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.
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Best College Admissions Consultants Reviews & Exclusive Discounts
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?
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
- MIT
- University of Pennsylvania
- Columbia University
- Brown University
- Cornell
- Princeton
- The UC System
- +More
2. Prep Expert: Top College Admissions Consultants
OVERALL RATING:
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 7th 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
- MIT
- Columbia
- Johns Hopkins.
- + more
3. Princeton Review College Admissions Consultants
OVERALL RATING:
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
4. Accepted: Top College Admissions Counselors
OVERALL RATING:
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
- + more
5. A-List Education: College Admissions Consulting Services
OVERALL RATING:
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
OVERALL RATING:
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
- Harvard University
7. College Coach: Admissions Counselors
OVERALL RATING:
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:
- Yale University
- Northwestern University
- Reed College
- Swarthmore College
- Babson College
- Goucher College
- + more
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. 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
- Yale University
- Brown University
- MIT
- Smith College
- UC – Berkeley
- Duke University
- + moreVarsity Tutors
9. PrepScholar: College Admissions Consultants
OVERALL RATING:
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:
- N/A
10. Elite Advantage Prep: College Admission Consulting Firm
OVERALL RATING:
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
Elite Advantage Prep Admissions Experience:
- Georgetown University
- Harvard 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 best 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.
Experience
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, the best college admissions consultants 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
Top College Admission Consultants of 2023
| Best College Admissions Consultants | Course Feature | Comprehensive Package Price |
| 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.
