of services might go up to $4,000 or even higher.

Some college admissions consultants may also have a package with a fixed fee, which includes a set amount of hours or services. Different packages may be available for other student needs or budgets. An expensive comprehensive admissions consulting package may cost over $50,000. However, the average cost for a complete admissions package from a national firm is around $3,000 to $7,000.

When Should You Start to Work with a College Admissions Consultant?

Many parents and students want to know when is the right time to begin a college coaching service. College admissions is a daunting task, so students and parents should start early. The earlier you start working with an expert college application consultant, the better. Ideally, it would help to start working with them a year before your intended college enrollment date. This will give you enough time to complete a comprehensive application, assemble a robust package, and save yourself some stress.

Remember that an experienced college application consultant can help you with guidance related to your college and primary selection, financial aid options, and other pertinent areas.

Is a College Admissions Consultant Worth It?

A consultant can be helpful if you want personalized advice and support in the college admissions process and a knowledgeable resource to guide you. They can also help you identify schools that may be a good fit for you and assist you in preparing your applications. However, it is essential to weigh the cost and the availability of support when deciding to hire a college admissions counselor. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not you think a college admissions consultant is worth the cost.

What If I Can’t Afford a College Admissions Consultant?

In the hyper-competitive world of college admissions, students can their families can be pressured into thinking that the only thing that matters is getting into the highest-tier school and that a costly consultant is their only option. However, that’s not always the case. There are many consulting and counseling services with various pricing tiers, packages, and financial help. But for some low income students hiring a consultant is outside the budget. But, don’t despair.

First of all, at College Consensus, we’re big believers in the value of starting small and local. That’s why we strongly recommend that students who are conscious of their money or don’t feel confident about getting into their first choice take a year or two and attend community college . One dirty little secret about the higher-tier schools is that it is often easier to transfer in than to get accepted as a first-year student. First-year students who didn’t cut it have dropped out, and colleges need enrollment to keep their doors open.

There are also many other options, like taking a gap year to work or intern. Consider enrolling in a pre-college summer program , which can help you make connections at the college you want to attend and build more robust recommendations. There are many ways of building up your application than just paying a consultant.

Why Do Parents and Students Choose to Pay for a College Admissions Counseling Service?

Each high school in the US has at least one guidance counselor. Unfortunately, the ratio of guidance counselors to students is low. Usually, these counselors must be better trained and motivated to help students. In many cases, they need more understanding of the business and industry needs, which will NOT enable them to guide their students to appropriate college majors and degrees for the student’s future success.

The general perception is that much college admissions material is available online. However, the problem is that this material is scattered, not updated, organized for easy consumption, often inaccurate, and difficult to find when needed. The “insider college admissions track” is not known just by perusing this material.

Professional Organizations for College Admissions Consultants

National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)
Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA)
Association for College Admission Counseling (AACAC)
National College Access Network (NCAN)
American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
Enrollment Management Association (EMA)
American College Counseling Association (ACCA)
Collegiate Admission and Retention Professionals (C.A.R.P.)
National Independent Educational Consultants Association (NIECA)

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choosing a school
applying to schools
choosing extracurriculars
writing application essays
preparing for standardized tests
securing financing for college

Ultimately, a college admissions consultant can help your application stand out among admissions committees and makes an impressive impact.

So, hiring a college admissions counselor or a college admissions consulting firm basically gives you access to a network of resources that allows them to efficiently provide personalized guidance. These professionals use their wealth of experience to streamline the process for prospective students.

As a result, using college admissions services typically increases the chances of acceptance and also helps reduce stress and anxiety.

What are the Types of College Admissions Consultants?

Individual consultants are self-employed professionals who specialize in assisting prospective students with college admissions.

Small Firms

Small college admissions consulting firms may be better able to zero in on the unique needs of their clients and provide more specialized and tailored advice. Additionally, a boutique firm has consultants who specialize in specific areas such as SAT/ACT prep, college application essays, or college visits.

Application Strategy

Most schools will require applicants to participate in an interview process, either on campus or via Skype. Many consultants use mock interviews to improve these skills.

What Should You Look for When Hiring a College Admissions Coach?

Ultimately, the most crucial aspect of hiring a college admissions consultant is finding someone you trust and feel is a good fit for your situation.

Professional Organizations for College Admissions Consultants

American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
American College Counseling Association (ACCA)
Enrollment Management Association (EMA)
Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA)
Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
National College Access Network (NCAN)

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Best College Admissions Consultants of 2024

Despite the growing rate of tuition, more people are attending college out of high school than ever before. And with this increased number of attendees comes greater competition for the limited number of spots available at each institution. That’s why thousands of college applicants have sought the help of professional college admissions consultants to ensure they are as competitive and attractive as they can be as applicants.

These days, there’s a lot more to college admissions than your GPA and SAT scores. Most colleges use a ‘holistic’ admissions process, meaning they consider many parts of a prospective student’s application, including test scores, GPA, high school course load, application essay, extracurricular activities, community service, work history, and much more. In short, meeting college admission requirements isn’t as easy as reaching a certain test score—there’s much more to it than that.

And while it’s certainly possible to be admitted to your top undergraduate school by approaching the admissions process on your own, your chances are significantly higher if you enlist the help of professional college admissions consultants . In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the services provided by college admissions consultants, what to look for and expect in a consultant, and our picks for the top college admissions consultants available.

Please note that several of the links included below are affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, we may earn a referral commission if you use one of the courses below. Only use the links if you have been helped by our review!

Top College Admissions Consultants & Exclusive Discounts

COURSES	ADMISSIONADO	PREP EXPERT	PRINCETON REVIEW	ACCEPTED	A-LIST EDUCATION
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS BRAND
RANKINGS	#1	#2	#3	#4	#5
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STARTING PRICE	$2,050	$6,999	$3,499	$1,900	$300
DISCOUNT	No Discount			No Discount	No Discount
FREE CONSULTATION
TEAM-BASED CONSULTING
UNLIMITED PLAN (No School Limit, No Time Limit)
ADVANCED APPLICATION PACKAGE
ADMISSIONS BOOKS/GUIDES
ADDITIONAL CONSULTING
A LA CARTE SERVICES	15 a la carte options including: Essay Editing, Strategy, School Selection, Adcom Simulator, etc.	No a la carte options	College List Building, MD Applications	Final Application Review, Essays, Waitlist Review, Rejection Review	Essays, Resume Planning, Transfer Apps +
FREE TRIAL OR DEMO

For more on our ranking and review process, jump down to the bottom of this article to see How We’ve Ranked the Top College Admissions Consultants.

HOW DO YOU RATE ADMISSIONADO?

4.2/5 - (102 votes)

1. Admissionado: Best College Admissions Consultants

OVERALL RATING: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Founded in 2007 by two college friends, Admissionado has quickly become one of the top college admissions consulting firms around, and they rank number one in our list for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the most significant factor for us is their no-nonsense approach to college admissions. Admissionado consultants are honest and upfront about what they can offer their clients.

One unique aspect of Admissionado’s services is the way they divide their work among experts. Rather than having a single consultant manage all aspects of a client’s services, they instead have a team of consultants that work in their areas of expertise. For instance, one person might help you with your applications, while another person who is more well-versed in writing will work with you on your essays. This way, you get the best person for each job, though there are head consultants that will work with students one-on-one. With that in mind, it’s no surprise their essay preparation and editing, interview prep, and customer service are second-to-none.

Admissionado Featured Consultants:

Athena Lao: Educator, degrees from Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania
David Fung: Business Executive, degrees from MIT, Columbia University
Anna Li – Professional Chef, Degree from University of Chicago
Rob Franklin – Former Consultant at Bain, Degree from Stanford University

Admissionado Staff Admissions Experience:

Harvard University
Stanford University
University of Pennsylvania
Columbia University
Brown University
The UC System

LEARN MORE ABOUT ADMISSIONADO

2. Prep Expert: Top College Admissions Consultants

Students and families who use Prep Expert’s college admissions consulting services will be getting a serious deal. These consulting packages come bundled with ACT and SAT courses, a huge plus, in addition to elite private tutoring options. Even without the added value, the team at Prep Expert provides the absolute highest quality admissions consulting expertise. The team is headed by Akbar Rahel, Esq., an admissions expert with nearly 25 years of experience at the undergraduate and graduate levels across a range of disciplines.

With Prep Expert’s college consulting programs, students may choose options with 25, 40, or 60 hours of admissions consulting services. Students and families may begin as early as 7 th grade. A custom package is also available for families interested in more hours and advisory options.

Overall, given the level of admissions experience bundled with test prep, Prep Expert offers an extraordinarily value. Since its founding, the admissions consulting department has emerged as one of the most elite and effective options available anywhere.

Prep Expert Featured Consultants:

Akbar Rahel, Esq., Admissions Director: degrees from the Georgetown University Law Center and the University of California, Berkeley.

Prep Expert Admissions Experience:

Yale University
Johns Hopkins.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PREP EXPERT

Get 30% Off All Prep Expert Review Courses

3. princeton review college admissions consultants.

What do colleges look for when it comes to admissions? Is it high grades, a great essay, or extracurricular activities? A Princeton Review Admissions Consultant will help you get a better understanding of the college admissions process and know exactly what your application needs. They are #1 at getting high school students into top colleges, and over 96% of students give a 5-star rating.

77% of Princeton Review’s College Admissions Counseling students enroll at one of their top three colleges.

They are well known for publishing college rankings to help prospective applicants decide where they should apply. With over 30 years of publishing, they have an eye for detail that will allow you to focus on your future while we handle the rest.

Whether you’re looking for guidance through admissions or just want advice on what courses to take next semester, they have the answers you’re looking for. Princeton offers different admissions packages tailored to you from Freshmen year, Sophomore, Junior and Senior. They are also one of the only providers that offer on-demand options, making it easy to prepare on your own schedule. This also allows you to save quite a bit considering the on-demand pricing is generally 1/3 the full featured option.

Either way they are here to help guide you toward a bright future full of possibilities – so don’t hesitate; check out their college admissions consulting options today!

Princeton Review Features:

– 7 online consultations with your college admissions team
– 20–25 institutions on a customized college list based on your profile and interests
– 2-3 revisions of your personal statement in writing
– 2 rounds of written revisions on the supplementary essays for admission to five institutions written revisions to the application form for your best pick
– Through their admissions dashboard, you’ll have direct access to a College Coach
– After submitting your application, you can get assistance with interview preparation, deferrals, waitlists, and choosing a college.

Princeton Review Admissions Experience:

– Harvard University
– Massachusetts Institute of Technology
– Columbia University
– University of Pennsylvania
– Duke University
– Dartmouth College
– Brown University
– Vanderbilt University
+ Many More!

LEARN MORE ABOUT PRINCETON REVIEW

Check Weekly Offers on Princeton Review GRE Courses

4. accepted: top college admissions counselors.

Accepted has been around since 1994, so they have considerable experience with college admissions. But it’s not the experience of the consulting firm that really impressed us; rather, it’s Accepted’s focus on one-on-one, personalized consulting.

Another benefit from going with Accepted is their various other consulting services, which go beyond just undergraduate admissions consulting. You can use Accepted’s top-notch consultant team when applying to medical school, law school, business school, or any other graduate program.

Accepted Featured Consultants:

Natalie Epstein: Dean of Admissions, degree from the University of Michigan
Marie Todd: Admissions Specialist, degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Accepted Staff Admissions Experience:

University of Michigan
University of North Carolina
Michigan State University
Cornell University

5. A-List Education: College Admissions Consulting Services

A-List Education has been around for over 15 years, and offers various educational services like test prep programs, homeschool services, and private tutoring and college advising. When it comes to college consulting, A-List has a unique catalogue of packages that come in three different varieties: college advising & application packages, college advising & tutoring packages, or hourly advising & tutoring packages. These packages are differentiated by the number of hours of consulting that they provide and how many schools a student can apply to, but the services that you can take advantage of within those limits are expansive.

With the amount of variety that A-List provides in terms of package options, students are highly likely to get a custom-tailored service that matches their specific consulting needs. Budget-friendly options are available a la carte through hourly packages, while bundle packages that combine college advising with application or tutoring services can give you more value-for-money if you need to accomplish a variety of tasks.

A-List Featured Consultants:

Rachel Flynn: Honors Harvard graduate, former admissions reader for NYU
Kate Manire: Degree from Vanderbilt University, International admissions and visual arts specialist, over 10 years of experience

A-List Admissions Experience:

New York University
Rice University
University of Southern California

6. Top Tier Admissions: College Counseling Services

If it’s experience and expertise you’re after, it’s hard to beat Top Tier Admissions. While not as large as some of the other firms on this list, Top Tier has a proven track record of success in getting students admitted to their top-choice schools. Top Tier has been around for 20 years, and their leadership and consultants have direct experience working in admissions offices at top universities in the US.

In comparison to other undergraduate admission consultants on our list, this team doesn’t have quite as much experience working directly inside admissions departments, but that hasn’t stopped the team from becoming one of the most successful consulting firms out there.

Top Tier Admissions Featured Consultants:

Kristen Willmott: Admissions and Financial Aid Officer, degrees from the University of Rochester and Ithaca College
Brian Feldman: Business and Policy Analyst, studied at Washington University, Harvard University and the University of Oxford

Top Tier Staff Admissions Experience:

Dartmouth College

7. College Coach: Admissions Counselors

college coach college admissions consulting services

College Coach, founded in 1998, takes a truly student-focused approach to their admissions services. Their philosophy is that focusing on their clients’ unique goals, strengths, and accomplishments is the best way to get them accepted into top educational programs and universities. And we agree. College Coach emphasizes that the key to college admissions isn’t trying to be like everyone else, but rather is about making yourself stand out from the crowd by amplifying what makes you special.

One thing to watch out for, though, is that College Coach doesn’t offer cheaper a la carte services for students who need help with only one aspect of their college admissions services. To make use of College Coach’s insight into undergrad admissions, you’ll need to shell out enough money for their more expensive and comprehensive consultant packages.

College Coach Featured Consultants:

Amy Alexander: College Advisor, degree from Yale University
Sarah Calvert-Kubrom: Educational Administrator, degree from Lewis & Clark College

College Coach Staff Admissions Experience:

Northwestern University
Reed College
Swarthmore College
Babson College
Goucher College

8. Varsity Tutors: Best Consultant for Ivy League Admissions

Started in 2001 by a group of Ivy League students, Varsity Tutors is one of the most successful college admissions consultant firms around. Part of this success has a lot to do with the high-achievers they hire as consultants. Indeed, Varsity Tutors consultants have all earned test scores in the 99th percentile! On top of that, each Varsity Tutors college consultant has actual experience working in admissions at a top college, giving them insider knowledge of Ivy League admission requirements for institutions around the country. This all shows that the consultants at Varsity Tutors have the personal experience to back up their claims of expertise in elite college admissions. What’s more, since 2002, Varsity Tutors has helped over 300,000 students get accepted to their dream schools . You can’t argue with results!

Varsity Tutors Featured Consultants:

Jessie Hill: Dean at Yale University, Writer, degrees from Barnard College and Columbia University
Ruben Alonzo: Educator, degrees from MIT, Harvard University and Columbia University

Varsity Tutors Staff Admissions Experience:

Princeton University
College of William and Mary
Smith College
UC – Berkeley
Duke University
+ moreVarsity Tutors

9. PrepScholar: College Admissions Consultants

PrepScholar is well-known thanks to their prep courses for tests like the SAT, ACT, and GMAT, to name a few, and the quality and expertise they’ve developed for those services carries over to their college admission consulting. They don’t offer as many a la carte options as you’ll find with other companies on our list, but their essay editing and full essay packages are some of the most affordable ones on our list. PrepScholar’s cheapest essay service, their Essay Editing package, can provide you with expert-level revision for as low as $195!

When compared to other top undergrad consulting firms, PrepScholar may not have quite as much in-depth admissions administration experience. Still, they have plenty of experience in the higher education admissions field thanks to the years they’ve spent providing test prep services to students. On top of that, their staff includes an expert group of students from top-tier colleges and universities that each have stellar standardized test scores. All this makes PrepScholar a good option for those seeking affordable a la carte services or guidance from consultants that really know their way around the world of standardized testing.

PrepScholar Featured Consultants:

Anna Wulick: Educator, degrees from Princeton University and Columbia University
Eric C.: Historian and Educator, degree from Harvard University, studies at the University of Cambridge

Elite Advantage Prep Admissions Experience:

10. elite advantage prep: college admission consulting firm.

Elite Advantage Prep is a small, but growing, college admissions consulting firm. Among the many excellent aspects of Elite Advantage is their personalized service and variety of consulting package options. In fact, they have a package for every high school grade, so you can find the perfect package for where you’re at in your college admissions journey.

The young age of this business, combined with their small consultant team, make Elite Advantage Prep a bit less experienced overall than other major college consulting firms on this list. Even so, they offer great options for personalization through their a la carte services, which let you purchase just the college counseling services that you need without spending extra money on things you don’t.

Elite Advantage Prep Featured Consultants:

Anna Ren: Admissions Strategist, degree from Georgetown University
Fadhal Moore: Educator, studied at Harvard University and Georgetown University
Georgetown University

Other Top College Admissions Consulting Options

While most college admissions consultants didn’t make our list, they are certainly deserving of honorable mention status. Here are other top college admissions consultants you should also consider when weighing your options:

11. Anna Ivey Consulting

Anna Ivey Consulting stands out with its founder, Anna Ivey, a former Dean of Admissions at the University of Chicago Law School. Her unique perspective from inside the admissions office offers clients an invaluable edge in the college application process.

12. Solomon Admissions Consulting

Solomon Admissions Consulting is known for its team of former admissions officers from Ivy League and other top-tier universities. Their insider knowledge of the admissions process helps students craft college applications that resonate with elite institutions.

13. Shemmassian Academic Consulting

Shemmassian stands out for its focus on helping students with learning disabilities navigate the college admissions process, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to achieve their academic goals.

14. Spark Admissions

Spark Admissions offers a unique, team-based approach to college consulting. Each student is matched with a team of consultants who collaborate to provide comprehensive support throughout the admissions process.

15. InGenius Prep

InGenius Prep sets itself apart with its global perspective. Founded by former college admissions officers from Yale and Harvard, the team has experience with international admissions, helping students around the world gain acceptance to top US colleges.

16. Veritas Prep

Veritas Prep is unique in its focus on test preparation. Their admissions consultants also specialize in helping students achieve high scores on standardized tests, an important component of the college application process.

17. AcceptU

AcceptU stands out with its team of former admissions officers from highly selective universities. They offer virtual consulting services, making high-quality admissions advice accessible to students everywhere.

18. College Transitions

College Transitions is unique in its commitment to providing affordable, high-quality college admissions counseling services. They offer a range of packages to suit different budgets, ensuring that all students can access the support they need.

19. Signet Education

Signet Education offers a unique, holistic approach to college consulting. In addition to application support, they offer academic tutoring and coaching to help students thrive in high school and beyond.

20. CollegeWise

CollegeWise stands out for its collaborative approach. Their consultants work closely with students and families, building strong relationships that foster a positive, stress-free college admissions experience.

21. Expert Admissions

Expert Admissions is unique in its personalized approach to college consulting. They take the time to get to know each student’s individual strengths, interests, and goals, and tailor their advice accordingly.

22. AmerAsia Consulting Group

AmerAsia is known for its focus on business school admissions and international students. Their consultants have extensive experience in the business world, providing valuable insights for students interested in pursuing a business degree.

23. Ilumin Education

Ilumin Education stands out for its focus on helping students develop their unique “story.” They believe that a compelling personal narrative is key to a successful college application.

24. C2 Education

C2 Education is unique in its comprehensive approach to college readiness. In addition to admissions consulting, they offer test prep, tutoring, and academic support services.

25. Flex College Prep

Flex College Prep stands out for its emphasis on strategic college planning. They help students make informed decisions about course selection, extracurricular activities, and more to enhance their college applications.

26. Blue Star Admissions

Blue Star Admissions is unique in its focus on helping military families navigate the college admissions process. Their consultants understand the unique challenges and opportunities that military families face.

27. Ivy Coach

Ivy Coach is known for its expertise in Ivy League admissions. Their consultants have a deep understanding of what these elite institutions are looking for in applicants.

