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The Best College Application Essays Tutoring Online

Find the best college application essays tutor.

Writing Mentor specializing in College Application Essays

A professional writing mentor, I have worked chiefly with university applicants since 2013; full time the last 5 years. Essay Mentor for Fulbright Commission, 2015-2020, working with extremely promising applicants to help them in applying... See Jonathan's full profile

Jonathan helped our daughter prepare essays for almost 20 schools. He worked with her weekly over several months to generate strategies for how to approach each application (e.g., which supplemental essays to choose if there is a... read the full review - Nahid , 92 lessons with Jonathan

College Application Essay Writing

I have assisted many students with their college application essay writing. For those who may be struggling to write effective, engaging personal essays for their college applications , I am here to help. I'll make sure... See Laura's full profile

My daughter needed help with her college essay and the application was due in the next few hours. Laura replied to us within a very short period of time and agreed to help her with her essay. She was very knowledgeable and patient... read the full review - Havva

3+ yrs experience helping students find/get into their dream schools

This is especially relevant for college applications , because admissions offices look for essays that are irreplaceable and hard to forget. Each year, they read scores of essays from impressive applicants with impressive... See Henrik's full profile

My son was struggling with trying to organize and write his paper for his Brit. Lit. English class. We feel so fortunate to have found Henrik through the Wyzant app. Henrik was always very responsive when communicating with me thr... read the full review - Allison , 2 lessons with Henrik

Proofreading, Editing, Revisions, Feedback — 4400+ Hours on Wyzant

I’ve also worked with young professionals and retirees looking to improve their writing skills. I’ve proofread work correspondence, personal statements, cover letters, college application essays (undergraduate, graduate, law school,... See Ben's full profile

Ben has been an amazing college essay help throughout my whole process so far. He is always there to respond to any messages I send, and he even has quick responses to any of my questions. His work ethic is one of the best I have ... read the full review - Rita , 48 lessons with Ben

Highly Experienced College Application & Essay Tutor

I have been counseling students on their college applications, essays , and overall search for 4 years with a focus on the student's needs and their intended career plans. I focus on the development and writing of the student's... See Jaclyn's full profile

Columbia Grad for English Help

As a Columbia University alum and published writer with articles in U.S. News, I can help with just about any English needs. I've helped countless students with academic writing, college application essays , literature reviews, reading... See Jeremy's full profile

How to break down test questions in order to choose the correct answer! Jeremy is very good at walking you through not only the test question, but going through each answer choice to find the most appropriate answer!... read the full review - Deanna , 12 lessons with Jeremy

College Application Essays

Many of my SAT students also ask for my help with college applications . We work on the many essays that are required, and I am skilled in drawing students out through careful questioning that we then turn into solid essay ... See Elizabeth's full profile

Ms. B is a master at literature and linguistics, and she knows precisely what strategies to teach in order to make taking tests far easier. Furthermore, unlike many other tutors, she is able to make sessions fun and something to l... read the full review - Michael , 6 lessons with Elizabeth

College Admissions Essay , College Application Essays Expert

...Statement of Purpose, Supplemental Essays , UC PIQs)! Whatever you call them, I can help you through the college essay process. Together, we’ll create college application essays or college admissions essays that work! Not only that, but we will do it ... See Kenneth's full profile

Kenneth helped me with my essays for a program which I am applying to. He helped me make my essays not only more personal, but a more accurate depiction of who I am. He helped me add many topics to my original essays, and take out... read the full review - Trevor , 2 lessons with Kenneth

The College Lad - Leading SoCal Writing Coach & Test Expert

A huge part of this success is that my students end up with top-notch application essays . My own writing has been published in over a dozen publications and my years of experience writing web copy have taught me how to apply that punchy... See Nick's full profile

Essays Made Effective

I have helped dozens of students with college application essays . I help them generate ideas and ensure that the application is tailored to the college of their choosing. As a freelance writer, I teach creative ways to introduce a topic and... See Barrie-John's full profile

Experienced Editor Specializing in College Application Essays

Your college essays are your opportunity to dazzle the admissions committee with your unique perspective and singular voice. I've served as an application reader for an Ivy League university, and as an editor at a nationally renowned... See Mimi's full profile

Mimi worked with our senior high school student to brainstorm, develop and edit their common app essay for college admission. Our teen describes Mimi as warm, kind, supportive and enormously helpful. From a parents' perspective, M... read the full review - Elise , 7 lessons with Mimi

Effective Writing/Editing Tutor; College Essay Tutor & Counselor

These comprehensive services are individualized to the needs, interests, and requests of each client-student. ESSAY WRITING I help students with essays for college applications and for academic papers. My role is to guide... See Helene's full profile