28. Beasley College Consulting

Beasley College Consulting, led by Rebecca Beasley, is known for its personalized, one-on-one approach to college consulting. Rebecca works directly with each student, providing tailored advice and guidance throughout the college admissions process.

29. Optimum Ed

Optimum Ed stands out for its commitment to helping students find the right college fit academically, socially, and financially. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including college search, application assistance, and financial aid guidance.

30. Prepory

Prepory is unique in its approach to each college admissions counselor, combining traditional methods with innovative technology. Their team of experienced college admissions counselors provides personalized guidance to help students navigate the college admissions process effectively.

31. Bentham Admissions

Bentham Admissions is known for its holistic approach to college counseling. They focus not only on helping students get into their dream colleges but also on ensuring they thrive once they get there.

32. Inside Admissions Consulting

Inside Admissions Consulting stands out for its team of experienced admissions consultants who have served on admissions committees at top universities. They offer personalized guidance to help students craft compelling applications.

33. Irena Smith Consulting

Irena Smith Consulting is unique in its focus on storytelling. Irena Smith, a former Stanford admissions officer, helps students craft compelling personal narratives that resonate with admissions officers.

34. HelloCollege

HelloCollege is known for its comprehensive college admissions counseling programs. They offer a range of services, from college search and application assistance to financial aid guidance and career counseling.

35. Abby Siegel

Abby Siegel stands out for her personalized approach to admissions consulting. She works closely with each student, providing tailored advice and guidance based on their unique strengths and goals.

36. Manhattan Admissions Advisors

Manhattan Admissions Advisors is unique in its focus on New York City students. Their team of experienced admissions consultants provides personalized guidance to help NYC students navigate the competitive college admissions landscape.

37. IvySelect College Consulting

IvySelect is known for its expertise in Ivy League and top-tier college admissions. Their team of experienced admission consultants provides personalized guidance to help students gain admission to these highly competitive institutions.

38. Selective College Consulting

Selective College Consulting stands out for its commitment to helping students gain admission to their top-choice colleges. They offer a range of services, from college search and application assistance to interview preparation and essay editing.

39. Quantum Prep

Quantum Prep is unique in its focus on academic preparation. In addition to admissions consulting, they offer tutoring services in a range of subjects to help students excel academically.

40. Lexicon Academics

Lexicon Academics stands out for its team of experienced admissions consultants who have served on admissions committees at top universities. They offer personalized guidance to help students craft compelling applications.

41. ForWord Consulting

ForWord Consulting is known for its comprehensive approach to college admissions counseling. They offer a range of services, from college search and application assistance to financial aid guidance and career counseling.

42. Admissions Lady

Admissions Lady stands out for its personalized approach to admissions consulting for aspiring college students. They work closely with each high school student, providing tailored advice and guidance based on their unique strengths and goals.

43. College Initiative

College Initiative is unique in its commitment to helping students from underserved communities gain admission to college. They offer a range of services, including college search, application assistance, and financial aid suggestions.

44. American College Admissions Consultants

American College Admissions Consultants stands out for its team of experienced admissions consultants who have served on admissions committees at top universities. They offer personalized guidance to help students craft compelling applications.

45. Educated Pathways

Educated Pathways is unique in its commitment to helping students find the right college fit based on their individual strengths, interests, and goals. They offer personalized guidance throughout the college admissions process, ensuring that students make informed decisions that align with their future aspirations.

46. S. Montgomery Admissions

S. Montgomery Admissions stands out for its founder, Sarah Montgomery, a former admissions officer at Stanford University. Her insider knowledge of the admissions process provides students with a unique advantage when applying to top-tier colleges and universities.

47. DC College Counseling

DC College Counseling is known for its comprehensive approach to college admissions counseling. They offer a range of services, from college search and application assistance to financial aid guidance and career counseling, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their college journey.

48. The College Advisor of NY

The College Advisor of NY stands out for its personalized, one-on-one approach to college admissions consulting. They work closely with each student, providing tailored advice and guidance based on their unique strengths and goals.

49. College Zoom

College Zoom is unique in its focus on helping students find the right college fit based on their individual strengths, interests, and goals. They offer personalized guidance throughout the college admissions process, ensuring that students make informed decisions that align with their future aspirations.

50. Command Education

Command Education stands out for its team of experienced admissions consultants who have served on admissions committees at top universities. They offer personalized guidance to help students craft compelling applications.

Advantages of Hiring College Admissions Counseling Services

Navigating the college admissions process can be a complex and stressful journey. This is where the expertise of admissions counseling services comes into play. Engaging the top college admissions consultants provides a multitude of benefits to both high school students and parents. Here are some of the key advantages:

Personalized Guidance and Feedback

Every student is unique, with their own set of strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. Top college admissions consultants recognize this and provide personalized guidance tailored to each student’s specific needs. They work closely with students, providing constructive feedback on various aspects of the application process, including essay writing, interview preparation, and more. This personalized attention can significantly boost a student’s confidence, helping them present their best self to college admissions officers.

Stress Reduction

The college admissions process can be overwhelming, often causing significant stress for students and their families. A college admissions counselor can alleviate much of this stress by providing expert guidance and support throughout the process. They can help manage deadlines, organize application materials, and provide reassurance when the process seems daunting. This support can make the entire experience more manageable and less stressful.

Enhanced Success

One of the primary benefits of hiring a college admissions coach is the potential for increased success in gaining admission to desired colleges. College admission consultants have a deep understanding of what colleges are looking for and can help students present themselves in the best possible light. They can help students highlight their strengths, address their weaknesses, and craft compelling narratives in their college application essays . All these factors enhance a student’s chances of standing out in the competitive admissions process.

Expert Knowledge and Insights

College admissions advisors bring a wealth of knowledge and insights to the table. They are well-versed in the intricacies of the college admissions process and stay updated on the latest trends and changes. This expertise allows them to provide students with valuable advice, such as which colleges might be a good fit for their goals and interests, what specific officers might be looking for, and how to navigate financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Time Management and Organization

With multiple applications to complete, each with its own set of requirements and deadlines, staying organized can be a challenge for students. College admission consultants can help students manage their time effectively, ensuring they meet all deadlines and complete every part of the application process in a timely manner. They can help students prioritize their applications, ensuring they focus their efforts on the colleges they are most interested in.

Long-Term Skill Development

Working with a college admissions advisor can also help students develop valuable skills that will benefit them beyond the college admissions process. These include time management, organizational skills, effective communication, and self-reflection. These skills are not only useful for succeeding in college but also in future career and personal endeavors.

How We’ve Ranked the Best College Admissions Consultants

After reviewing the top admissions consultants, we have ranked them based on the following criteria.

While experience isn’t the most significant factor for us, we did take it into consideration. While we think even newer college admission consultants at companies like Admissionado and Elite Advantage Prep can do just as good a job as many of the more established firms, there’s no denying that having college admissions industry experience is a major help.

Matchmaking Process

When it comes to matching you with a college admissions consultant, each consultant firm has its own process. This is key to your success when working with an admissions consultant, and there are pros and cons to every approach.

For instance, with larger college admissions consultant firms, you get the benefit of knowing that there is a large enough staff to provide you with the personalized support you need. On the other hand, smaller consultant firms may be able to offer even more individual support because they have smaller client loads.

Either way, it’s important that you do your research when it comes to each firm’s matchmaking process. Some college admissions consulting firms take a team-based approach to consulting, which has many benefits, like specialized expertise in different areas of the application process. This also has some downsides, like the possibility of feeling like you’re ‘lost in the shuffle’ or like you aren’t getting the one-on-one support you’re looking for.

Ultimately, we gave greater preference for firms, large or small, that connect you with a single, dedicated consultant who also has the support of the entire firm’s team.

Is Unlimited Truly Unlimited?

While nearly all college admissions consultant firms provide some kind of ‘unlimited package,’ some put caps on the amount of time the consultant spends with a given client, or the amount of schools you can apply to without additional cost. This is usually the result of the firm only paying each consultant by the contract, rather than by time spent. Of course, for us, we have given more weight to those firms that offer truly unlimited and comprehensive packages, as well as those that are upfront about the time they can devote to each client.

Top-Tier Admissions Committee Representation

We have given some measure of preference to those college admissions consultant firms that staff consultants with top-tier admissions committee experience. While this wasn’t a major factor—after all, one doesn’t need to actually serve on admissions committees to be a good consultant—it is something that we considered, and those firms with top-tier representation were given extra consideration in our rankings.

Limits on Consultant Load

Due to the nature of the college admissions calendar—as most college applications are due at the same time of year—we have given special consideration to the limits on consultant load. We wanted to be sure that any college admissions consultant we recommend is able to provide as much attention as possible for their clients, so we gave firms a higher ranking if they show evidence that they limit each consultant’s client load.

Team vs. Individual Approach

As we’ve mentioned above, we believe the best system for a college admissions consultant firm is one that matches clients with a dedicated consultant who is backed by a larger team. This way, you’ll get the one-on-one interaction and personal relationship that is so key to this kind of service, as well as the specific expertise offered by a larger team effort.

Additional Resources

Who doesn’t like bonus content? We’ve given extra preference to those consulting firms that offer useful resources outside the boilerplate stuff you get from every consultant firm. These are things like interactive web platforms, special ‘boot camps,’ and other innovative approaches that can help you get where you want to be.

Free Consultation

Because of the nature of college admissions consulting, we placed a considerable emphasis on firms that offer a free consultation. We simply had a hard time justifying ranking many firms who don’t offer such a free consultation.

After all, how can you (and the consultant) know if the relationship is going to be productive if they just take your money upfront before they know anything about you? We simply think that the free initial consultation is one of the most important things any firm can offer because it will get all parties involved on the same page from the outset.

What We’ve Left Out

Self-reported success rates.

In the interest of providing quality, unbiased rankings of college admissions consultants, we have left out any mention of self-reported success rates. While we certainly don’t believe that the self-reported success rates of our picks are necessarily in dispute, we felt it would be more useful to provide our own analysis, unskewed by the rates the firms themselves advertise.

Decoding the Role of College Admissions Consultants

College admissions consultants, often referred to as college admissions counselors, are instrumental in guiding students through the college admissions process. They offer valuable insights into everything from high school course selection to standardized test preparation, and even assist with the intricacies of the college application process.

Their goal is to optimize students’ chances of gaining admission into their preferred schools. Some college admission consultants specialize in Ivy League schools, while others adopt a more comprehensive approach, evaluating student abilities and aligning students with quality institutions where they are likely to excel.

Personalized Services: A Key Offering of Top College Admissions Consultants

The best college admissions consultants understand that every student is unique and requires personalized guidance. They offer a wide range of services, including college advising and tutoring, college advisory and application assistance, and even hourly services for specific needs. Recognizing the financial constraints of some families, college admissions counselors also provide budget-friendly options for hourly packages.

Insider Insight: A Valuable Asset in the College Admissions Process

Engaging a college admissions consulting firm provides students with insider insights into school selection and maximizing performance on standardized testing. These firms can alleviate the apprehensions of parents and students about the college admissions process. Armed with guidance, educational expertise, and the right knowledge, students can significantly enhance their undergraduate opportunities.

Extracurricular Activities: A Vital Component of College Admissions

Colleges seek a diverse pool of applicants and value well-rounded students with interests beyond academics. This is why high school extracurriculars play a crucial role in the college admissions process. These activities allow students to explore their interests and hobbies outside of school, helping them discover their passions, which can guide their choice of major.

College Admissions Consultant Alternatives

If you’ve decided that you don’t want to hire a college admissions consultant—either because you don’t think there’s enough value in it for you, or it’s simply too expensive for your budget—there are several other options you might consider as alternatives that could also increase your chances of getting accepted to your top-choice schools.

First, reach out to school alumni for advice. After all, these are the people who have been where you are now and got in! You’d be surprised at the kinds of valuable insight you can get from school alumni.

Next, seek out current and former admissions officers. While current admissions officers probably won’t offer you much help, if you can find a former officer, they might have some good tips and advice on how to make yourself a more competitive applicant.

Finally, if the all-inclusive college admissions consultants packages are too expensive for you, consider looking into the a la carte options available from many of the firms we’ve listed. This is a good way to get some help and advice on just the things you need assistance with, without having to shell out tons of cash for the comprehensive packages.

FAQs on College Admissions Consultants

What is a college admissions consultant.

Simply put, a college admissions consultant is an individual or organization that you hire to assist you with the college admissions process . Services vary from consultant to consultant, but they all share the same goal: to get their clients admitted to their top-choice schools. Often, they’ll help you with your college admission essays , overall application, and resumes—many offer interview preparation services and coaching as well. Though there has been some negative press recently about college admissions coaches, the truth is that the vast majority of them are reputable organizations that operate ethically, with the sole focus of helping applicants reach their educational goals. Indeed, the consultants we’ve included in this guide have strong reputations and are not the sort of bad actors that have dominated the news in the past couple of years.

Who Should Hire a College Admissions Consultant?

The short answer is simple: anyone who wants to have an edge in the college admissions process ! The long answer is, of course, a bit more complex. For starters, hiring a college admissions consultant isn’t exactly cheap. So, one of the first things you need to consider when deciding whether or not to hire an admissions consultant is your budget. Can you afford to hire one? While cost is probably the single biggest factor to consider, another important thing to take into account is the amount of time you have to devote to working with a college admissions consultant. While these consultants work hard to help you get where you want to be, it will require a significant investment of your own time and energy as well. You’ll need to find the time to work with them on your essays, resume, interview prep, and much more. So, if you’re already pretty swamped with school and extracurricular activities, be sure you can carve out the time to work with a consultant before you hire one. It may sound like a lot of extra work, but the reality is admissions consultants can help remove much of the stress involved in applying to graduate programs. That said, there are many people who should seriously consider hiring a college admissions consultant. You might be one of them if you have clear, practical goals, have seriously considered your options, and are committed to following through with the college admissions process and getting the most out of the services consultants provide.

Will a College Admissions Consultant Get Me Into a Top School?

One thing you should not expect from a college admissions consultant is a miracle. Admissions consultants can only do so much with what they’re given. So, if your grades or test scores are sub-par, you might want to consider that before hiring an admissions consultant since there’s nothing a consultant can do to change that. The fact is, no matter how gifted the admissions consultant is, they can’t guarantee that you’ll be admitted to your dream school. That being said, if you are reasonable in your expectations and are committed to working diligently with your admissions consultant, you can seriously boost your chances of getting offers from top schools.

How Can a College Admissions Consultant Help Improve My Application?

A college admissions consultant can help improve your application by providing insights into what colleges are looking for in applicants. They can help you highlight your strengths, address any weaknesses, and craft a compelling narrative that sets you apart from other applicants. They can also provide feedback on your essays and help you prepare for interviews.

What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing A College Admissions Consultant?

When choosing a college admissions coach, consider their experience, success rate, and the services they offer. Look for a consultant who has a deep understanding of the college admissions process and a track record of helping students get into their desired colleges. Also, consider whether they offer services that match your specific needs, such as essay editing, interview coaching, or financial aid advice.

How Does a College Admissions Consultant Support Students Throughout the Application Process?

A college admissions consultant supports students throughout the application process by providing personalized advice and guidance. They help students understand the requirements of different colleges, develop a strategic application plan, craft compelling essays, and prepare for interviews. They also provide support and reassurance during this often stressful time.

Can a College Admissions Consultant Help With Scholarship Applications?

Yes, many college admissions consultants can also provide assistance with scholarship applications. They can help you identify suitable scholarships, understand the application requirements, and craft strong application materials. They can also provide advice on how to write compelling scholarship essays.

What is the Benefit of Hiring a College Admissions Consultant?

Hiring a college admissions consultant can provide several benefits. They can save you time by helping you navigate the complex college admissions process more efficiently. They can also increase your chances of getting into your desired colleges by helping you present your strengths effectively and avoid common application mistakes. Additionally, they can provide valuable insights into what colleges are looking for in applicants.

How Can a College Admissions Consultant Help With Essay Writing?

A college admissions coach can provide valuable assistance with essay writing. They can help you understand what colleges are looking for in application essays, brainstorm ideas, develop a strong narrative, and refine your writing. They can also provide feedback on your drafts and help you polish your essays to perfection.

What is the Process of Working With a College Admissions Consultant?

The process of working with a college admissions consultant typically begins with an initial consultation to discuss your goals and needs. The consultant then develops a personalized plan to guide you through the college application process. This plan may include identifying suitable colleges, developing application strategies, preparing for standardized tests, writing essays, and preparing for interviews. The consultant provides ongoing support and feedback throughout the process.

What Services Do College Admissions Consultants Offer?

College admissions consultants offer a range of services, from essay help to a complete package that guides students through the entire application process. They can also provide advice on choosing the right courses and extracurricular activities to enhance a student’s application.

How Can a College Admissions Consultant Improve a Student’s Chances of Acceptance?

Admissions consultants can help students present themselves effectively in their applications and essays, highlighting their strengths, potential, and commitment to their chosen field of study. They can also assist with test preparation and academic planning to improve grades and test scores.

When Should a Student Start Working With a College Admissions Consultant?

It’s never too early to start planning for college. Some students begin working with a consultant while they are still a sophomore in high school, while others start as a junior or senior. This allows them to make strategic academic and extracurricular choices that will strengthen their college applications.

Can a College Admissions Consultant Help With Applications to Colleges Outside of the United States?

Yes, many college admissions consultants are equipped to assist with applications to colleges and universities both in the United States and abroad. They can provide insight into international students’ specific requirements and expectations in different educational systems.

What Is the Cost of Hiring a College Admissions Consultant?

The cost of hiring a college admissions consultant can vary widely depending on the range of services provided. Some consultants offer a free initial consultation and various pricing options to suit different budgets.

Top College Admission Consultants of 2024


Admissionado	Consultant + Team Approach	$5,400
Prep Expert	Included Prep Courses	$6,999
Accepted	25 Years Experience	$8,850
A-List Education	Bundle Packages	$4,800
Top Tier	Additional Packages/Resources	N/A
College Coach	Truly unlimited Elite Package	$5,800
Varsity Tutors	Experienced Team	$4,700
PrepScholar	100% Money Back Guarantee	$6,895
Elite Advantage Prep	Great A La Carte Packages	N/A
Anna Ivey	Cheaper 9th, 10th, 12th Grade Packages	$7,500
Shemmassian	Fast Turnaround Times	$2,999
Solomon Admissions Consulting	In-Depth College Profiles	N/A

Bryce Welker is an active speaker, blogger, and regular contributor to Forbes, Inc.com, and Business.com where he shares his knowledge to help others boost their careers. Bryce is the founder of more than 20 test prep websites that help students and professionals pass their certification exams.

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College Admissions Essay Consultants and Advisors

One of the most important elements of a college application is the college essay — and our college admissions consultants know what makes an essay stand out to admissions officers at top schools.

When you work with one of our college essay advisors, we are there for you from start to finish. From ideation to outlining to polishing the final draft, we will help you or your student have confidence that they’re putting their best foot forward in the college admissions process.

The Critical Role of College Essay Consultants and Advisors

College essay consultants and advisors play a crucial role in the college admissions process. Here at H&C, our expert admissions consultants provide each student personalized college essay help, guiding students in crafting compelling and unique essays from start to finish. Our skilled college essay consultants offer critical insights and feedback during all steps of the process, ensuring each essay highlights the student’s strengths and aligns with their chosen colleges’ expectations. With the support of a college essay advisor, students can navigate the complexities of college essay writing with ease, making their college applications stand out to admissions committees.

Services Offered by Our College Essay Consultants

Our college essay consulting services encompass a wide range of offerings tailored to meet every student’s needs, including best practices for choosing essay topics, brainstorming and ideation sessions, hands-on revisions and editing, and more. With our detailed essay coaching here at H&C, students receive comprehensive support — our college application essay consultants assist with editing, proofreading, and perfecting each draft, right up until the moment the student presses “submit.”

Benefits of Hiring a College Essay Consultant

Hiring a college essay consultant gives students, especially those applying to top schools a competitive edge, in the college application process. College essay mentors provide expert guidance, helping students express their unique voices and experiences. With college essay assistance, students can overcome writer’s block and refine their essays for maximum clarity and impact. Our college admissions essay consultants also offer a deep understanding of what colleges look for as Ivy League alumni themselves.

With personalized college essay prep here at H&C, students can gain confidence and present their best selves through their essays, increasing their chances of admission to their dream schools.

How to Select the Best College Essay Consultant

Identify a Student’s Needs

Not all college essay consultants are made equal, so we here at H&C have many consultants with a wide range of skills and interests. If a student struggles with creative writing, a consultant with an experience in the humanities may be a good fit. If a student is applying to a STEM program, it might be a good idea to go with a college essay advisor who has studied in similar fields.

Focus on Expertise

The best college essay consultants have experience not only working with students — they’ve been through the process themselves. That’s why our consultants at H&C are all Ivy League alumni with some even being former Admissions Officers, in addition to their counseling experience. This combination makes our consultants highly skilled in essay advising with any student.

Make Sure Your Timelines Align

The college admissions process is often a time-consuming process that requires a quick turnaround of top-tier work — an extremely efficient college essay advisor will help a student plan and strategize to make the most of this short time. Our college counselors here at H&C can work with whatever timeline you are currently on, whether you have one year or one month until your applications are finally due.

Emerging Trends in College Essay Consulting

College admissions is constantly changing and evolving — from changes in standardized testing to ever-more competitive applicant pools, every college admissions cycle differs from the last. These changes often extend to the role of the college essay in the application evaluation process, and college essay advisors can help students stay abreast of these changes.

For instance, when it comes to the Common App personal statement, many students do well when taking a creative approach to telling a personal story instead of simply rehashing their resume. Regardless, college essays will always need structure and specifics if they’re going to stand out from the crowd. A college essay consultant can work with you on every draft to make sure you’re letting your authentic voice shine in your college essay.

In considering applicants, colleges use a holistic approach and look at all four years of high school—so it’s crucial to start the college preparation process as early as possible. We recommend initiating the application process in the early summer leading into the student’s senior year. This allows adequate time to complete the process.

Applying to college requires hours of research, strategizing, and writing. Most of the students we work with finalize their college lists and all application elements, including personal statements and school-specific supplements, well ahead of deadlines.

Families should also remember that applying during early admissions rounds can significantly increase students’ chances of admission. It’s best to start the application as early as possible to be ready for the early application deadlines in November.

Getting into colleges requires more than good grades and test scores. Our admissions experts will show your family how to maximize the odds of acceptance to your student’s best-fit colleges. From crafting a compelling personal statement, to listing and quantifying each activity on a resume, to choosing the right major, our admissions experts will guide you through this exciting but sometimes daunting process.

Most rising seniors need help scaling up their extracurricular activities or improving their standardized test scores. We can provide leadership coaching or tutoring services to ensure that your student is presented in the best light possible, and address any academic or extracurricular weaknesses.

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Work with the Nation's Top College Admissions Consultants

Spark Admissions has the highest college admissions acceptance rates in the country. To achieve this success, our exceptional college consultants guide students and families through every step of the college preparation and college application process. Our consultants understand how to motivate high school students to accomplish ambitious goals, while maintaining empathy and building trust.

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Spark Admissions 2020-2024 Acceptance Rates

Our college admissions results are 8 times the national average for Ivy League admissions and 6 times the national average for many top 50 colleges and universities.

College	National Acceptance Rate	Spark Acceptance Rate	Spark Acceptances	Spark Applications
Bowdoin College	9%	74%	14	19
Brown University	5%	57%	34	60
Duke University	6%	55%	16	29
Georgetown University	13%	61%	22	36
Harvard University	3%	48%	28	58
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	5%	50%	14	28
Northwestern University	7%	47%	21	45
Stanford University	4%	50%	12	24
University of California--Berkeley	12%	63%	25	40
University of Virginia	16%	56%	41	73
Williams College	9%	50%	8	16

Our college admissions consulting expertise has been featured in:

In the past decade, we’ve helped over a thousand students gain admission to their top-choice schools.

Spark Admissions continuously attains astounding success helping students gain admission to Ivy League and other top-ranked colleges and universities. Our admissions counselors assist students and their families with every aspect of the college planning, admissions, and application process to understand and realize their goals. Spark has the highest college admissions success rate in the country.

8x the national average

Spark’s admissions rates are 8x higher than the national average at Ivy League schools and 6x higher than the national average at many top 50 colleges and universities.

Unprecedented Referral Rate

The majority of our clients come from referrals from our current and past clients.

85+ 5-star Google Reviews

Spark has a perfect 5-star Google review rating, with over 85 reviews and growing due to consistent client satisfaction with our approach, our college consultants and our admissions results.

We help students build experiences they need to flourish in college and beyond

Spark guides students through every aspect of their academic and extracurricular development to attain their college admissions goals. This includes:

Strategic guidance to create a college preparation plan
Coaching on intellectual exploration to determine academic interests
Academic planning
Advising on summer programs and securing internships
Building strong and unique resumes for college admissions
Standardized test preparation advice
Improving study skills
Course selection advice
Honing college and internship interview capabilities
Developing leadership opportunities
Coaching on creating unforgettable college essays
Building an appropriate college list
Providing brainstorming, guidance, and feedback during the entire college application and college essay process
Determining an early application strategy

Explore our range of comprehensive consulting packages that can be tailored to fit your family’s needs.

“Thank you SO much for the expertise, guidance, and support you have provided all of us.”

Three years ago, I commented on finding your profession to be so interesting. Upon further experience, and with your indulgence, here are some of your talents we’ve appreciated, admired, and benefited from while working with you:

Booster/Cheerleader/Supporter, Confidant, Connector/Networker, Data Analyst, Database Administrator, Diplomat, Editor, Industry Analyst, Industry Intelligence, Gatherer, Listener, Marketer, Matchmaker, Mentor, Negotiator, Project Planner, Role Model, STRATEGIST, TEACHER, Therapist: Adolescent, Therapist: Family, Therapist: Parent

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Our consultants are truly college admissions experts.

Spark Admissions is the nation’s best college admissions consulting firm because we live and breathe admissions. We have a true passion for helping students recognize and realize their goals. At Spark, admissions is not just a job—it’s our life’s work.

All of our college admissions consultants are full-time admissions experts who have admissions experience at selective colleges, have attended top-tier universities and graduate schools, and are passionate about helping students reach their goals.

Each student and family works with one Spark Admissions consultant throughout the entire process, forging a strong and long-lasting relationship

We did the research on how top colleges and universities make admissions decisions.

Spark Admissions was founded by Harvard University doctorate Rachel Rubin and University of Chicago MBA Rachel Blankstein . While at Harvard, Dr. Rubin published the largest study to date regarding how admissions officers at the top 75 American colleges and universities make admissions decisions.

Our firm continues this research-based approach. We examine admissions trends and data on an ongoing basis and always know what colleges seek in their applicants.

We help students develop unique, compelling college applications and essays.

We coach our students on writing and presentation skills to ensure their applications shine. We help them produce stellar resumes, write compelling application essays, and ready themselves to succeed in college interviews.

We are focused on student growth, which leads to results.

We guide our students to achieve their goals through a holistic approach, helping them with every aspect of their academic and extracurricular development. We work with students to identify their passions, determine what they want to study, and develop their extracurricular strengths. By simultaneously honing both academics and extracurricular activities, our students are better prepared for a successful experience in high school, college, and beyond.

We work with all types of students.

We have extensive experience working with a wide variety of students. While many families come to us to help their children gain admission to their best-fit colleges, Ivy League universities, or other highly selective colleges, we also work with high school students who have learning challenges, who would benefit from additional motivation, who are prospective college athletic recruits, or who are primarily interested in attending art schools or BS/MD programs.

We have a research-based approach and we are always learning.

We think of ourselves as an “admissions think tank.” We constantly analyze everything related to college admissions as a cohesive team. We understand exactly how to assess what is best for each student as well as what colleges seek in their applicants.

Our service is impeccable.

We are extremely responsive and pride ourselves on the level of consulting service we provide. We are empathetic, encouraging, and readily available for our students and families. Providing exceptional support and lowering stress are always on our mind.

Admissions tips, trends, and expertise

Read expert advice from Spark Admissions counselors on crafting compelling applications and essays, where to apply to college, admissions strategies and more.

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14 Best College Essay Services for 2024 (40 Services Reviewed)

Research conducted by Emily Kierkegaard , PhD, and expert-reviewed by Kevin Wong, PrepMaven Co-founder

Not sure which college application essay coaching and editing service is the best? We compared the top 40 services, created in-depth reviews for 14 of them, and narrowed it down to the 4 best that will help guide you through the process of writing amazing college application essays.

What is the Best College Essay Service?

PrepMaven – best college application essay service overall
College Essay Mentor – best for individual consultants
The College Essay Guy – best for unlimited essay assistance
College Vine – best of the big platforms

The best of the rest:

Individual essay consultants:

College Essay Editor – small editing team
Allison Karpf – former English teacher helping students
Your College Vision – former journalist with more affordable rates
The College Guru – good on paper but unresponsive
Sofia Zapiola – budget-friendly application assistance

Mid-size teams:

Lotus Learning – focus on health sciences

Large platforms:

Study Point – larger platform with mystery editors
Ivy Select – larger platform with mystery editors
Empowerly – larger platform with mystery editors
BeMo – expensive and aggressive with wrong expertise

Schedule a college essay consultation

Best College Application Essay Services in 2024

#1 – prepmaven.

Our Verdict — Best College Essay Assistance Overall Price: $79–349/hour (minimum $510 package) PrepMaven’s one-on-one college essay assistance is the best option overall. Founded by brothers and Princeton grads Greg and Kevin, almost all of PrepMaven’s essay coaches have Ivy-League experience, primarily from Princeton and Harvard. All essay coaches also undergo a thorough training program in PrepMaven’s methods, developed by professional writers with deep understanding of the college admissions process, for helping students to discover the most compelling stories for their essays. Unlike other services, PrepMaven offers college essay assistance at several different price points. At the most accessible rate, students can work with current Ivy-League undergraduates who specialize in writing and have recently aced the college application process. At higher rates, students can work with coaches who are both Ivy-League grads and professional writers (screenwriters, journalists, editors) with many years of experience helping students to craft compelling essays. Interested students can even work directly with founders Greg and Kevin, who have over 15 years of experience helping students through the entire essay-writing process. PrepMaven’s services combine many of the best features of other good options into one, and it’s hard to beat their experience.

Any student wanting college essay help, at any point in the process, with a range of budgets.

At a glance:

Cost: $79–349/hour (minimum $510 package)
Writing coach qualifications: Princeton graduates and professional writers (or current Princeton students); all trained

What we like:

Ivy League experience —most of their writing coaches are Princeton grads or current students, with some from Harvard and other Ivies
Different pricing options to meet different families’ circumstances
More flexible and greater capacity to take on new students compared to individual consultants

#2 – College Essay Mentor

Our Verdict — Best of the Individual Consultants Price: unknown but high Some college essay consulting services consist of just one expert. Of these individual essay consultants, Chris Hunt at College Essay Mentor is our favorite. He combines writing experience as a journalist for the Economist and the Wall Street Journal with personal experience as a graduate of Dartmouth. However, he only works with a small number of students each year, and students need to apply to work with him — he only accepts students with top grades and test scores who are already strong applicants for top schools. Chris offers the option for one-time written feedback, but this only gives big-picture generalizations. (And written-only feedback is always limited.) In order for help with the essay process, students need to purchase a complete essay package.

Students with top grades and test scores who want to work with a one-person business, who have a sizable budget, and who are ready to get started early.

Cost: $210 for a one-time written essay feedback (big picture only), then $110 per draft feedback; pricing for essay process packages unknown
Essay coach qualifications: professional journalist, Dartmouth grad
Professional writing experience as a journalist
Extensive experience working with college applicants
Partners with Debra Felix, former Director of Admissions at Columbia, for full application review

What we don’t like:

One-on-one work is limited to very high-achieving students, who need to apply with a resume : “I limit my one-on-one work to students who I believe will be strong applicants to elite universities. As a rule, this means having high grades in challenging classes, a test score of ACT 34+ or SAT 1500+, and substantial activities outside of the classroom.”
Works with a limited number of students (60 per year), so often no availability
All-or-nothing packages don’t allow students to work with Chris for just a few hours or for part of the essay-writing process
Secretive about pricing (he’ll only give pricing details once he’s reviewed the student’s resume and agreed to work with them), but we expect the minimum cost of working one-on-one to be several thousand dollars

#3 – The College Essay Guy

Our Verdict — Best for Unlimited Essay Assistance Price: $4900 for application to 3 schools, $8050 for application for 10 schools We’re fans of Ethan Sawyer, the original “college essay guy”— his book, College Essay Essentials , is a great guide to the essay-writing process. Ethan doesn’t work directly with many students these days, but he now has a team of consultants who help students follow his principles. Their assistance is really all-or-nothing — they prefer to work with students from the very beginning of the process, and their minimum package is $4900, which includes assistance with essays for three schools. If students are applying to ten schools (a more realistic number for students aiming at competitive colleges), the fee is a hefty $7400.

Students who want unlimited help through the entire process, who have a sizable budget.

Cost: $4900 (supplemental essays for 3 schools) – $7400 (supplemental essays for 10 schools)
Essay coach qualifications: mix of Ivy grads and former teachers, some writers/screenwriters; all trained
Great free resources about the essay-writing process
Their Matchlighters Scholars Program gives back to the community by providing admissions consulting for select qualifying students
All-or-nothing packages have a high minimum fee and don’t work for students who want just a few hours of feedback or help with just part of the process

#4 – College Vine

Our Verdict — Best of the Big Platforms Price: $140–180/hour There are plenty of large platforms with large stables of part-time tutors and coaches available to work with students. Of these big platforms, we think CollegeVine has the best offerings. Compared to other large companies, CollegeVine provides more information about their tutors, and students can pick individual tutors to work with from their roster. However, this model is really just a way of finding individual tutors to hire. Tutors don’t receive any training and don’t share a common approach, so it’s a mixed bag. Their rates are fairly high for part-time tutors who don’t have specific expertise and training in college essay consulting. Because CollegeVine is really just a marketplace where individual tutors can find students, the quality and price will vary widely.

Students who want to work with a big company, or those who want a quick session or two to go over their essays.

Cost: Typically $140–180/hour
Essay coach qualifications: no specific qualifications, but a few are Ivy League graduates
Possible to select individual editors to work with from their roster.
Easy to schedule ad-hoc sessions with a tutor through the website.
No training or common approach for tutors
Editors are part-time , with no option to work with full-time college admissions experts
Relatively expensive for this level of expertise

College Essay Editing Alternatives (that Didn’t Make the Cut)

Individual essay consultants, #5 – college essay editor.

Our Verdict — Small Editing Team Price: Roughly $5,950 for applications to 10 schools College Essay Editor comprises two graduates of Stanford. This means that they have personal experience applying to highly competitive schools. One member of the team also has a college counseling certification, which is a good background for college essays. Based on their website, they appear to focus on the editing and proofreading phase of the essay-writing process. This can be helpful to students, but we recommend working with a service who can help students to uncover their values and brainstorm really great material that allows them to really shine—and if this doesn’t happen at the beginning of the process, it’s much harder to add in later on.

Cost: $195/1000 words for proofreading, $495/1000 words for 3 rounds of editing and proofreading, or $595/1000 words for unlimited rounds of editing and proofreading; for the purposes of comparison, complete applications to 10 competitive colleges would be around 9,650 words, or $5950.
Writing coach qualifications: Stanford graduates, one of whom has college counseling certification
Editors are graduates of Stanford University , and one is a member of NACAC, the national association of college counselors
They focus on editing and proofreading only , not on the crucial earlier steps of brainstorming and strategy
Small team with very limited availability
All asynchronous editing so you won’t be able to cultivate a real relationship with your essay coach.

#6 – Allison Karpf

Our Verdict — Former English Teacher Helping Students Price: $385/hour or $3850 package for application to one school Another option for students looking to hire an individual consultant is Allison Karpf. Allison is a former high school English teacher and a graduate of UC Berkeley who also holds a Masters of Education from Stanford. Her rates are definitely on the higher side, especially for someone who doesn’t have a professional writing background, but she does have extensive experience working with students to craft their essays.

Cost: $385/hour or $3850 unlimited counseling (includes supplemental essays for one college)
Essay coach qualifications: former high school English teacher; Berkeley grad, Stanford MEd
Lots of experience helping students improve their college essays
Very quick to respond to client requests
No professional writing experience or Ivy-Plus undergraduate experience
High rates relative to other options
Limited availability , since she works alone

#7 – Your College Vision

Our Verdict: Former Journalist with More Affordable Rates Price: $180/hour, or packages starting from $3500 Laurie Lande is another individual consultant who helps students through the essay-writing process. She comes recommended by other consultants like Chris from College Essay Mentor . Laurie did not herself attend a highly competitive school, so she doesn’t have that personal experience of going through the selective admissions process, but she does have a professional writing background as a journalist for the Wall Street Journal in Hong Kong.

Cost: $180/hour or packages starting at $3500
Essay coach qualifications: journalism background
Affordable pricing , relative to other options
Not a graduate of a highly selective school

#8 – The College Guru

Our Verdict — Good on Paper but Unresponsive Price: unknown Yet another individual essay consultant is Geanine Thompson from The College Guru. Geanine attended Dartmouth as an undergraduate and also holds an MBA from Duke. She also has a professional writing background as an assistant book editor at Berkley Publishing Group. Like Greg and Kevin at PrepMaven , she combines experience in the business world and at Wall Street firms with experience in education.

Cost: unknown
Essay coach qualifications: former assistant book editor; Dartmouth grad, Duke MBA
Dartmouth graduate and former book editor
Not responsive to emails and client requests

#9 – Sofia Zapiola

Our Verdict — A budget-friendly, personal essay editor. Price: $80/hour Yet another individual essay consultant is Sofia Zapiola, who offers a mix of essay editing and college application counseling services.

Cost: $80/hour
Essay coach qualifications: M.A. from Harvard; certificate in College Counseling from UC San Diego.
Individual approach, budget-friendly rates, commitment to working within families’ budgets.
Very few testimonials, so it’s difficult to evaluate how effective she is.

Mid-size Teams

#10 – lotus learning.

Our Verdict — Expensive for Tutor Background Price: $165/hour Founded by a Harvard grad who is a former teacher and veteran of the publishing industry, Lotus learning offers college essay help in the Boston area. They have a small team of tutors, mostly recent grads from good but not Ivy-Plus colleges, and mostly with focus in health sciences.

Cost: $165/hour (minimum 8 hours)
Essay coach qualifications: tutors are recent grads, but not Ivy-Plus schools
Reasonable pricing with flexible packages
Essay editors aren’t graduates of Ivy-Plus schools and don’t have professional writing experience

Large platforms

#11 – study point.

Our Verdict — Larger Platform with Mystery Editors Price: Rates Between $60 and $120/hr Study Point is a larger essay editing service. They claim to have several decades of experience helping students to craft their college essays, but they do not give information about who their essay coaches are and what qualifications they might have.

Cost: $60-120/hr, depending on tutor experience
Essay coach qualifications: unknown
Larger company with several decades of experience
Unclear who the essay coaches are
Lack of statistics about their results

#12 – Ivy Select

Our Verdict — Larger Platform with Mystery Editors Price: unknown Ivy Select makes a lot of big promises on their website about having the best college essay consultants in the business, but they offer no information on who these consultants are, or on their backgrounds. They also brag that each consultant “only” works 20 students in one application cycle, but in our experience, that’s quite high.

Long list of impressive (but anonymous) testimonials
Only work with “top students”
No information on their website about who the editors are
Each essay coach works with up to 20 students at one time

#13 – Empowerly

Our Verdict — Larger Platform with Mystery Editors Price: High, from $6000/year Empowerly has over 60 college counselors who each work with an average of 5 students per year, in order to have more time to devote to each student. Their counselors come from “different educational backgrounds,” and while they do not provide specific biographical details we can assume that most of their essay coaches did not attend highly selective schools.