Helene has been assisting my son with his essays and she has been an amazing help. She is part counselor, part editor, and part cheerleader. She is able to help him clarify his ideas and express them clearly in his voice, not hers... read the full review - Linda , 12 lessons with Helene

High-level College Application Essay Coach

My 13 years in college admissions at two selective institutions with holistic approaches to admissions means I know the expectations that admission committees have for the application essays . This specialized insight informs my... See Marianne's full profile

Marianne is a wonderful tutor. I can tell that she is quite experienced with AP Literature and its curriculum and she was able to help improve my writing more compared to other English tutors. Marianne would often guide me to deep... read the full review - Molly , 5 lessons with Marianne

Award-winning Harvard Grad / College Essay and Application Consultant

Throughout my tutoring career, I have helped numerous clients refine and polish academic papers, college essays , and applications. Whether you need assistance with your writing style, grammar, vocabulary, or paper structure, I can use my... See Teagan's full profile

Teagan has been helping my daughter with her college essays and counseling and has been exceptional! He has been patient, always positive and brings out the best in her. He clearly understands what various colleges need and guides... read the full review - Varadan , 8 lessons with Teagan

Get Help with Essays and Research Papers by Former Professor

Lauren, an academic writing and research coach. I work primarily with college and graduate students to conquer your writing and research projects, from short essays to dissertations and grant applications (and everything in between). I hold... See Dr. Lauren's full profile

Dr. Lauren J. is an amazing tutor who helped me to clarify my main points in my statement of purpose for my many graduate school applications. She was often available and made time to help me throughout the application process. I ... read the full review - Allison , 9 lessons with Dr. Lauren

Experienced Admissions Professional

As a former Admissions Professional for Cornell University, I have read countless undergraduate college applications and understand what makes a compelling essay . See Lindsay's full profile

College Application Essay Editor

When they were accepted, the admissions officers commented on the excellence of their essays . I have helped dozens of students with their college applications , shepherding them through all stages of this complicated process. From... See Cornelia's full profile

Wonderful! Can't say enough positive things about her. Very helpful, understanding, and had working. She knows what she's talking about, and is all about helping her students. So happy I found her. She will be the reason I pas... read the full review - Susan , 14 lessons with Cornelia

Boston College/ Harvard SAT/ACT/ISEE/SSAT/College App Success

I have taught English in every grade from sixth to twelfth, finding the best parts of each of those grades. My twelfth grade classes were grounded in SAT Preparation and College Application Essay writing. My tenth grade classes had to be... See Barbara's full profile

Barbara is helping with college essay and supplemental writing. She is knowledgeable and executes. She helped with strategy for applications as well as themes and process. ... read the full review - Laura , 3 lessons with Barbara

College App Essay Tutor

...skills and articulate who they want to be with more impact and confidence. I offer support at all stages of the college application essay writing process: brainstorming, outlining, and editing.... See Hassan's full profile

Hassan has a great fund of knowledge and is clear in explaining and patient. He is one of the best tutors I have ever had. He pays attention to the assignment and communicates effectively.... read the full review - Mary , 13 lessons with Hassan

Experienced College Application & Essay Writing Tutor

I’ve taught College Writing Workshops and tutored individuals through the college application process for the last 7 years. I have extensive experience supporting students through all phases of the college application/essay ... See Christine's full profile

Harvard/Yale Admit w/ 5 Years of College Application / Essay Consulting

Since my own college admissions cycle, I have guided high school students through the entire college admissions process. From crafting personal statements to building school lists to editing school specific essays to interview prep to... See Derek's full profile

30+ years teaching, advising students, editing applications and essays

I have both helped students look at and pick colleges as well as helped edit college applications/essays /personal statement. I have also helped students with scholarship applications/ essays as well. Students that I... See Ken's full profile

Ken has been invaluable to my son grasping the nuances of AP Macroeconomics. He is very personable, knowledgeable, and approachable. My son truly enjoys his sessions and feels more confident in class after meeting with Ken. Ken... read the full review - Toni , 20 lessons with Ken

High School Teacher and College Instructor

As a high school teacher who has worked with students from grades 9-12, I have had many students come to me for help about their future goals. I have helped them refine essays and look at being well-rounded so as to be more noticeable by... See Julie's full profile

If you are looking for a tutor, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t give Julie an opportunity to connect with you. From the very start, you will see Julie’s high level of organization, planning, and flexibility whi... read the full review - Dan , 7 lessons with Julie

Writing, College Search Consulting, Essay Advising

I work with students on college applications, essays , financial aid, and, above all, organization and a strategic game plan. For the past few years I've been a college consultant with a small independent company in Morris County, and,... See Stephen's full profile

Steven is an excellent teacher. He is patient, tactful, and creative in his approach to both, a student, and a parent. Steven helped our son with college essays - main essay for college app, as well as supplementary questions for ... read the full review - Ella , 7 lessons with Stephen

Patient, Friendly, and Effective!