Cost: typically from $6000/year
Essay coach qualifications: college counselors
Counselors work with just a few students per year
You have to upgrade to “Empowerly Elite” to guarantee a counselor with a more selective educational background
No professional writing experience

#14 – Prepory

Our Verdict — Expensive but with Good Expertise Price: $325/hr Prepory is a college application and career counseling service that offers a comprehensive program for college applications at any stage of the process (including as early as 9th grade). They make a lot of impressive claims about the expertise of their coaches, but it’s quite difficult to actual find much information about their essay coach qualifications.

Cost: $325/hr
They have a comprehensive college application program that begins as early as 9th grade.
Limited information about essay coaches
High prices

Top 40 College Essay Services Considered

College Essay Editor
The College Essay Guy
College Vine
College Essay Mentor
Study Point
Allison Karpf
The College Guru
Lotus Learning
Summit Prep
Sofia Zapiola
Ivy Global / New Summits
College Essay Solutions
Your College Vision
Essay Edge*
ServicEscape*
PapersForge*
QuickWriter*
JustEditMyEssay*
JustDoMyEsssay*
ExpertWriting*
SpeedyPaper*
GradeMiners*

* A number of services will edit essays directly for students, or even write portions of the essay for students. We do not condone this. Admissions officers can tell when essays have been written or edited by adults and this can have severe consequences. We have excluded these services from our reviews.

Why are college application essays important?

Can a great college essay alone get you into Harvard?

No. You’ll need your grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities (as well as letters of recommendation and interview) to be outstanding.

But can a mediocre essay be the reason you didn’t get into Harvard?

Yes. There are thousands of amazingly-qualified students who graduate from high school each year. Great grades and test scores might be a prerequisite for admission to a competitive college, but they alone aren’t enough.

College essays are a key component of a student’s application . When done well, they transform a collection of numbers—GPA, class rank, SAT or ACT scores , number of AP classes taken, AP scores—into a glimpse of a real, individual person.

Essays do many things. Good college essays can highlight extracurricular achievements which otherwise would be overlooked in a sterile list. Strong essays often indicate the student’s future plans —how they plan to leave a mark on their college campus and on the world. They can shine a light on unique challenges that a student may have had to face on their journey.

College admissions officers only have a few minutes to spend on each application. College essays need to be original, interesting, and memorable . They need to grab the attention of the admissions officer and persuade them that this is the student out of hundreds or thousands of other similarly-qualified applicants who should be admitted.

College admissions essays are usually unlike any other kind of writing that students have done before. They’re a combination of memoir and marketing pitch, and they need to be creative but also highly strategic. That’s a tough assignment!

What’s more, students are left to figure this assignment out on their own. A thoughtful and generous high school English teacher may provide guidance or offer to read essays and give feedback, but these teachers are responsible for many students, and they’re (usually) not experts in admissions strategies.

There’s another reason college essays are especially important from 2024 on. After the recent Supreme Court decision, the application essay has become one of the main ways that you can communicate how your racial identity has affected your life.

In fact, the New York Times published an article about how important it can be for students to discuss race in their college application essays!

Why work with a college essay service?

You may want to consider a college essay service if:

You have no idea where to start in order to write your college application essays
You feel overwhelmed by all of the different ideas you have and don’t know what would be the most strategic for college admissions—and what topics to definitely avoid for college essays
You don’t know how to craft a compelling stor y
You’re not sure how to edit and refine what you’ve written
You have a hard time keeping yourself on track and want an external structure to hold you accountable
You’re tired of conflict between students and parents about college essays
You’re aiming at a competitive college (not just the Ivy League!) and know that you need your essays to be outstanding
Your grades, test scores, and extracurriculars aren’t exceptional, so you need your essay to make your essay stand out from the pack
You’re unfamiliar with the US college admissions process (a common situation for international students and first-generation families in the US)

Any of these are strong reasons to consider working with a college essay service!

It’s also worth remembering that a lot of the free advice on college’s website isn’t always very clear. For example, NYU’s admissions Senior Assistant Director of Admissions says that “There is no right or wrong way to answer as long as your answer is genuine to you.”

While that’s true, that doesn’t offer much guidance on how to actually write the essay!

Though many college applicants might not mention it, more and more students are using professional college application consultants. Research at the University of Chicago has shown that over a quarter of high-achieving seniors employed private specialists to help with the college application process.

In fact, according to NPR , some companies are even offering college admissions counseling to their top employees as an incentive–that’s just how important professional help can be in the current landscape of college admissions.

It’s important to note that a good college essay service will not write your college application essays for you . This is unethical and illegal. That’s not just coming from us: take it from a school like Princeton, whose website insists on the importance of writing your own application essays.

A good college essay service will guide you through each step of the process , teaching you how to self-reflect and write well while sharing insider insight about admissions strategy .

What makes a good college essay service?

We strongly believe that students need to write their own college essays , and we do not condone plagiarism or “buying” a college essay.

However, writing college application essays requires a completely new set of skills that is rarely taught in high school!

Writing a personal essay is much more creative than simply writing a good paper for English class. It requires a compelling narrative and a great deal of writing craft . A good essay service will teach how to do this kind of writing.

There are many college essay services that will provide only written feedback to students, usually in the form of comments added to an essay draft. (Remember, it’s important that students write their own essays, so avoid any college essay service that will make edits directly to an essay document .)

Written comments can be an effective component of good essay coaching. However, writing college essays is a deeply personal process , and it’s incredibly difficult to guide a student through the process of self-reflection, brainstorming, and planning purely through written comments.

In addition, a great college essay coach will teach students how to do this entire process of brainstorming, planning, outlining, writing, and revising . It’s difficult to learn why an essay coach is advising certain changes through written comments alone.

For these reasons, look for a college essay service with live, one-on-one services , not just written feedback. These days, it’s easy to work with the best college essay consultants in the country over Zoom!

Students need to reflect on their goals, their passions, and what drives them to be the person they are. This requires a great deal of self-awareness and self-analysis . An experienced college essay coach can help draw these ideas out of students through tested introspection techniques and brainstorming exercises .

On top of all of that, students need to be cognizant of which traits and accomplishments will be most appealing to colleges , and which stories will be cliche and boring. Personal statements and supplementary essays need to fit together to tell a cohesive story, and they need to work together with the rest of the student’s application (extracurriculars, grades, and other accomplishments).

In other words, there’s a great deal of strategy here! An experienced college essay service can help students decide how to present themselves in the best possible light .

Furthermore, most students don’t know how to edit effectively . A really top-notch college essay service will also teach students how to edit their own writing —how to reorder sections for better flow, cut unnecessary words to meet a word count, eliminate passive verbs, and make their writing vivid and exciting. Our students are routinely amazed by how transformative this step can be, and how much they learn by doing it together with the essay coach.

Finally, the best college essay services can also help students to make a writing plan and keep them on track , so that parents don’t have to be involved directly.

Ready to work on your college essays? Schedule a free 15- to 30-minute consultation with Jessica or one of our founders.

Best overall: PrepMaven’s tutors offer the highest quality at the best price. With three tiers of tutors, they make it easy to work with an Ivy League undergraduate for as little as $79/hr. Or, families can work with education professionals or Ivy League graduates from $150/hr. PrepMaven’s track record means that you can be sure every hour is being spent productively, so that you can expect real results from the work.

Best for individual consultants: College Essay Mentor. In theory, College Essay Mentor would offer an unparalleled level of individual attention and guidance: his website boasts of some very impressive results. You might find it hard to actually schedule with him, however, since he’s very selective about his clients.

Best for unlimited essay assistance: The College Essay Guy might not offer that personalized attention you get from live, face to face essay coaching, but they do offer unlimited essay editing for up to 10 schools (if you’re comfortable paying a hefty package price).

Best of the big platforms: College Vine will always be a bit of a gamble. Because it’s a tutor marketplace, your results (and costs) will really depend on how lucky you get with your consultant. From our research, however, many of their essay coaches look to have solid track records.

Ready to work on college essays with one of our experienced writing coaches? Schedule a free test prep consultation with Jessica (Director of Tutoring) or one of our founders to see what would be the best fit for your family.

It’s always best to start early and not wait until the last minute to write your college essays! Remember that essays can be used to earn scholarships as well as college admission, so a few months of writing now can pay off with up to $300,000 in tuition saved later.

We work with students at all stages of the writing process, from I-have-no-idea-what-to-write to final edits. To start working with an Ivy-League writing coach today, set up a quick free consultation with our team.

Schedule a free college essay consultation

How to write the Princeton supplemental essays (2024-2025)

August 28, 2024

What are the 6 Princeton supplemental essay prompts? And how should you respond to each? We answer both questions in this detailed post.

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Increase your chances of acceptance with expert feedback on your college essay. Receive comprehensive edits and comments from top-rated Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours. 100% satisfaction guarantee.

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We'll help you craft an acceptance-worthy essay.

The college essay is one of the most critical parts of your application. It goes beyond your grades and test scores to give schools a sense of your personality and potential—qualities that numbers alone cannot show. A compelling piece that exudes intellectual vitality, vulnerability, and humor can tip the admissions odds in your favor. We'll review your college essay to ensure it's one that admissions officers won't forget.

I am confined by my name. The active construction better captures the reader's attention. My name confines me. I am the latest iteration in a long line, the third to be exact, This is wordy. Consider this edit instead. third to inherit a dusty family heirloom: the name Ambrose. There are multiple reasons why I "Abhor" is alarming word choice. Perhaps use "dislike" or "disapprove"? abhor my name , whenever. Whenever my mom announces it in "Announces at" is more idomatic than "announces in." at a family gathering , three people answer , and my Dad opens all my mail thinking that its it's his. Yet the more pressing reason that I dislike my name is that it sounds The tone here is a bit formal compared to the rest of your writing. primeval , and I am constantly in the shadow of those who came before me This is commonplace way to describe the effect of a family's legacy on your identity. Be specific. compared to my dad and grandpa .

What is the context here? One day , trying to express anger at my name, I fixed the dangling modifier here. I complained to my father listened to my complaint without much of a reaction , who did not react much . He shrugged, saying names are just names; they don’t define who you are. I tried to argue, but I realized he might be right and I wondered if I was searching for meaning in the wrong place.

OVERALL COMMENTS:

Hi Ambrose! This is a thoughtful essay in which you discuss how your family’s legacy has impacted your sense of identity and how you overcame the burden of their expectations. For those reasons, this topic has promise to be a compelling personal statement. However, your essay requires some edits to achieve that promise. First, I recommend that at the end of your second paragraph, you add more detail as to why that conversation with your father was so pivotal, as it significance is currently ambiguous to the reader.

We'll check for errors like dangling modifiers, comma splices, and ambiguous pronouns.

We help you steer clear of overused phrases and common pitfalls that can weaken your essay.

We'll suggest ways to inject more of your unique style into your writing to make it more engaging.

We'll offer ideas to deepen your main points and provide more compelling evidence or examples.

We provide guidance on organizing your thoughts and improving the overall flow of your essay.

We'll provide a 2–3 paragraph evaluation of the overall strength of your essay.

“If there was an option for 6 stars out of 5, I would give this service 10.”

Next Admit stuck with me as I sent essay after essay for review with such a small amount of turnaround time and I could never be more grateful for all the work they do. The feedback is both fair and kind, and I felt better trusting consultants that had just gone through the whole college admissions ordeal and gotten in rather than consultants who hadn’t been through the process in decades.

Find the Right Solution

Two paths to a standout application, college essay review, college app review, want us to review all your essays for all your schools.

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Having gone through a rigorous vetting process, our consultants know how to craft a winning application. Many have professional writing experience and have graduated from the nation's most esteemed institutions.

At Harvard, Hana is involved with the Institute of Politics, Model Congress, and Women in Business. In high school, Hana spent her time getting involved in education policy work, winning a seat on her Board of Education.

Scholastic Writing Gold Key
Director at Harvard IOP

At Harvard, Julia served as the President of the Undergraduate Women in Law Association and provides mentorship to students as a Peer Concentration Advisor. In high school, Julia spent much of her time engaging in community service.

Harvard Crimson Writer
Rhodes Scholarship Finalist

At Princeton, Mikaylah is a Visiting Scholar at the Nation's Service Initiative Fellow, where she is obtaining her master's degree in Public Affairs and specializing in Domestic Politics. She is a former Visiting Scholar at the U.S. Department of State.

Writer at U.S. Department of State
Visiting Scholar at the USIP

Don’t Just Hear It From Us

94% of our clients have been accepted to 1+ of their top 6 schools.

Justine was amazing. Her feedback and detailed comments were very helpful. She not only pointed out what could be better, but she also provided solutions and tips to make my writing better. I'm glad she edited two of my essays, and I wish she had reviewed them all. She was outstanding and made my experience with Next Admit worth it.

Ordered Essay Review

Very constructive and in-depth feedback! I really appreciate the positive comments alongside the corrections; it gives me confidence knowing that I can write a "decent" essay by myself. Thank you so much Natalia for polishing up my essay and for relieving my anxiety during this application cycle.

Lauren gave very insightful advice on how to improve the communication of my ideas and tweak the structure of my essay to focus on depth rather than breadth. Her comments were extremely detailed and thorough as well. She also returned her feedback on my essay a few days before the one-week deadline which was great!

We'll take the stress out of the writing process...

Understand what to improve.

Our consultants will provide you with detailed, line-by-line feedback to help improve your essay. Learn where your essay falls flat and how to take it to the next level.

Stand out among the crowd

We'll help you craft a unique, compelling piece that stands out to admissions officers. Having read thousands of essays, our team can help you identify and eliminate clichés.

Let your authentic voice shine

We'll keep your original voice and ideas intact. Our detailed feedback will enhance your story and align with your voice, not detract from it.

Work with Ivy League consultants

We've assembled a team of consultants from the nation's top universities. Many have professional writing experience and studied the humanities in college.

Ask clarifying questions

If you have any questions about your edits, feel free to message your consultant through the Next Admit Portal. We're always happy to clarify our feedback.

Receive feedback quickly

Our team can provide detailed feedback in as little as 24 hours. Our team is working around the clock to help make sure that you press submit just in time.

...for every type of essay

The Common App Essay

This is the centerpiece of your application. We'll ensure your story and voice stand out to admissions officers.

Supplemental Essays

Supplemental essays are important for establishing fit. We'll help you craft intentional and memorable responses.

The UC Essays

The UC PIQs can be tricky to navigate. We'll help you write clear and straightforward responses that stand out.

How It Works

Our streamlined editing process, submit essay.

Consultant Match

Track essay, receive edits, the next admit portal, find everything in one place, work closely with your consultant.

Your consultant is here for you from start to finish. Our built-in messaging system allows you to ask your consultant follow-up questions and provide clarifying details. We understand that crafting the perfect application is a dynamic journey, and our system allows for seamless communication.

Track your orders to the minute

Our system keeps you informed about exactly when you'll receive your order. With clear deadlines and real-time order tracking, you’ll never be left wondering about the status of your submission. We are committed to full transparency and delivering high-quality, timely edits so you can press submit just in time.

Don’t Take It From Us

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Lauren was really helpful in giving detailed feedback! I was really surprised to see how she went through each and every one of my sentences and gave me direct feedback on how to expand my ideas. I feel really confident about submitting my application now thanks to her comments!

I absolutely loved the feedback I received! I had actually worked with another college essay service for my personal statement, and they didn't provide me nearly as much feedback. The suggestions were thorough, and I gained a great understanding of how my essay is perceived.

Fred did a great job of putting himself into the shoes of an admissions officer and offering constructive criticism. He not only pointed out flaws, but also provided great suggestions for fixing them. Thanks for such a comprehensive edit.

Mahad thoroughly edited my essay, and his extensive comment inspired me to completely revamp my essay to make it more unique. I really appreciate his help, and would definitely recommend him.

As usual, these essay edits are incredibly thorough, understandable, and beneficial. I am able to fix mistakes that I would otherwise overlook. Thank you so, so much for the detailed insight and advice!

Super valuable feedback. The edits were very helpful and provided me insight into the parts of my essay that had potential for improvement. I definitely feel much more confident in my essay and more ready to submit my application!

...and hundreds more five-star reviews!

Frequently asked questions.

The college essay is one of the most important parts of your application. Put your best foot forward by having one of our consultants polish your piece, ensuring it reflects your story in the best light possible while maintaining your true voice.

No, but we are here to help you put your best foot forward. Since the admissions process is holistic and unpredictable, a strong essay alone is not enough to guarantee acceptance. However, our consultants will help you feel confident in your writing and tell an engaging story, all while keeping your voice intact.

Yes. We will not share your essay with any third parties or publish it online. Your essay will remain secure in our system.

Because of high order volume, you cannot choose a specific consultant for your essay review. However, our algorithm will match your essay to the optimal consultant based on availability and the schools you're applying to.

No. We will not write your essay for you. We will, however, provide advice to help you write the best essay you can.

After you receive your essay review, you can order a second revision through the Next Admit Portal for 10% off.

Yes. If, for example, you order a three-day review on Friday, you will receive your edits on Monday.

If you are not satisfied with your revisions, please contact us at [email protected]. We will handle all cases on an individual basis.

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COLLEGE ESSAY SUPPORT

Not sure how to approach the common app essay or your supplemental essays.

The college essay (a.k.a personal statement) must be introspective, personal, and emotional.

This type of writing is rarely taught in typical high school English classes.

As a result, many students struggle with how to start their essays or end up wondering whether they’re on the right track or not.

But that’s okay! With proper guidance, any student can craft a powerful story.

Our co-founders, Kevin and Greg, have spent the last 15+ years helping students achieve admission into their top choices, including all of the top colleges.

They’ve taken their best techniques and created a structured methodology to guide you through the creative storytelling process.

How Does It Work?

Free Consultation – We learn more about your child
A Perfect Tutor Match – Our team thoughtfully matches you with an amazing College Essay Advisor
Progress Tracking – Stay in the loop with detailed progress reports after every session

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Online – Over the past decade, we’ve successfully helped students all over the world using Zoom, virtual whiteboards, and other technologies.
In-Person – Locally in the Princeton, NJ area

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Experience You Can Trust – Near-perfect ratings, 50,000+ hrs of tutoring experience, and 500+ happy reviews
Not completely satisfied with a session? Let us know, and we’ll make it right or refund the unused sessions.

# of qualities that all successful college essays must have

What makes a great college essay?

We have a strong understanding of how colleges evaluate your essay..

Our experience is based on:

“Inside” knowledge from friends and colleagues who were former admissions officers at the most selective colleges
In-depth analysis of hundreds of the best college essays (which are sourced from our own Ivy League tutors and not available anywhere else)
Tons of research & many years of successfully working with students

At the end of the day, the personal statement is all about… telling an engaging story that expresses your values and personal growth .

So how do you actually do all of this?

Our approach

If you don’t have a strong foundation, it doesn’t matter how beautifully written your essay is….

While the essay is very much a creative exercise, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a structure or certain principles you should follow:

Step 1: Brainstorming

Understand 7 qualities of a successful college essay
Multi-step brainstorming process
Work through 6 tips for choosing a winning topic

Step 2: Outlining

5 ways to structure your college essay & identifying the best one for you
Outlining best practices

Step 3: Drafting & Revising

Multiple revisions and comprehensive edits
Enhance with “advanced” storytelling techniques and ensure a compelling intro/conclusion
Polish for style, grammar, and mechanics

Yale, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon

“College decisions finally came. Alan has been admitted by Yale, Cornell and Carnegie Mellon…. Thank you so much for your help through this difficult process! We really appreciate it!”

J.X., Parent of 12th Grader

Who will you be working with?

Work with storytelling experts who are highly skilled at helping students uncover their best essay..

The majority of our essay consultants are Ivy League graduates and are EXCEPTIONAL writers.

Hollywood screenwriters, playwrights, and authors
MFAs in Creative Writing and PhDs in English
College professors and English teachers

HOWEVER… we are fully aware that it takes more than just a strong writer to craft a great college essay.

Not only have our consultants successfully achieved admissions to top colleges themselves, but they also truly understand what colleges are looking for and are well-versed in our proprietary methodology.

Furthermore, they have the unique ability to connect with students and make them comfortable. This is a critical factor during the brainstorming and introspection phases.

7 qualities of successful college essay s

Introspective & reflective.

The most successful essays are highly introspective, full of reflections of what you’ve learned, how you view the world, and who you are.

Not used to writing about yourself? Don’t worry. Most students aren’t.

Descriptive & Engaging

Superficial descriptions in your essay will make your essay forgettable.

Incorporate imagery, emotions, perspectives, or insights to bring your reader into your story.

Be honest with yourself. Be vulnerable. Put yourself out there.

You’ll have a richer set of experiences to draw from during the brainstorming process. As a result, your essay will have more depth and be more engaging.

Unconventional & Distinct

What is unique about your essay?

If the reader can guess the rest of your essay after reading the first paragraph, you’ll want to go back to the drawing table.

Full of a Student’s Voice

Your grades, GPA, test scores, and extracurricular achievements are just numbers and facts on a page.

The college essay, on the other hand, is a chance to showcase your personality and unique way of expressing yourself.

Well-written

Don’t forget that admissions officers are also evaluating whether or not you can write at the college level.

There are different ways to improve your writing, but at the very least, make sure there are no spelling errors or grammatical mistakes.

A college essay, above all, adds meaningful value to the rest of your application.

When evaluating your draft, ask yourself whether your essay successfully showcases your voice, sheds light on your unique perspectives, and honestly conveys who you are.

How is your essay performing in these areas?

Thank You Thank You Thank You

“I GOT INTO USC!!! I don’t think I’ve ever cried from happiness so much in my life. I’m really going to Los Angeles! It feels surreal saying that.

I just want to say my deepest thanks to you. You were my mentor and my one and only helper during my college applications and I really don’t think I could’ve made it without you. I am truly so grateful for all the help you gave me. I’m not sure how to put into writing how much I appreciate everything you did to help me.

Thank you for helping me along my journey and I’m so happy I even made a new friend while I applied everywhere 🙂 I’ll stop writing now because I think I’m getting a little too existential and my keyboard is starting to get wet. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!”

B.S., Ecstatic 12th Grader 🙂

Frequently Asked Questions

“common app essay” vs “personal statement”.

When you hear the term “college essay”, it usually refers to the “Personal Statement”.

This is the most important essay because it can be reused for multiple schools.

The Personal Statement is also commonly referred to as the “Common App Essay”.

Even if you’re applying to schools that don’t accept the Common App and instead require a different application (e.g. Coalition Application, Universal College Application, UC Schools), each application will have its own version of the “Personal Statement”.

In summary… “College Essay” = “Personal Statement” = “Common App Essay”.

Additionally, each school might also require that you also submit “Supplemental” essays (e.g. “Why X School”?). These essays require a different approach.

When is the best time to start working on your college essay?

The reality is that most students will wait until the last minute.

This is not ideal for obvious reasons.

If possible, we recommend all of our families to start the process in the early summer with the goal of completing their personal statement by the end of the summer.

This timeline allows you to focus on completing the actual college applications themselves, as well as to work on the other supplemental essays (while also taking care of your other academic and extracurricular obligations).

How important is the college essay?

The college essay is simply ONE piece of the puzzle.

And while an important piece, rarely will even an AMAZING college essay make up for lackluster GPAs or test scores.

For rising seniors, there’s not much that can be changed in terms of GPA.

Standardized testing, ideally, will be done by the end of junior year as well (there should still be chances to take the tests in the fall/early winter if need be).

The college essay is usually the last remaining part of the application that you can still impact.

IF you’re targeting more selective or smaller liberal arts schools …the college essay will be VERY important.

IF you’re targeting larger state schools or less selective schools …the college essay will be LESS important.

IF your grades and test scores are below average for your target school …consider spending more effort on your essay.

Conversely, IF your grades and test scores are above average for your target school …you have a little more breathing room with regards to your essay.

IF your target school has gone test optional … then every other part of the application, including the college essay, becomes a little more important.

What is our pricing?

Pricing starts at 85/hr, ~166/hr, or ~349/hr depending on the tier of tutor.

Discounts are available for larger packages.

100% risk-free guarantee.

Let’s Get Started

Work with experienced and trusted advisors… and go from a blank page to a polished draft that you’ll be proud of.

In less time and with less stress.

All of our students have an overwhelmingly positive experience. We’re confident yours will too.

We’d love to learn more about your student and see how we might be able to help!

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Let’s start the conversation. Tell us what you are looking to achieve and the areas in which you need support. We’ll help you understand our packages and recommend a plan.

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9th-11th Graders

The factors that make you stand out during the admissions process develop long before your senior year. We work with you to build your profile and ensure you’re maximizing every opportunity to strengthen your candidacy.

Essay Coaching and Review

Whether you know what you want to write about or you need expert help from the ground up, PrepScholar’s expert advisors will help you craft the perfect essay every step of the way.

Multiply Your Chances of Getting In

Our students are 6.1x times more likely to gain admissions to Top 10 US Universities. PrepScholar students’ average acceptance rate is 29.34% compared to the general acceptance rate of 4.81%

Our students are 5.9x times more likely to gain admissions to Ivy League schools. The average acceptance rate of our students is 30.15% compared to the general acceptance rate of 5.11%

On average, our students apply to about 15 colleges and 99% of students gain admissions to at least one of their top-choice colleges on their list.

The graph on the right displays the “PrepScholar Advantage Factor”, illustrating the difference in acceptance rates between our students (blue) and the general public (gray) when applying to Ivy League, Top 10, Top 20, and Top 30 US colleges. With our expert assistance, PrepScholar students are up to 6.1 times more likely to be admitted to these competitive schools compared to non-PrepScholar students.

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Since our inception, we have prided ourselves on offering a plethora of high-quality free guides, blog articles, and webinars to navigate the college admissions process and SAT/ACT.

Join our Facebook Group where you can ask questions and get the latest tips and advice: Secrets for Getting Into Top Colleges

The PrepScholar Way

Building a Spike
A Single Cohesive Story
Understanding You
Family Expectations
International Student Experience

Forget being well-rounded. A spike is what sets you apart from all other applicants. It goes against the spirit of simply being well-rounded. By nature of being unique, you don’t fit in with all of the other well-rounded applicants; you do something that truly stands out in a meaningful way.

A spike can come in a lot of forms depending on your field of interest, but it always requires consistent effort, focus, discipline, and passion to grow. Ideally, this spike is what makes you world class and shows colleges that you’re going to accomplish great things in your lifetime.

No matter what your passions and talents are, we’ll help you explore your interests and build your spike early on. If you’re already a senior, we will help you find your spike and show it. We spend a lot of time getting to know you from all sides, and we are good at uncovering unique elements and intersections about who you are and what you’ve done to make you stand out.

Gaining admission is only partly about your achievements and numbers. For top colleges, it is also strongly about who you are as a person, what you’ve experienced, how you think about the world, and what your goals are. The application should tell a cohesive story about you that makes sense. It is meant to be a package. You need to be more than just a lot of activities thrown together. You don’t want to have a collection of short films – you want a single cohesive movie. For this reason, your essays shouldn’t be just about your accomplishments. They aren’t looking for you to brag about yourself. The most effective essays talk about you as a person and what drives you – often they show vulnerability or weakness. This is counterintuitive for highly achieving students to understand but it’s what admissions committees love to see.

Our approach hinges on fostering a profound connection with each student. We delve into the tapestry of your background, tapping into your unique experiences, passions, and challenges. We unearth the ‘why’ behind your academic pursuits, nurturing your intrinsic motivation.

Through this holistic understanding, we kindle excitement about your academic journey, fueling your motivation to achieve your dreams with determination.

This is why every PrepScholar admissions counseling service starts with our Student Profile Questionnaire, and an optional Parent Questionnaire for select packages. These help us recommend the best counselor from day one and provide our counselors with valuable insights to understand you better right from the beginning.

College admissions success begins with common goals and expectations, and that is why we make sure that students and parents are aligned in their needs and wants. This alignment, often a pivotal factor, ensures a smoother path towards achieving students’ goals. We bridge this gap by fostering open, empathetic communication, enabling students and parents to articulate their desires and concerns.

Our aim is to facilitate understanding, as we believe that when families share common visions, the journey through college admissions becomes less turbulent, fostering a supportive, united front that leads to success.

Are you an international student? Around 30% of our students every year are based outside the US. We have admissions consultants on our team who specialize in working with international students. They are well-versed in the differences and complexities that exist when applying to US colleges as an international student or US citizen living abroad. We’ll get to know you in detail so we can match you with the best consultant according to your profile and needs.

Here are some ways our counselors are prepared to help you as an international student:

Familiarity with different academic and grading systems such as IB and A Levels.
Thorough understanding of how colleges evaluate international students vs. domestic students.
Patience and enthusiasm to help you and your family understand the different steps and elements of the process —regardless of how “obvious” it may be for US-based students.
Provide extra support and attention to detail when helping you write your essays, especially if English isn’t your native language.
Well-versed in the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available for non-US citizens.

How do we do it? – Case Studies

Meet Ellie and Pravan, two previous PrepScholar students. Ellie began working with PrepScholar as a 10th grader while Pravan connected with us in 12th grade when he was applying to colleges. Read their files, how they started when we first met them, what steps we advised to reach their goals, and how they got into Princeton and Dartmouth.

Ellie Grade 10

As a high-achieving student from Michigan with an interest in Computer Science and Dance, Ellie needed guidance on building a CS “spike” while staying true to her other passions. Read how she got into Princeton Restrictive Early Action.

Pravan Grade 12

As a student from Connecticut with “typical” pre-med extracurriculars and high grades, Pravan needed to stand out in a crowded and homogenous field of aspiring doctors. Learn how he got admitted to Dartmouth Early Decision.

We Hire Only The Best

Leverage experienced admissions consultants.

At PrepScholar, you have access to the nation’s best storytellers, profile-builders, and application crafters. By working one-on-one with one of our expert Admissions Consultants, students build their profiles and develop their unique story resulting in a standout application.

The Perfect Consultant, Hand-Picked For You

We personally and thoughtfully recommend the best consultant based on your profile.

We start our work by getting to know you in depth. With the help of our Student Profile Questionnaire, we ask relevant questions about your academic profile, challenges, and admissions goals. To gain a deeper understanding, we also ask thought-provoking questions to get your insights about your formative years, personal interests, hopes, and dreams.

Your questionnaire is personally reviewed by our Head of Admissions, a Harvard and Yale graduate with 10+ years of counseling experience. They have worked closely with all the consultants on our team and understand their areas of specialization and track record. Based on your answers, our Head of Admissions matches you with the best consultant to help you reach your goals.

Our matching process is carefully designed and consistently leads to successful consultant and student matches; as a result, reassignment is virtually never necessary. However, if the need for a reassignment arises, we are happy to accommodate such a request.

Chantine A.

Dominique R.

Shahrukh M.

Admissions Officer Advisory Panel

PrepScholar students benefit from webinars and Q&A sessions with an Admissions Officer Advisory Panel consisting of former admissions officers from top universities. The Advisory Panelists have worked extensively on “the other side of the desk” at selective institutions and can speak specifically to the way admissions readers interpret and evaluate applications.

This panel works behind the scenes as a second pair of eyes and provide feedback to consultants.

Brandon Mack

Jennifer Liepin

Nicole Luisi

Dr. Katelynn Carver

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I feel like David and I have built a personal relationship. I feel as if we understand each other as if we’ve been friends for years. Because David understands me so well, he almost has the ability to ‘get inside of my head.’ Junior year was much easier with a personal consultant to help me manage all my activities, grades, tests, and upcoming college applications. Thanks so much – can’t wait to submit my applications!

We chose PrepScholar among 5 other companies offering college counseling, and we are more than satisfied with our decision! The company is very organized, responsible and clear. Claire, besides being very knowledgeable, managed to get to know our daughter and manage her times much better than we have done in 18 years. She offered Lucia a wide repertoire of schools that were unknown to us and to the rest of her classmates, opening up opportunities for her acceptance. She took the time to understand Lucia’s interests and strenghts, as well as her weaker sides. We loved working with Prepscholar and Claire! Totally recommend. She got into many schools she loved.

I was really confused about how to apply for college. My school counselors didn’t help at all, and my parents cared a lot but weren’t experts. I felt overwhelmed, and scared that I wasn’t going to stand out. PrepScholar guided me through the entire process. My consultant Anna was amazing. First she interviewed me for 2 hours, understanding who I was, what I wanted, and what was unique about me. Then she helped me choose schools to balance my chances of getting in. She planned out my timelines and stayed on top of me to get things done. We went through 11 drafts of my Common App personal statement, until I was so proud of my essay and it felt so u0022me.u0022 I really felt like every application I submitted presented me in the best possible way. I’m now thrilled to say that I’m entering Cornell!

I’m glad I signed up with PrepScholar Admissions. My consultant was so on top of everything and made my life so much easier as a senior. He understood me perfectly and helped me produce essays that were way better than what I could have done myself. I would work with PrepScholar again 100 times over.

Prep Scholar kept my daughter on track during her junior year. Her consultant helped her find ways to boost her resume. They also have developed a relationship which has really helped her feel comfortable.

Definitely my favorite thing about the service is Chantine. She’s so amazing and she found all these summer camps for me to go to, that my mom is signing me up for. She also found a architecture art competition and took me around an architecture school. She’s been really helpful with finding test strategies and future colleges as well.

My consultant did an excellent job helping me tell my story. Over our first week, he provided very helpful feedback on my topic ideas and quickly identified a concept that ended up leading to a well-formed essay. He was also very helpful and encouraging throughout the process, and he provided accurate and specific feedback that helped me create an essay that felt very true to myself. Paradoxically, the essay we created together felt much more genuine than any of the attempts I had made at drafting an essay on my own beforehand!

Lily was always prompt, encouraging and frank. She was very meticulous in checking every aspect of my application and her feedback was always helpful. I also appreciate the way Prepscholar allows me to spend as much time as I need with her.

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Best College Admissions Consultants

Discover the best college admissions consultant for your student.

Should You Hire a Consultant?

Expert Review Process

Methodology and Criteria

Does your student dream of attending HYPSM (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, M.I.T.)? Or maybe the goal is to earn a scholarship at a premier public university such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, Michigan, UNC, or UVA? Regardless of which schools in the top 50 you may be considering, you’ll likely benefit from the guidance of an expert college admissions consultant. But with dozens of options (with substantially different price tags and quality), how do you decide which firm is the best fit for your student?

Whether you’re looking to avoid application stress with the help of a private counselor, or get a leg up on the ever-growing competition with a comprehensive admissions package, our team has created the ultimate guide to help you find the best college admissions consultants based on your student’s admissions goals.

White text with blue background and orange ribbon highlighting best college admissions consultants.

Last Updated: April 26, 2024

Comparison Table

Editor’s Pick

Best-Value Firm

Is Hiring a College Admissions Consultant Worth It?

The college admissions process can be immensely stressful for both students and parents. With ever-rising application volumes to the top colleges and universities, it’s never been more challenging to earn acceptances at the most elite schools (e.g. Harvard’s recent admit rate was 4.59%)! Even the best state universities are becoming increasingly competitive (e.g. UC-Berkeley had record applicants for the fifth straight year). With scholarship dollars on the line, and many previously considered “target schools” now becoming “reach schools,” it’s easy for discussions on the topic to turn emotional. To help navigate this labyrinthine process, many parents turn to the help of a private college admissions counselor.

Who can benefit from a college admissions consultant?

Arguably, most students applying to the top 50 U.S. colleges and universities (as defined by U.S. News ) can benefit from the help of a college admissions consultant . Most students (and school guidance counselors) fall into the trap of over-emphasizing past accomplishments when completing applications. Instead, students must effectively convey what those achievements suggest about their future potential and how a specific school fits into the picture (along with how their unique “story” will contribute meaningfully to the class). This is easier said than done.

More specifically, anyone falling into one of the below groupings could likely benefit from college admissions consulting services:

Applicants to the most elite universities looking to gain an edge over other students
Students hoping to earn merit-based scholarships at any of the top 50 or so schools
Those in need of detailed admissions strategy and essay guidance/editing
International applicants (see Admissionado ) and those in overrepresented demographics applying to competitive programs
Applicants to highly competitive BS/MD programs (check out Quad Education )
Anyone looking to reduce associated stress, save time and energy, and better streamline the college planning and admissions process

What to look for when hiring a college admissions coach?

Most college admissions consulting firms offer a free consultation to allow you to better evaluate their services and determine if they are the right fit for you. To aid in this process, our team has put together a list of questions to ask a college admissions counselor before hiring them.

What does their consulting model or methodology look like? Will students receive additional checks on their applications aside from just their primary consultant? This is important to ask because different firms use varying methods, and some are better structured and more systematic than others.
Can they provide case studies or concrete results related to clients’ success rates at top schools? In other words, can they demonstrate that they provide a meaningful edge in the process?
Do they have administrative backing and prompt turnaround times? Are they able to accommodate priority timelines or other special circumstances?
What is their professional background and coaching style? Will they be able to challenge your student to look inward and grapple with challenging concepts?

Aside from the primary topics above, be sure to think of questions for any additional needs such as financial aid applications, waitlist support, or interview prep. Some consultants include peripheral services in their packages while others have no capacity to assist in these often-overlooked areas.

Self-Evaluate and Define Your Goals

Before deciding whether your student can benefit from a private college application consultant , it’s important to self-reflect and define S.M.A.R.T. goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely). While an admissions consultant will help guide and refine these, students should ideally have some sense on where they stand and what they hope to accomplish prior to engaging a consultant.

In order to get the most out of a prospective free admissions consultation, think through the following questions and items beforehand:

Does your student have specific goals in mind? This is more than simply “gain admission to M.I.T. or Stanford.” Rather, think about specific areas of concern (and opportunities) where an application consultant can help you address or best tell your personal story in a way that’s memorable to admissions committees.
Are your SAT/ACT scores and GPA at, below, or above the medians of your target schools? Have you defined your safety or reach programs? Don’t feel like you need to have these completely nailed down, as a consultant can really help in the selection process by recommending additional best-fit schools. However, it is good to have placed some thought into your list (and where you stand based on stats alone) before reaching out to firms.
Assess your level of knowledge about the admissions process and where you may want or need the most help. Some firms offer à la carte services focused on specific components, while others specialize in comprehensive packages and provide a true concierge service.

Request an Initial Consultation

After shortlisting a handful of firms, we recommend families schedule an initial consultation (usually done over phone or video meetings). The best college advising firms do this free of charge to help parents and students assess whether they will be an appropriate fit. Remember, this is an opportunity to not only evaluate their own credentials and methodologies but also ask detailed questions on how they can help your student achieve their specific goals in the college admissions arena.

What we tend to hear from successful past clients is that they knew the relationship would be a good fit from the very start. This results from going into the process with clearly defined goals, outlining your needs, and fully understanding how your prospective consultant can help you achieve them.

Services Offered

When it comes to selecting college admissions services, the biggest distinction to make is whether you’ll want to pay for individual components à la carte or if you’d like a complete end-to-end application support package. Additionally, some firms will charge a flat hourly rate and sell packages composed of a certain number of hours. While this could make sense for a narrow set of applicants, we tend to recommend most parents purchase comprehensive admissions packages to get the best value for your dollar (and achieve a meaningful level of stress reduction). It’s also hard to predict exactly how much time students may need with consultants in advance, which is another reason we tend to prefer all-in packages. For example, our top-rated firm includes the following components in their complete package:

Client Questionnaire
Discovery and Competitive Edge Positioning
Application Action Plan
Brainstorming/Outlining
Essay Development
The Ivy League Insider Audit (i.e. simulated admissions committee style application review)
Interview Prep
Additional Support

Consider Whether a Long-Term Admissions Consulting Engagement Makes Sense for Your Student

Looking for the ultimate early competitive advantage? If your student is either a rising freshman or sophomore, you may want to consider a long-term college admissions consulting service.

Starting early and taking a proactive approach allows students to build a robust foundation for college applications. Developing a long-term strategic roadmap and being held accountable to executing it by a knowledgeable and trusted advisor is the best insurance policy toward ensuring your student is optimally positioned for college admissions success. Of course, you’ll also avoid a lot of stress and potential conflict by delegating this to an experienced admissions coach and mentor.

If you think a long-term admissions consulting arrangement may be the right fit, we highly recommend you look into Menlo Coaching, led by Alice van Harten, Ph.D . Through ongoing guidance and consistent check-ins, Alice and her team of dedicated mentors help students identify and seize opportunities for growth, navigate academic challenges, and strategically shape their extracurricular involvements to align with their interests and future aspirations.

Alice’s guidance empowers students to make informed decisions throughout high school, ultimately positioning them as competitive applicants when it comes time to apply to colleges. Learn more about how this boutique firm helped dozens of clients gain admission to HYPSM and other Top 20 universities.

Last Word on ‘Are College Admissions Consultants Worth It?’

The college admissions process is highly involved and demands constant attention to lots of small, but important, details. If you’re a working parent, or navigating multiple children and activities, it’s far too easy for something to slip through the cracks (e.g. your student missed their last opportunity to meet with one of their target school representatives).

Additionally, students who work with admissions coaches are far more likely to earn acceptances at one or more of their top three schools. As an example, read about how Levi got into his top pick , Stanford, with the help of Admissionado .

If you think working with a college admissions advisor would be helpful for your student, we encourage you to check out some of our recommended firms and use the list of questions from the section above to help find an appropriate fit.

College Admissions Consultant Quiz

Our team has assembled a brief list of questions that will help us recommend the best college admissions consultant for you!

Your answer:

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Your Answers

Best College Admissions Consultants Compared

There is no shortage of options when it comes to college admissions consultants. To help you save time and shortlist a handful of firms for further review, we’ve put together a comparison table that highlights several of our top college admissions consultants .

While we evaluated over 40 firms in our extensive review process, the goal for the table below is to feature category winners based on the most common attributes families look for when hiring an admissions counselor.

College Admissions Consultants Reviews

We’ll now cover the individual firms’ pros and cons, attributes to pay attention to, and include our opinion on what types of students and families are best served by each consultant. You can navigate through our list of top 10 college admission consultants via the links below:

Admissionado (Editor’s Pick, #1 Overall)
Admit Advantage (Best Value)
PrepScholar
Quad (BS/MD Experts)
Princeton Review
Solomon Admissions Consulting
Top Tier Admissions
Spark Admissions

Following the reviews section, we’ll go over whether hiring a college admissions consultant might be worth it for your student before covering evaluation criteria.

1. Admissionado College Admissions Consultants

Admissionado is our overall top-ranked college admissions consultant for the 2023-2024 school year. The firm has a culture of authenticity and excels in strategically guiding students’ with their personal narrative development to create applications that stand out from immense competition.

Admissionado Pros and Cons

Check out the list below for a few of the many reasons why we selected Admissionado as our #1 college admissions consulting firm:

Primary consultant (admissions expert) plus Essay Specialist support model – Admissionado is the only firm on our list that offers this enhanced advising model. It’s a big competitive advantage for STEM-oriented students (and international applicants ) who feel they could benefit from additional strategic guidance and narrative skill-building for their essays.

The Ivy League Insider Audit – You’ll receive a cold and objective assessment of your student’s application materials from an experienced Ivy League (or Stanford/MIT caliber) consultant.

Multiple service tier options – While some firms may tier their offerings by quality of service (e.g. IvyWise), Admissionado does so by the number of application support modules included in the package. This means you’ll receive access to their elite consultants and be able to select a package that’s aligned with the right amount of support your student will need.

Global presence and expertise for international applicants – The college admissions game operates on a global playing field. With several overseas offices, and a highly-skilled operations team, Admissionado has the expertise to support international applicants seeking to gain admission to the most prestigious universities.

Exceptional admissions counselors that deliver results – Admissionado pairs students with counselors based on preferred coaching (and personality) style. All Admissionado consultants have elite admissions experience, keen diagnostic skills, and raw teaching and coaching talent to bring out the best in your student.

20-Day Refund Grace Period – If your student hasn’t begun working with their consultant and you happen to change your mind, Admissionado will offer a full refund within the first 20 days after payment. From my personal experience, this is a rarity within the world of leading college admissions consulting services.

Designed for motivated and driven students – This firm challenges students to look inward and grapple with tough concepts to channel their distinct voice and create memorable applications.

Of course, there are some students who may find a better match elsewhere. If you think you may fall into the group below, you may want to also check out other firms:

Large number of target schools and budget constrained – If you don’t think you can afford Admissionado for multiple school applications, then we recommend reaching out to Admit Advantage , our best-value college application consultant.

Admissionado is Our Top Pick

Strategist’s Take : Admissionado is the best-in-class option for most competitive college hopefuls who are in need of comprehensive application support and expert admissions guidance. Multiple service tier options that are based on the number of application support modules (rather than service quality) provide even access to top admissions consultants for a variety of budgets and admissions needs.

2. Admit Advantage College Admissions Consultants

Admit Advantage is the runner-up and best-value selection from our 2023 list of best college admissions consultants. The firm has a boutique feel and emphasizes an individualized approach that resonates well with many liberal arts and humanities-oriented applicants.

Best Value College Admissions Firm

See below for a handful of the many positive traits that helped Admit Advantage earn our best-value award:

Straightforward and personalized counseling approach – Experts at helping you execute your brand and story while leaving plenty of room for improvisation. While many firms try to squeeze applicants into predefined categories, Admit Advantage excels at helping students convey their personal stories in a way that stands out positively to admissions committees.

Expert (and Friendly) admissions consultants – What stood out to us in our call with the team was that they are not just admissions experts, but also incredibly kind mentors and effective coaches. Compare this to many other firms who have a bit more of a transactional feel to them.

Proven track record over multiple decades – Past clients have secured multiple acceptance letters at some of the most competitive schools in the U.S. such as Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Columbia, M.I.T., and many more.

Exceptionally low cost per school for a comprehensive admissions package – Admit Advantage offers the most affordable, complete application support packages among our top 10 list of college admissions counselors.

Although Admit Advantage can be a great option for many, if you fit into one of the categories below, then you may want to consider alternatives:

Focused exclusively on gaining admission to the most elite schools – Students who want to maximize their chances at the most competitive universities ought to consider Admissionado’s Platinum package , which includes their signature Ivy League Insider Audit and advanced interview prep services.

Those only in need of essay support – Although they are highly affordable, Admit Advantage only offers a single, comprehensive college admissions package. If you’re only looking for help on essays check out Admissionado’s Silver package .

Admit Advantage is Our Best Value Firm

Strategist’s Take : Admit Advantage offers the most-affordable, elite college admissions consulting packages in the industry. Their personalized coaching style and no-cookie-cutter approach connects well with applicants looking to convey their best self and gain admission to some of the most competitive colleges.

3. Prep Expert College Admissions Consultants

Although widely-known for their groundbreaking SAT/ACT prep courses, this Shark Tank featured company also offers a boutique, expert college admissions consulting service for students and families. PrepExpert’s admissions team is led by director Akbar Rahel, Esq., who has over 22 years of experience guiding students to undergraduate and graduate admissions success.

Prep Expert College Admissions Pros and Cons

Continue reading below to learn about the pros and cons of PrepExpert’s college admissions packages:

Proven to get results – In recent admissions cycles, 96% of PrepExpert’s students gained acceptances at 1 or more of their top 3 schools. Additionally, clients have earned over $17,000,000 in merit-based scholarships.

Support for international students – While some firms may shy away from the complexities of assisting international applicants, Mr. Rahel’s extensive multicultural skill sets can be a great advantage for certain prospective clients.

Students can bundle SAT/ACT prep with admissions packages – If you’re also looking for test prep or tutoring services, you can save money and earn discounts on PrepExpert’s admissions packages if you’re also enrolling in one of their prep course options.

Key person risk – PrepExpert’s admissions counseling reputation and services rely on a single expert. This presents a unique risk (or constraint depending on availability of spots), as you won’t receive secondary checks from additional elite consultants like you would at some other firms.

More expensive relative to other top firms – Prep Expert’s packages are sold by the number of hours of one-on-one admissions consulting support. The flagship package starts around $7,000 with the most comprehensive support package coming in just under $14,000.

Prep Expert Admissions Summary

Strategist’s Take : For families with a large budget that are looking for extensive premium admissions consulting, Prep Expert can make a great choice. Although we feel Admissionado’s ‘Platinum’ package is a better fit for most applicants and offers better value, Prep Expert may work for those who want to maximize one-one-one hours by starting as early as Freshman year.

4. PrepScholar College Admissions Consulting

PrepScholar earns a featured place on our list for their intense focus on consultant quality and variety of affordable à la carte admissions support options. The team has helped numerous applicants to earn acceptances at many of the top universities for nearly a decade.

PrepScholar Admissions Pros and Cons

Read below to find out what our team liked and didn’t like about PrepScholar’s college admissions consulting services:

Maintains a very high bar for their consultants – If consultants aren’t meeting clients’ high expectations, the firm doesn’t hesitate to let them go. This ensures that you won’t have to switch firms due to lackluster guidance part of the way through the process (a terrible time suck during an already stressful period).

Highly affordable application review services – In our opinion, PrepScholar’s inexpensive application review services are where the firm really adds value. For example, students can have 5 full applications reviewed by a seasoned admissions consultant for around $370 per school.

Essay editing-only packages – And for those with an even tighter budget (or those who are already confident in their essays), PrepScholar offers straightforward essay editing starting at $195. Prices are charged by word count and students can get edits up to 4,000 words for under $1,000.

Lack of additional reviewer checks – Unlike our top-ranked and best value firms, you’ll only work with a single consultant rather than also having the support of the entire team as well.

Consultants are generally siloed – No formal consultant development process or knowledge sharing among the team with respect to staying on top of the latest admissions trends and changes.

PrepScholar Admissions Summary

Strategist’s Take : PrepScholar isn’t necessarily the best option for those looking for a comprehensive admissions support package (we prefer Admissionado or Admit Advantage). However, the firm makes an ideal choice for students who only need a simple polish or final check over of their nearly-completed essays and application materials. As an added bonus, the firm offers a 3-day, risk-free refund, which is fairly uncommon in the admissions consulting world.

5. Accepted College Admissions Consulting

Accepted earns a spot on our top ten list of best college admissions consultants due to their decades of experience in helping students overcome weaknesses in their applications, and strategically positioning them for acceptances at their target schools.

Accepted College Advising Pros and Cons

Continue reading below to learn more about what makes Accepted stand out from other admissions counselors:

Most extensive list of à la carte admissions services options – Accepted offers the widest variety of admissions counseling options among our top consultants.

Experienced former admissions committee advisors – Compared to many other firms, Accepted maintains a team with a high percentage of consultants with past admissions committee or application reviewer experience.

Specific UC system application packages – A unique gem for this firm. However, do note that supplemental essays are not included in the package.

Numerous free resources – Accepted offers a ton of helpful resources for students to learn more about the admissions process such as a live webinar series, podcast, and academic advising blog.

Financial aid advising and related essay support not included in comprehensive packages – Given the price of their ‘Gold’ and ‘Platinum’ packages, it would be ideal to see these services included.

Requests to change consultants will result in additional charges – While it can be challenging to find the right fit, some of our other top-rated firms won’t add extra charges if you need to switch counselors.

Accepted College Counseling Summary

Strategist’s Take : Accepted may be a good fit for students targeting some of the more competitive UC system schools and who have an appropriately large budget to make full use of their add-on services (e.g. supplemental essays). They also make a great choice for those looking for an affordably priced rejection review service.

6. IvyWise College Admissions Consultants

IvyWise is a powerhouse in the college admissions counseling arena. They are one of the world’s premier educational consultancies with a combined 300 years of experience across their team of seasoned former college admissions officers.

What Our Team Liked and Didn't Like About IvyWise

Read below to discover what separates IvyWise from other leading college admissions consultants:

Direct admissions experience – IvyWise requires all admissions coaches to have at least 3 years of previous experience in an admissions office where they have read and evaluated applications from around the world. This means their admissions coaches know how the top colleges and universities choose to shape their well-rounded classes and can help you fit the profile that admissions committees are looking for.

Counseling approach focused on more than just the application – IvyWise takes a holistic approach and works with students on additional areas such as test prep, tutoring, or school selection strategy. We appreciate this about the firm as it shows they’re focused on what moves the needle for each individual applicant (e.g. sometimes that’s achieving a higher SAT before focusing on essays).

IvyWise Scholars – Pro bono consulting program for high-achieving, low-income students, which includes support from both IvyWise tutors and expert college counselors. The next IvyWise Scholars application round will open in fall 2023.

Concierge client relations support – This is a particularly nice perk for clients of the firm. IvyWise offers dedicated client relations managers to provide support to students’ families and ensure they’re getting the most out of their consulting program.

Expensive counseling that is out of reach for many upper middle class families – IvyWise’s most notable con is its price tag (up-to-date pricing info may be obtained after filling out their client interest form). Additionally, our team was able to track down pricing from a Town & Country news article that stated pricing for junior consultants start around $1,000/hour and go upwards to $3,000/hour for the firm’s most senior consultants. Given that most clients purchase packages that include dozens of hours, it’s easy to see how the final price tag could be close to a full year’s cost of attending an Ivy League school.

Verdict on IvyWise College Admissions Consultanting

Strategist’s Take : IvyWise offers best-in-class college admissions counselors with prior admissions committee experience, along with phenomenal client relations support to ensure your student gets the most out of the counseling process. Their results speak for themselves as clients are 4x more likely to get into some of the world’s top colleges and universities. Unfortunately, from a cost perspective, the firm is out of reach for many families. But if you happen to have the funds, initial consultations start at $1,450, and you can express your interest via the link below.

7. Princeton Review College Admissions

A household name in the higher education world, The Princeton Review’s best kept secret may be their affordable college admissions counseling packages. The firm offers multiple package options that are specifically designed for students at every individual grade level.

Princeton Review College Admissions Pros and Cons

Like other large firms, The Princeton Review has its own set of pros and cons for students and families to consider:

Long history of delivering results – Approximately 77% of admissions counseling students are admitted to 1 of their top 3 colleges. While this isn’t as high as some of our top-ranked consultants, it’s a worthy accomplishment given the firm has more of a mass-market service offering.

Highly-rated by students – 96% of former students gave The Princeton Review a 5-star rating. The firm’s admissions counselors, many of whom graduated from The Little Ivies, are well-praised for their depth of undergraduate admissions experience.

Large number of reasonably-priced package options – Relative to other firms, The Princeton Review offers a wide variety of admissions packages including specialty options such as a BS/MD package for direct MD entry applications.

On-Demand Admissions course – This is a unique feature among our list of top college admissions consulting firms. For $799 students can learn key concepts about the college admissions process, which is a great option for those who can’t afford more comprehensive admissions guidance.

Lacking a personalized approach – When compared to most other top firms, The Princeton Review has more of a cookie-cutter approach to admissions counseling and lacks much of the individualized attention offered by others.

Less support for those targeting the most elite schools – The Princeton Review won’t be the best option for students who are hoping to be competitive applicants at Ivy League tier schools.

Princeton Review College Admissions Summary

Strategist’s Take : The Princeton Review’s college counseling services are best fit for BS/MD hopefuls, along with Freshman and Sophomores hoping to get an early leg up through customized strategy sessions and strategic planning packages. For those looking for a similarly priced, comprehensive college counseling package, we recommend Admit Advantage.

8. Solomon Admissions Consulting

As a premier Ivy League consultant, Solomon Admissions Consulting works with all types of students from K-12 private school admissions up through college, MBA, and medical school admissions. The firm is also one of the only admissions consultancies to have gone through an independent third-party audit of their past results .

What We Liked and Didn't Like About Solomon Admissions Consulting

Continue reading below to learn more about what our team likes and dislikes about Solomon Admissions Consulting:

No-nonsense results – The firm’s most recently shared results from 2021 show that clients are on average anywhere from 2 to 5 times as likely to get into some of the more competitive target schools in the U.S. As a fairly unique attribute, Solomon has had their results audited by BPM Accounting, which is rather unheard of in the industry.

Special focus on mock interviews – While some firms may skimp on admissions interview preparation, Solomon Admissions Consulting makes this a focus for all of their clients to ensure mastery of frequently asked questions.

Insider guide to financial aid – Given their consultants’ past experience within admissions offices, Solomon is able to provide an inside look on which schools will take financial need into account when deciding whether or not to admit you.

Verdict on Solomon Admissions Consulting

Strategist’s Take : Solomon Admissions Consulting provides audited results and experienced college counselors to help you get into your top choice schools. What’s missing is additional structured support offerings to further add value to college applicants who are on the edge of consideration for the most competitive universities.

9. Top Tier Admissions

Well known for their longstanding, four-day Application Boot Camp, Top Tier Admissions earns a spot on our list due to their elite team of college counselors with experience serving students from all around the globe. As one of the larger firms on our list, Top Tier’s experts review and process over 600+ applications every year to improve students’ chances of admissions success.

Top Tier Admissions Pros and Cons

Unique application boot camp – Top Tier’s Application Boot Camp has sold out every year since 2005 and provides students with a solid foundation for their college applications. In our opinion, this is where Top Tier Consulting really stands out amongst a crowded field of college admissions advisors.

Most new clients come from friends and family referrals – Approximately 60% of Top Tier’s students come from siblings and friends of past clients. This speaks to the quality of their consultants and thoughtful, individualized approach.

Variety of counseling options targeted at students from each individual grade level – Top Tier Consulting offers a great variety of admissions support options for students including private counseling sessions, Common Application-focused support, and essay guidance.

Well-documented results – The firm particularly excels at helping students gain admission to some of the most competitive state schools in the country such as the University of California Berkeley, University of Michigan, and the University of Virginia (100% acceptance rate in 2022).

Most counseling options are quite expensive – Most application packages at Top Tier Consulting run anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 and higher. This makes them out of reach for most students.

Top Tier Admissions Summary

Strategist’s Take : Top Tier Admissions makes an ideal choice for early planners who can afford to attend their signature Application Boot Camp and perhaps have an additional budget for one-on-one counseling. If you’re a no-expenses-spared applicant looking to work with some of the industry’s leading admissions counselors, then Top Tier Admissions should be on your short list.

10. Spark Admissions

Co-founded by Dr. Rachel Rubin ten years ago, Spark Admissions is a premier undergraduate admissions consultancy that offers both in-person and online counseling packages for highly ambitious students. Dr. Rubin gained international media attention in 2012 for her groundbreaking research on how the most selective U.S. schools make their admissions decisions.

Spark Admissions Pros and Cons

Research-based approach to admissions strategy – Spark Admissions frames the process from an analytical point of view, which is a competitive advantage for clients since Spark’s consultants will respond to the latest trends and avoid dated admissions methods.

Dedicated transfer admissions services – Unlike most of our leading consultants, Spark Admissions actually offers specialized transfer student admissions packages for those who would like individualized help navigating the transfer process.

Invested in students’ broader development and self-confidence during the stressful admissions process – Similar to our top-rated consultant, Admissionado, Spark also maintains a concerted focus on helping students build skills to succeed in college and future endeavors, while some consultants have more of a transactional vibe.

Expensive packages priced at $10,000-$30,000 – Spark Admissions falls in a similar camp to IvyWise and Top Tier Admissions given their expensive counseling packages that are cost prohibitive for many.

Spark Admissions Summary

Strategist’s Take : Spark Admissions maintains a culture of “always learning.” As an “academic think tank” the firm is home to some of the most analytical minds in the college admissions space and makes an excellent partner for those who can afford their services. Spark Admissions is an ideal pick for those with an ample budget who wish to gain admission to competitive B.S./M.D. programs.

Quad Education (BS/MD Admissions Experts)

Quad Education College Admissions Consulting

With average acceptance rates in the 4-5% range, gaining admission to the ultra competitive BS/MD programs can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Fortunately, Quad Education excels in this demanding admissions niche with clients experiencing anywhere from a 4-10x improvement in admissions odds relative to the overall acceptance rates.

Quad Education BS/MD Admissions Improvement Factor

Students at Quad Education work with an experienced team comprised of physicians and admissions consultants who know what it takes to thrive through the taxing admissions process. The firm offers a free initial consultation, and readers may use code, ExamStrategist10 , to receive 10% off any future comprehensive admissions packages.

Best College Admissions Consultants - Top 10 List

Honorable Mention College Admissions Consultants

Before covering our review process and methodology , we wanted to briefly review ten other firms that are worthy of an honorable mention.

11. Testive Academic Counseling (By A-List Education)

Despite some shakeup from its recent merger with A-List Education, Testive still offers college advising services that are charged hourly and bundled into 10, 20, and 30-hour packages. Testive Academic Counseling earns an honorable mention for their expertise in essay brainstorming and admissions officer outreach planning. For such a premium-priced offering, Testive’s college advising packages don’t quite live up to our expectations. However, for students who have already purchased Testive SAT prep tutoring services, the firm does offer bundled discounts for their advising packages. Although a free consultation is available for students, Testive does not share any kind of results for past clients.

12. Bright Horizons College Coach

Bright Horizons College Coach separates itself from other top college admissions advisors by including former financial aid officers from some of the best colleges on their roster of consultants. The team excels at helping students and families identify scholarship opportunities, evaluate need-based financial aid eligibility, negotiate offers, and assist with preparing letters of appeal for financial aid. A rather unique trait about the firm is that they offer a research mentorship add-on program where students can work with researchers from top institutions such as Harvard, Oxford, or MIT to help demonstrate their interests and passions on college applications. Bright Horizons boasts a 98% success rate for past clients, which includes international and transfer students.

13. Varsity Tutors Admissions Consulting (formerly Veritas Prep)

After purchasing Veritas Prep in 2019, Varsity Tutors recently closed down the Veritas Prep brand and consolidated its admissions consulting services. While this may be a signal of lackluster demand, the newly restructured college admissions team boasts consultants with past admissions experience from elite institutions such as Brown, Yale, Georgetown, Harvard, and Princeton. Varsity Tutors follows our preferred model of primary consultant plus additional team support (e.g. Admissionado) to achieve proven results for applicants. Additionally, the company includes access to a financial aid specialist, which is a nice perk many firms don’t offer. Varsity Tutors’ admissions consulting packages start around $4,700, and the firm offers a free consultation for prospective students and their families.

14. Empowerly

Empowerly may be one of the newer firms on our list, but they’re growing quickly as evidenced by their inclusion on the Inc. 5000 list. The firm has achieved a 94% success rate to date and boasts up to an 11x improvement in acceptance rates measured over thousands of applicants. Empowerly is a member of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling ( NACAC ), which is a nice seal of approval for the integrity of their services.

While their results speak for themselves, we did notice some variability in consultant quality at the firm. That being said, Empowerly is dedicated to ensuring a quality service for every client, and we read accounts where additional time or an offer to change consultants was provided when expectations were not met. If Empowerly sounds like they could be the right fit for you, we encourage you to speak with one of their enrollment specialists to learn more.

15. Marks Education

Based out of Bethesda, Maryland, Marks Education expertly helps students navigate the college admissions maze. With an emphasis on one-on-one college admissions counseling, Marks works with families to craft an efficient and effective plan for their student’s success. The team maintains a focus on knowledge-sharing throughout the firm and pays close attention to the latest data and trends driving admissions decisions. While nowhere near our best value pick, Admit Advantage , Marks Education’s comprehensive packages average around $10,000 for high school seniors. The firm also provides customized (though expensive) test prep tutoring options for students looking to improve their SAT scores to increase their chances of admission. While Marks Education does serve clients nationwide through video calls, they probably make the most sense for families close to their Washington D.C., McLean, and Bethesda locations.

16. Command Education

Command Education was founded by Christopher Rim, a 26 year old Yale graduate, to master the art of Ivy League admissions . The firm provides a boutique feel by limiting the number of clients in any given year and maintaining a small student to mentor ratio. Unlike most firms who prioritize consultants with past admissions committee experience, Command Education’s mentors are younger, recent graduates of the most elite colleges and universities. They believe this “near peer” mentorship offers better opportunities for students to connect with their consultants when completing their advising programs. As a bit of a fun fact, Command Education has the highest listed price tag we’ve seen for a one-time fee comprehensive admissions package: $85,000!

While the firm does boast a 100% acceptance rate for early admits to Harvard last year, it’s hard for most families to even come close to justifying the price tag. Additionally, given the limited spots available each year, it’s possible there’s a bit of self-selection happening when bringing on new clients. That being said, Command Education does offer exceptional mentoring and truly unlimited consulting time. So, if you exclusively dream of attending Harvard and have the budget for their services, you may want to consider Command Education.

17. Prepory

Based near Miami, Florida, Prepory specializes in both college admissions and career coaching. The firm emphasizes individualized, growth-oriented coaching to maximize student success from an academic and personal perspective. Prepory’s admissions consultants are past admissions officers from some of the country’s most-desired schools including Harvard, Duke, and Columbia. One differentiating feature our team really liked about Prepory is their parent check-ins that provide structured time to discuss your child’s progress while on their admissions journey. The firm also has one of the better client portals we’ve seen and includes data and insider info on colleges nationwide. Notably, they’re trusted by families all over the world (having served students in 33 different countries).

18. Crimson Education

Crimson Education is a leading college admissions consultant with some of the most extensive stats we’ve seen on past clients’ success rates. For example, Crimson Education students were admitted at a rate of nearly 25% to the U.S. top 10 schools (as defined by US News and World Report) compared to the overall rate of just under 5%. The firm is led by CEO, Jamie Beaton, who is not only a Harvard and Stanford graduate but also an Oxford Rhodes Scholar. Additionally, Jamie is the author of Accepted! , a national bestselling book on the college admissions process. Although Crimson Education is an expert on Ivy League admissions, the firm also offers specialized services for Oxbridge admissions in the UK as well.

19. College Zoom

Since its founding over ten years ago, College Zoom has carved out an interesting niche in the college admissions world by focusing on so-called “miracle students” (i.e. students whose classmates may consider them average, but admissions officers consider too good of a fit to turn away). College Zoom maintains a heavyweight presence in the University of California school system, having successfully lobbied them to introduce bullet point formatting in the activity summary of the UC application. Rather than focus on hiring former admissions officers, College Zoom has found that the best results for their students come from consultants with persuasive writing and coaching abilities, which is similar to the philosophy of our top-ranked firm, Admissionado . The firm views admissions as less of a lottery and more like a game of poker. College Zoom believes many students can win out over other “seemingly more accomplished” students by playing to their own strengths and conveying them in a more successful manner.

Our Review Process

Exam Strategist produces trusted, independent reviews for parents and motivated students to help them find the best resources to gain admission at their target schools. Our college admissions team thoroughly reviewed over 40 firms to generate our list of the top 10 college admissions consultants, plus an additional 10 honorable mentions. Through a series of interviews, outreach, and live testing via consultation services, Exam Strategist performed over 60+ hours of primary and secondary research to bring you the most comprehensive evaluation of college admissions advisors around. We hope this review helps you find the best-fit admissions counselor based on your personal needs. Please feel free to reach out to our team with any questions you may have on this guide.

Methodology

Exam Strategist’s Best College Admissions Consulting Firms list is created through a proprietary methodology and includes (though is not limited to) components such as:

Depth of Experience : In addition to years of experience (YOE), we also consider factors such as number of applications reviewed, along with openness of the firm with respect to knowledge-sharing. While most college advising firms work in silos, we give higher marks to those who collaborate openly to serve individual students at the highest level.

Consulting Model : Does the firm only pair students with a single consultant? Or do they offer a team model with both a primary consultant and an essay specialist? What about a simulated admissions committee experience? Higher ratings are given to firms that systematically incorporate multiple checks in their process to maximize the value students receive.

Administrative Support : Are the firms’ consultants also running the business, or are they singularly focused on helping clients get into their target programs?

Consultant Quality : How selective is the firm’s interview process? Are the consultants intimately familiar with the admissions processes at the top schools (perhaps having earned a degree from one themselves)? More importantly, do they have the raw teaching and coaching talent to help your student achieve their full admissions potential?

Demonstrated Results : Does the consultant share concrete results or case studies of past clients? Do they have a track record of helping students gain acceptances to the most competitive U.S. colleges and universities?

Client Feedback : Are there any noticeably concerning and consistent themes that stand out? How enthusiastic are past clients in recommending the firm to their friends and colleagues? Did the advisor add value to the student’s application in specific and meaningful ways?

Global Presence : Given that college admissions is a global playing field, does the firm efficiently and effectively serve students from around the world? Do they have the requisite background to appropriately assist international applicants?

We believe these are the crucial factors to consider when deciding who to hire for college admissions guidance. While other sites may feature bizarre (and in our opinion, bogus) overly-quantitative scoring components that make better sense for comparing running shoes than high-end consulting services, we focus on what matters to prospective clients. In other words: how to choose a firm that will highlight not what your student is today, but what they will become in the future .

Best College Admissions Consultants Ranking Methodology - Exam Strategist

Frequently Asked Questions

When should i begin working with a college application consultant.

Although the typical student doesn’t start thinking about college counseling services until the spring of their junior year, in our opinion, the earlier students and families start preparing for college applications the better.

That being said, part of a good college application consultant’s job is to get students on the right track to meet necessary deadlines while putting the best application forward. Additionally, most students are busy with extracurriculars, achieving great grades, and scoring high on standardized exams before thinking about their applications. So, most families will tend to decide on a college admissions consultant in the late spring or early summer just after their students finished junior year.

How much do college admissions consultants cost?

The costs to hire a college admissions consultant varies considerably across firms and are based on the services needed. At the very low end, essay editing packages start around $200, while the most expensive comprehensive admissions consulting package we’ve seen listed costs a mind-blowing $85,000. However, the average starting cost for a complete admissions package from our top-ranked firms is around $5,000-$7,000.

Are there any affordable college admissions consulting services?

While many of the well-known, private college advising firms may cost an arm and a leg, we’ve highlighted several firms on our list with more affordable admissions consulting services. For example, Admit Advantage , our best-value firm, offers comprehensive guidance for under $4,000.

Is virtual admissions counseling an effective way to coach students?

Yes, in our opinion, virtual admissions counseling is not only an effective way to coach students, but it’s also quickly becoming the norm. While some students may have the option (albeit an expensive one) to visit some of the top firms in person, most families can’t afford the big name admissions consultants. Or they live outside of the major metropolitan areas where there aren’t many valuable options available. Virtual admissions consulting provides more affordable access to some of the leading consultants from anywhere in the world.

Does working with a college admissions advisor guarantee admission to my target schools?

Absolutely not. Although working with a top private college admissions advisor has been shown to significantly increase your child’s odds of admission to their target schools, it in no way guarantees admission.

Should my student work with an admissions consultant if they don’t have an outstanding SAT or GPA?

If your student doesn’t have an outstanding SAT or GPA, there can still be instances where working with an admissions consultant can provide tremendous value. Ultimately, the definition of a great SAT or GPA will depend on the school itself. Admissions consultants can help families with school selection and other fit criteria. If your child’s SAT or GPA is just below the median of their target schools, working with an admissions consultant can be well worth the cost.

Are college admissions consultants worth it?

To determine if working with a college admissions consultant is right for you, first consider your goals and critically evaluate where you may stand relative to the class profiles of your target schools. For students who wish to attend the top 50 colleges and universities, it usually makes sense to work with a college admissions consultant to increase your chances of acceptance. To learn more, read our complete discussion on the topic.

How do I choose a college admissions consultant?

Families should choose a college admissions consultant not only based on the firm’s past admissions experience, but also on their raw coaching and teaching abilities. Additionally, you’ll want to consider their consulting model (i.e. one person does it all vs. the support of a full team) and what areas of the application process they specialize in. Please read our complete thoughts on this question here .

Do any college consultants specialize in BS/MD programs?

Yes, Quad Education offers specialized college admissions consulting for students applying to highly competitive direct admission BS/MD medical school programs. Clients work directly with both experienced college advisors and physicians to craft an application that best highlights their future potential.

Is IvyWise worth it?

This is a difficult question to answer and will depend greatly on your ability to afford their services. While IvyWise is one of the most widely recognized admissions consultants in the world, their hourly rate may be out of reach for many.

How expensive is Ivywise?

IvyWise charges anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 an hour for private admissions consulting. They are one of the more expensive firms we’ve come across.

Is Top Tier Admissions worth it?

Top Tier Admissions may be worth it for families with the appropriate financial means who can start the process early by enrolling their child in Top Tier Admissions’ boot camp program.

Who are the best college admissions consultants?

Exam Strategist’s list of best college admissions consulting firms includes top-ranked Admissionado , Accepted, PrepExpert, IvyWise, and PrepScholar, among others. Admit Advantage earned our best-value award by offering the most affordable comprehensive admissions consulting packages among the top consultants.

What is the best college counseling service for Ivy League schools?

For students interested in Ivy League schools, our team likes to recommend comprehensive, end-to-end packages from one of the top college admissions consulting firms such as Admissionado or Ivywise. Additionally, if your student has more than a year left before their applications are due, a long-term consulting engagement with a firm such as Menlo Coaching can provide an early edge over the competition.

How much do college admission consultants cost? (2024 Prices)

The table below shows 2024 prices for our list of the top 10 college admissions consultants.

Exam Strategist is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more about our policy .

“ Ivy Coach Is Highway Robbery. But They’re Good.” — Richard Moll Former Director of Admissions, Yale University

IVY COACH’S COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TRACK RECORD

The percentage of Ivy Coach’s package clients over the last 10 years who earned admission to the following schools in the Early round.

At most of these schools, we typically have 1-4 applicants annually .

During this span, 7 students were excluded from this tally for not heeding our advice on their Early choice and/or making unapproved application changes.

Early Action/Early Decision

in a row Ivy Coach’s ED applicants ALL got into Dartmouth (they don’t call us The Dartmouth Whisperer for nothing!)

in a row Ivy Coach’s ED applicants ALL got into Duke

Deferred or Waitlisted?

of students who first come to Ivy Coach after being deferred earn admission to their Early school

of students who first come to Ivy Coach after being waitlisted by Harvard earn admission

THE IVY COACH DAILY

“Way To Tell It Like It Is, Ivy Coach.” —The Dartmouth

People stand under an arch at Duke University.

How to Make Your College Essays Not Boring

August 28, 2024

An exterior view of white bricked with black shutters Dartmouth Hall at Dartmouth College.

Bad Common App Essay Examples: 5 Terrible Topics to Avoid

The exterior of Nassau Hall is featured at Princeton University.

Does Princeton Require Alumni Interviews?

It’s not just about grades & scores.

It’s about presenting compelling, truthful narratives in essays and activities that showcase a singular hook, rather than well-roundedness.

Yearbook page with notes marked on student's faces: "weird", "lucky", "A+", etc.

IVY COACH’S COLLEGE COUNSELORS HELP STUDENTS:

A student wearing a Harvard University tee shirt standing with her arms out on campus.

COME BE WEIRD WITH US

In the press, ivy coach’s brian taylor discusses the varsity blues college admissions scandal on abc’s nightline.

Jayson Weingarten of Ivy Coach on Spectrum1

IVY COACH’S FORMER ADMISSIONS OFFICERS

Hannah Skaran

Senior Admissions Consultant

Former University of Chicago Admissions Officer

Jayson Weingarten

Former University of Pennsylvania Admissions Officer

Jose Magaña

Former Stanford University Admissions Officer

TOWARD THE CONQUEST OF ADMISSION

If you’re interested in Ivy Coach’s college counseling, fill out our complimentary consultation form and we’ll be in touch.

Fill out our short form for a 20-minute consultation to learn about Ivy Coach’s services.

College Essay Advisors : The #1 College Essay Consulting Service

Looking for help with your college admissions essays? You’ve come to the right place.

Contact us for an evaluation of your college essay needs.

Read more about the college essay advisors process ., see what our clients have to say about cea..

Stacey Brook is an accomplished writer and admissions expert who has spent the last decade helping students conceptualize, edit and refine their college essays. After aiding her friends, and then her friends’ siblings, and then her friends’ siblings’ friends with their college admissions essays during her college years, Stacey discovered she had both a knack for consistently reinventing the creative personal statement and a perverse love of bridging the gap between stressed-out teenagers and their parents. Stacey culled her admissions expertise in the Dean’s Host admissions program at Boston University’s College of Communication, serving for two years as the program’s coordinator. She was also the ’04 commencement speaker for BU’s College of Communication, winning a coveted scholarship from Burston-Marsteller public relations in the process. Her own college admissions essay involved a contrived Wizard of Oz metaphor comparing her life journey at 17 to the yellow brick road. Though it successfully secured her admission, in retrospect she kind of wishes she had hired an essay consultant.

Have a question? Contact us for more information about our services and how to start with CEA.

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Category: College Admissions , Essay Tips , Most Popular

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Empowerly’s college admissions counselors analyze each aspect of a college application package to determine its impact. This analysis helps them assess a student’s competitiveness at top U.S. colleges, and highlights areas for improvement.

Our college application consulting includes an expert review of the subjective admission factors, including essays, extracurriculars, and personal statements. The result is a holistic, actionable, and proven plan that ensures Empowerly students stand out from the competition.

SUCCESS STORIES

Hear from our students and counselors, our mission.

To guide and empower students as they navigate the complex U.S. college application process. Empowerly’s college admissions counselors are passionate about helping applicants build confidence, stand out from the crowd, and gain access to their top colleges. We achieve this through our proprietary college application counseling that emphasizes data-driven success.

Empowerly Students

Our customized college admissions counseling packages get results. 98% of Empowerly Students with a 3.6 GPA or higher get into a top 50 U.S. college and enjoy 25% more time with their college admissions counselor than students who use other application services.

Students often feel overwhelmed by the college admissions process. Cut through the college admissions counseling confusion, build confidence, and increase your chances of getting into your top schools by 11x when you team up with the college admissions counselors at Empowerly. From start to finish, you’ll have a dedicated college application consulting expert keeping you on the path to success.

WHAT FAMILIES ARE SAYING

Student, Columbia University

Empowerly helped me get accepted to MIT Launch summer program (<10% acceptance rate), start my own environmental nonprofit, and intern with Dr. June Flora at Stanford University. I worked with Empowerly on over 50 essays and finished all of them by November. I was accepted to Columbia, Duke, Carnegie Mellon, USC and more. I also have a deeper insight about my career and the impact I want to make in the world.

Parent, Harvard University

Thank you for helping SM over these last 2 years in his formative high school years, finding summer internships, and helping him get accepted to Harvard, UPenn, MIT, Yale, Johns Hopkins University (Hodson scholar), USC (full ride), and many others. With 70+ essays across 15+ college applications, SM wouldn’t have finished so many applications with such high quality without Empowerly.

Parent, UC Berkeley

I interviewed many college admission counselors and Empowerly stood out with its innovative, fresh approach. Our college admissions counselor was very helpful and a great fit, helping my son with the entire process. The AdCom Review was incredible, giving valuable brutally honest feedback. My son applied to competitive CS/EECS programs and he was accepted early to UC Berkeley (his top choice!) as a Regent’s and Chancellor’s Scholar.

Parent, Wash U St Louis

When my daughter started with Empowerly in 10th grade, she immediately connected with her counselor Brooke, who helped her build her resume for the pre-med track. We can’t say enough good things about Brooke! Additionally, the awesome Empowerly team helped immensely with finding a UCSF research internship and editing essays. If you’re a parent unsure which counselor to pick, look no further and contact Empowerly.

Student, UCLA

Empowerly counseling was a very personal experience where I was encouraged to pursue my interests. If you’re wondering about how effective the process is, I would say that I accomplished more than I expected and got into schools that would have been out of my reach otherwise.

TIPS FROM OUR BLOG

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August 26, 2024

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August 24, 2024

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August 23, 2024

Empowerly’s College Admissions Counseling

We know that the U.S. college admissions counselor process can be complex, confusing, and even overwhelming. You need someone in your corner, to cut through the confusion and ensure success. That’s why Empowerly’s team of experienced college admissions counselors use proprietary data and genuine connection with applicants to give personalized college application counseling that gets results: 98% of Empowerly Students with a 3.6 GPA or higher get into a top 50 U.S. college.

Our #1 goal is to help students gain access to their top U.S. college choices. We achieve this through customized, designed-for-success college application consulting packages that match a student’s unique needs and goals. Ready to see what Empowerly’s college application consulting can do for you? Get started today with a free 30-minute consultation with a college admissions counselor. Stay on track with college admissions counseling, build confidence, and get into your top U.S. colleges with Empowerly.

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

Best College Admissions Consultants – 2024

May 7, 2024

As you look through the various lists of the “Best College Admissions Consultants” on the internet, you’ll be treated to an array of lists compiled by what appears to be some impartial ranking entity (“Aha, I’ve finally found the Consumer Reports/Wirecutter of college counseling!”). In reality, each of these lists is created by a particular college consulting agency, and published via a proxy server with no identifiable author. It’s about as “2024” a marketing technique as you can employ, but it’s also disingenuous and misleading, qualities that likely aren’t exactly aligned with what you’re looking for as you seek counseling and support for your child who is about to make what could be a $400,000 investment in tuition, housing, and other costs.

This list of the Best College Admissions Consultants only has one entry and it is, of course (spoiler alert), for our own company. While we do think we are “the best,” we also believe that there are dozens (or more) of other fantastic private counselors and essay coaches spread across the United States. Many others also provide research and experience-based advice that leads to positive outcomes for clients. As such, we aren’t knocking any other excellent company out there; in this space, we simply want to present the case as to why, for certain types of students and families, College Transitions may be the best fit.

Ready to Speak with a College Transitions Counselor?

Fill Out a Free Consultation Request

What makes College Transitions unlike any other college counseling agency?

The CT Founders have authored two published books: The Enlightened College Applicant (2016, 2023) and the annual college guide Colleges Worth Your Money (now in its 5th edition).
We’ve published research in top higher education journals such as Education Evaluation & Policy Analysis , Research in Higher Education, and The Journal of Higher Education.
We’re regularly quoted by top national/global publications (example here ).
CT maintains a free Dataverse, Common Data Set Repository, blog, and newsletter for parents, students, and counselors.
We developed a College List-Building Tool.
We are certified in and able to offer valuable Career Assessments.
Our essay coaches are highly trained professionals who all have teaching or tutoring experience, typically at the college level. Many of our coaches are also published writers or researchers who hold master’s or doctoral degrees in English, writing, or education.

In addition to these specific features and achievements, our philosophy also differs from many competitors. In short, we take the long view with our students and work backward. Through developing a sense of what future happiness and career success look like to a given individual, we can help develop an undergraduate plan of attack designed to get them on a successful and realistic path toward that vision.

Finally, we work with all our students 100% virtually in a model that we have honed relentlessly over the past decade. We deeply understand that building trust in a remote environment requires responsiveness, a value that is at the core of our counseling and essay coaching services. Accordingly, our efficient and effective counseling and essay coaching model makes it possible for students to receive expert, personalized support on a flexible schedule. This model also enables students to dedicate the bulk of their time to what matters most: schoolwork, activities, test prep, essays, and actual applications.

Best College Admissions Consultants (Continued)

College transitions clients’ recent acceptances, class of 2023.

Representing 36 states, 11 countries, and 126 different high schools, the College Transitions Class of 2023 was our largest, most diverse, and most accomplished yet. With support from our team of counselors, CT students earned admission offers from more than 200 colleges and universities. We have included a sampling of our most popular schools below. Institutions listed in bold accepted five or more of our students.

Amherst College		Rice University
American University		Rochester Institute of Technology
Babson College		Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology	University of Massachusetts Amherst
Barnard College	Hamilton College		University of Miami
Bates College	Harvard University	Scripps College
Bentley University	Harvey Mudd College	Skidmore College	University of Minnesota
Binghamton University	Haverford College	Smith College
	Imperial College London	Southern Methodist University
Boston University		Stanford University	University of Oxford
Bowdoin College		Stevens Institute of Technology
Brandeis University	Kenyon College	Syracuse University
Brown University	King’s College London	Swarthmore College	University of Richmond
Bucknell University	Lafayette College		University of Rochester
	Lehigh University	Trinity College	University of St Andrews
	London School of Economics	Trinity College Dublin
Carleton College	Loyola Marymount University	Trinity University
Claremont McKenna College	Macalester College
Colby College			University of Vermont
Colgate University	McGill University	Union College
Colorado College		University College London
	Mount Holyoke College	University of British Columbia	University of Waterloo
	New Jersey Institute of Technology
Connecticut College
Cornell University		University of California, Irvine	Vassar College
Dartmouth College			Villanova University

Denison University	Occidental College
		University of Cambridge	Washington and Lee University

Elon University	Pomona College		Wellesley College
		University of Connecticut	Wesleyan University
Fordham University		University of Edinburgh	Williams College
Franklin & Marshall College			Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Furman University	Rhodes College

We have plans for high school students of all grade levels:

Mentorship & Planning

Grades 9 and 10.

Provide guidance for all essential college planning tasks during the first half of high school, including:

Academic advising and course selection for all grades
Extracurricular planning
Summer activity planning (including support for summer program essays)
Resumé building
Diagnostic standardized testing and score assessment
Preliminary college visits and demonstrating interest

Grades 11 & 12, and Transfers

Offer support throughout the entire college search and application process, including for the following tasks:

College list development
Preliminary review, assessment of chances, and strategic positioning
Course selection
Essay coaching (for personal statements and supplemental essays)
Activities list and resume development
College interview prep
Standardized testing strategy
Letter of recommendation strategy
Financial aid and scholarship guidance
College decision guidance and college transition support

We sincerely believe that you will find the Best College Admissions Consultants for your needs right here at College Transitions. Again, we invite you to get to know us more through our website and/or by filling out a Consultation Request .

College Search/Knowledge

This article was a collaborative effort of multiple members of the College Transitions writing/research team.

2-Year Colleges
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Best Colleges by State
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Navigating the Admissions Process
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— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

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The World’s Finest Ivy League Counseling

Our High-Achieving Students Routinely Get Into & Attend These Schools And More!

Quoted As A College Admissions Expert In These & Other Publications

Ivy League & Top-Tier College Admissions Consultants

We offer Ivy League college consulting and are devoted to assisting high-achieving students with their admissions to the Ivy League and other top-tier universities in the United States, Canada and the U.K. Our talented and experienced ivy college counselors are consummate professionals with Ivy League backgrounds and unrivaled credentials, making IvySelect one of the best college consulting firms in the world.

IvySelect’s provides unrivaled expertise and first-rate guidance to international students , B.S./M.D. applicants , student-athletes and more. Beyond being one of the few admissions consultancies in the U.S. that specialize in guiding the finest applicants to the Ivies and other elite universities, we also help other bright students with admissions to the top 50 research universities and top 50 liberal arts colleges. For students currently in college, our specialties include assistance for law school applicants, medical school applicants and transfer students.

Current Grade (e.g., 11th as of Fall 2020)
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Our Students Acceptances Include These Ivy League Universities & More:

Oxford (U.K.)
Johns Hopkins
Northwestern
Washington University in St. Louis
Wake Forest
Boston College
Carnegie Mellon
Georgia Tech
North Carolina
Boston University
And Many More

B.S./M.D. Acceptances Include:

Brown Program In Liberal Medical Education (PLME)
George Washington University/School of Medicine
Boston University/School of Medicine
Case Western/School of Medicine
Drexel/College of Medicine
Penn State/Jefferson Medical College
University of Pittsburgh/School of Medicine
Virginia Commonwealth/School of Medicine

IvySelect’s World-Class Private College Consulting Services

Admission rates at the most ultra-selective universities have dwindled into single digits. The same fiercely-competitive landscape extends to admissions at highly selective and very selective colleges. Enlisting the help of our college counseling services, you will connect with a highly experienced and knowledgeable college counselor – which is more critical than ever in the current milieu.

Applicants are expected to have high grades and standardized test scores. In order to stand out, students must effectively convey how their unique talents and passions in both extracurricular and academic contexts will contribute to the educational institutions to which they are applying.

IvySelect’s college consultants will guide you in building your best case for admission to your dream schools through our proprietary strategic planning. Likewise, our full range of college consulting services , including college essay help and application assistance, offer our clients the world-class guidance they need to separate themselves from the rest of the top-tier university applicant pool.

Our services include:

College Consulting
College Counseling
Standout Strategies
College Essay Help
Picking The Right College
College Application Help
Interview Prep
Letters of Recommendation

Our Educational Consultant Specialties

We are among a small number of college admissions consulting firms that specialize in guiding high-achieving students in their admissions to the Ivy League and other top-tier universities. IvySelect also provides exceptional guidance to international students, B.S./M.D. program applicants, student-athletes, transfer students, as well as law school and medical school applicants.

How IvySelect Is Different

In the arena of highly-competitive admissions, conventional college counseling approaches do not work. The stakes are much higher, as are the expectations of admissions committees.

A different kind of college consultant is required for students applying to elite universities. As specialists in this field, IvySelect has the talent, experience, and, quite frankly, the intelligence required to navigate the waters of Ivy League and top-tier college admissions. The personalized and comprehensive guidance that we offer translates into student success.

Individualized Admissions Guidance For Top Students

We have an exceptionally low student-to-counselor ratio which allows us to spend much more time in helping our students develop exceptional personal statements and essays, including the array of supplemental essays required in elite university applications. Yet, it’s not just the additional time that that makes a difference. We also have the rare ability to assist our students in elevating their personal statements so that they represent applicants in the best possible light.

Working with fewer students per counselor also allows us to really get to know you. This interaction is the core of developing a superior strategic plan that we will utilize relative to your academics, extracurricular activities and, ultimately, college applications.

Having worked with countless top students like you, we are ideally positioned to provide the high-end college counseling you require. Our students have gained admission to the most selective universities in the United States, Canada and the U.K. IvySelect’s caring, individualized and expert guidance will provide you with all the tools you need to dominate the college admissions process.

IvySelect is one of the best college counseling firms in the world. We are a boutique admissions consultancy specializing in helping high-achieving students seeking admission to Ivy League universities and other top-tier colleges in the U.S, U.K. and Canada.

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COMMENTS

35 Best College Admissions Consultants 2024
Created on August 1, 2023. Updated: November 15, 2023. Top 5. 1 Accepted. 2 Admissionado. 3 Admit Advantage. 4 American College Admissions Consultants. 5 Anna Ivey Consulting. The best admissions consultant programs offer practical tools that assist students in choosing the right career path.
One-on-One Consulting Services & Pricing
EA/ED strategy, intended major selection, and more. Support on waitlists, letters of continued interest, admissions decisions, financial aid & appeals, and more. $4,500. "I was really amazed by how transformative the process was. How my son's personal essay evolved, and the finished product really reflected him.
College Essay Guy
College Essay Guy - Personal statement and college essay tips, guides, resources, consulting, and webinars for students, parents and counselors. ... College Essay Guy believes that every student should have access to the tools and guidance necessary to create the best application possible. That's why we're a one-for-one company, which means ...
Best College Admissions Consultants of 2024
8. Varsity Tutors: Best Consultant for Ivy League Admissions. OVERALL RATING:★★★★★. Started in 2001 by a group of Ivy League students, Varsity Tutors is one of the most successful college admissions consultant firms around. Part of this success has a lot to do with the high-achievers they hire as consultants.
College Admissions Essay Consultants and Advisors
Our college essay consulting services encompass a wide range of offerings tailored to meet every student's needs, including best practices for choosing essay topics, brainstorming and ideation sessions, hands-on revisions and editing, and more. With our detailed essay coaching here at H&C, students receive comprehensive support — our ...
Top College Admissions Consultants
Providing brainstorming, guidance, and feedback during the entire college application and college essay process; Determining an early application strategy; ... Spark Admissions is the nation's best college admissions consulting firm because we live and breathe admissions. We have a true passion for helping students recognize and realize their ...
14 Best College Essay Services for 2024 (40 Services Reviewed)
#3 - The College Essay Guy. Our Verdict — Best for Unlimited Essay Assistance Price: $4900 for application to 3 schools, $8050 for application for 10 schools We're fans of Ethan Sawyer, the original "college essay guy"— his book, College Essay Essentials, is a great guide to the essay-writing process.Ethan doesn't work directly with many students these days, but he now has a team ...
College Essay Review
Receive comprehensive edits and comments from top-rated Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours. 100% satisfaction guarantee. EDIT MY ESSAY. 10,000+ essays reviewed. 4.9/5. ... The college essay is one of the most critical parts of your application. It goes beyond your grades and test scores to give schools a sense of your personality ...
College Essay Advisors
with expert help from College Essay Advisors. ... Our Top Resources. 2024-25 Common Application Essay Prompts: A Guide. We dissect every last prompt! 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompts: The Guides. We break down prompts from schools across the nation. YouTube Videos and Tutorials.
Essay Coaching and Review
By working one-on-one with one of our expert Admissions Consultants, students build their profiles and develop their unique story resulting in a standout application. Experienced in every stage of the admissions process. Proven track record of student acceptances to their dream schools. Skilled storytellers and essay coaches.
College Essay Consulting
Step 1: Brainstorming. Understand 7 qualities of a successful college essay. Multi-step brainstorming process. Work through 6 tips for choosing a winning topic. Step 2: Outlining. 5 ways to structure your college essay & identifying the best one for you. Outlining best practices. Step 3: Drafting & Revising. Multiple revisions and comprehensive ...
One-on-One College Essay and Admissions Coaching
Get Reviewed by Experts. Your coach won't be the only one reviewing your work. We have a team of specialists and former admission officers who will evaluate your essay writing throughout the process. Schedule a Call. 1,200+. Students accepted to one of their top-choice colleges after working with us. 9.8/10.
College Admissions Consulting
12th Grade/Rising Seniors. Maximize your chances at admission into your top choice schools. PrepScholar's expert advisors will guide you through the entire admissions process to get accepted at the most competitive colleges. Full Support With Up To 7-20 Applications. Weekly 1-on-1 Meetings. Application Narrative Strategy.
Best College Admissions Consultants (2024)
Following the reviews section, we'll go over whether hiring a college admissions consultant might be worth it for your student before covering evaluation criteria. 1. Admissionado College Admissions Consultants. Admissionado is our overall top-ranked college admissions consultant for the 2023-2024 school year.
Private College Counselors & Admissions Consultants
fill out our complimentary consultation form and we'll be in touch. Get Started. Fill out our short form for a 20-minute consultation to learn about Ivy Coach's services. The premier college counselor and Ivy League admissions expert, Ivy Coach's consulting services help students earn admission to top universities.
College Essay Advisors : The #1 College Essay Consulting Service
College Essay Advisors (CEA) can help you craft the compelling college admissions essay you need to win over the admissions board. In the context of an ever more competitive college application pool, a student's common application and supplementary essays can make the difference between leaving a lasting impression, or getting lost in a pile of similarly qualified applicants.
College Admissions Counseling
That's why Empowerly's team of experienced college admissions counselors use proprietary data and genuine connection with applicants to give personalized college application counseling that gets results: 98% of Empowerly Students with a 3.6 GPA or higher get into a top 50 U.S. college. Our #1 goal is to help students gain access to their ...
Best College Admissions Consultants
Class of 2023. Representing 36 states, 11 countries, and 126 different high schools, the College Transitions Class of 2023 was our largest, most diverse, and most accomplished yet. With support from our team of counselors, CT students earned admission offers from more than 200 colleges and universities. We have included a sampling of our most ...
Ivy League Consulting
IvySelect's college consultants will guide you in building your best case for admission to your dream schools through our proprietary strategic planning. Likewise, our full range of college consulting services, including college essay help and application assistance, offer our clients the world-class guidance they need to separate themselves ...
14 College Essay Examples From Top-25 Universities (2024-2025)
College essay example #6. This student was admitted to UC Berkeley. (Suggested reading: How to Get Into UC Berkeley and How to Write Great UC Essays) The phenomenon of interdependency, man depending on man for survival, has shaped centuries of human civilization.
35+ Best College Essay Tips from College Application Experts
Use your essays to empower your chances of acceptance, merit money, and scholarships.". This college essay tip is by Dr. Rebecca Joseph, professor at California State University and founder of All College Application Essays, develops tools for making the college essay process faster and easier. 15. Get personal.
The 10 Best College Application Consultants Near Me
In high demand. 88 hires on Thumbtack. Online now. Anju D. says, "He also helped with reviewing her college application and gave great feedback." See more. $300/hour. estimated price. View profile. 4.
What Is a College Consultant, and How Do They Help?
Reviewing Application Essays: ... College consultants can recommend test preparation resources and strategies to help students achieve their best scores. College Consultants vs. High School ...
College Admissions Counselor: Factors to Consider ...
The best college essay consultants have years of experience helping students write their essays. College List Development: What Colleges Should I Apply To? Because creating a college list can be overwhelming or feel a bit maze-like for some students, good counselors work with students collaboratively to better guide the process of developing a ...

35 Best College Admissions Con­sul­tants 2024 Best College Admissions Consulting Services

Created on August 1, 2023 Updated: August 27, 2024

Who is Using College Admissions Consultants?

Accepted Professional Admissions Consulting Firm

Admissionado College Admissions Consulting Firm

Admit Advantage College Admission Consulting

American College Admissions Consultants College Admission Consulting

Anna Ivey Consulting College Admissions Consulting Firm

Barrier Breakers Admissions Advisings

Bright Horizons College Coach College Admissions Consulting

C2 Education College Admissions Consulting

College Wise A Different Kind of College Application Experience

College Zoom Helping Students Get Into Dream Colleges

Command Education College Consulting Services

Crimson Education College Admissions Consulting

DC College Counseling College Admissions Consulting

Elite Advantage Prep College Admissions Consultants

Empowerly College Admissions Consulting

Flex College Prep College Admissions Consulting Firm

HS2 Academy College Admissions Consulting Firm

Ilumin Education College Admission Consulting

InGenius Prep College Admissions Consulting Firm

Ivy Coach Admissions Counselors for Elite College Admissions

Ivy Wise Educational Consulting Company

Marks Education Academic Counseling and Test Prep Tutoring Services

Menlo Coaching College Admissions Consulting

Midwest College Consulting College Admissions Coaches

Prep Expert Expert College Admissions Consulting for Students and Families

Prepory College Admissions Consultants

PrepScholar Best College Admissions Consultants

Princeton Review Best College Admissions Consultants

Quad Education College Admission Consulting

Shemmassian Academic Consulting College Admissions Advising

Solomon Admissions Consulting Best College Admissions Consultants

Spark Admissions Top College Admissions Consultants

Testive by A-List Education Experienced College Admissions Consultants

Top Tier Admissions Best College Admissions Consultants

Varsity Tutors Admissions Consulting

What is a College Admissions Consultant?

What Makes a College Admissions Consultant Worth It?

How Can a College Admissions Consultant Help Me?

What are the Advantages of Hiring College Admissions Counseling Services?

What are the Types of College Admissions Consultants?

Independent College Admissions Consultants

Small Firms

Large Education Consulting Firms

What are the Services Offered by the Best College Admissions Consultants?

College Selection

Application Strategy

College Essay Coaching

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Exam Preparation

Interview Preparation

Career Planning and Major Selection

Who Can Benefit from a College Admissions Consultant?

First-Generation College Students

Student-Athletes

International Students

Students with Learning Differences

What Should You Look for When Hiring a College Admissions Coach?

How Much Do College Admissions Consulting Services Cost?

What are the Typical Pricing Structures for College Admissions Consultants?

When Should You Start to Work with a College Admissions Consultant?

Is a College Admissions Consultant Worth It?

What If I Can’t Afford a College Admissions Consultant?

Why Do Parents and Students Choose to Pay for a College Admissions Counseling Service?

Professional Organizations for College Admissions Consultants

A Guide To Taking A Gap Year

What are the Types of College Admissions Consultants?

Small Firms

Application Strategy

What Should You Look for When Hiring a College Admissions Coach?

Professional Organizations for College Admissions Consultants

Is taking some time off before college right for you?

Best College Admissions Consultants of 2024

Top College Admissions Consultants & Exclusive Discounts

1. Admissionado: Best College Admissions Consultants

Admissionado Featured Consultants:

Admissionado Staff Admissions Experience:

2. Prep Expert: Top College Admissions Consultants

35 Best College Admissions Consultants 2024 Best College Admissions Consulting Services