I can help with math, English and test prep. I also love writing and can edit or conference about essays , research papers, and college application essays . In addition to subject specific tutoring, I offer support for distance... See Julia Rose's full profile

My daughter loves Julia! She relates to her on a level that is fun and knowledgeable and completely gets teens. My daughter (16 1/2) was very resistant to a tutor and after the first meeting, she really looks forward to seeing h... read the full review - Martha , 14 lessons with Julia Rose

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College Admissions Consulting

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We know the ins and outs of the admissions process. PrepScholar’s expert admissions consultants leverage proven strategies and extensive experience that have served thousands of our students to get into their top choice schools.

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.

Our students are 6.1x more likely to get admitted to Top 10 schools compared to the national average.

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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.

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The factors that make you stand out during the admissions process happen 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.

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The PrepScholar Way

• Building a Spike
• A Single Cohesive Story
• Understanding You
• Family Expectations

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.

How do we do it?

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.

Nicole Luisi

Dr. Katelynn Carver

Jennifer Liepin

Brandon Mack

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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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Welcome and thank you for visiting!

My name is Maureen C. Scudder, and I am an independent college counselor specializing in college essay advising. From strategy to submission, I help students get accepted into their dream schools.

I work with undergraduate and graduate applicants on their written materials, including personal statements, activities lists, resumes, supplemental essays, and all other communication sent to colleges. Throughout the application process, I help clients feel at ease, stay on track, and develop their writing skills.

My superpower is showing clients how to write their very best application essays, but my college counseling services extend beyond writing instruction and editing. Free with all essay packages, I provide the following services:

school list development 

school mission matching

application planning calendar

demonstrated interest & campus visits consults 

SAT/ACT analysis & tutoring

majors/minors advisement

honors colleges & signature programs evaluation

career coaching

interview prep

In addition to this independent venture, I work as a master writing advisor with MedSchoolCoach © based in Boston, helping med school applicants get into med school and match for residencies. I am a member of the professional organizations  Higher Education Consultants Association and New England Association for College Admission Counseling  as well as communities on the cutting edge of the ever-changing admissions landscape.

During my 30-year career in education, I  have taught high school English, directed a university writing center, worked as a boarding school dorm parent, and served as a school communications and marketing director.  Today, in addition to being an independent college counselor, I am an adjunct professor of English and Communications, freelance writer, and educational consultant.

I earned my B.A. in English, M.A. in Africana Studies, and a second M.A. in English. I'm certified to teach English, social studies, and ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages). I have taught in public and private schools both at home in Connecticut and abroad in Asia and Africa. My clients have gone on to colleges and universities such as Amherst, BU, Columbia,  Cornell, Emory, Fordham, Georgia Tech, Howard, Northeastern, Notre Dame, Penn State, Skidmore, UVA, UMich, and many more.

Do you want your college application to showcase your best self? Do you want your essays and activities descriptions to cut through the crowd? Do you want an experienced writing instructor and expert editor with decades in the field as your sounding board? Most important, do you want a writing coach who will personalize the college application process, keep you on schedule, while teaching you how to become a better writer?

Then explore my site and  contact me today to schedule a consult.

Find my college essay writing tips here and what my clients say here .

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to find the best college admissions counselors.

College Admissions

You may have heard of admissions consultants from your teachers, high school counselors, friends, or family. Or you may have done a web search on college admissions and noticed several results that included links to consultants, making you wonder…

What are college admissions consultants? These are professionals, usually from the education field, who work with you to help you achieve your college admissions goals. Whether you have Ivy League dreams, are interested in a major university, or want to stick close to home at a small college, college admissions consultants cater their assistance to your unique needs.

An admissions consultant will work with you one-on-one, taking every factor of your high school career into account, and guide you through the process of applying to college. They will look at your standardized test scores, your GPA, the number of advanced classes you’ve taken, your leadership, community service, and club participation – virtually everything that plays a part in your application process.

Even if you feel comfortable filling out a college application, writing essays, and securing teacher recommendations, you can still benefit from working with an admissions consultant. The best college admissions consultants will help you make your application shine, and they can be the difference between an average application and a truly outstanding one!

That’s important when you consider the number of applications each school gets every year. There is some stiff competition out there, and making yourself stand out from the crowd is something admissions consultants can help with. At a time when you are making big decisions about your future, they can also give you peace of mind and alleviate some of that stress.

What Are the Different Types of Admissions Consultants?

You’ll notice that there are a lot of companies and websites out there advertising these services. It’s important to know what your options are when it comes to hiring someone to help you with this process.

College admissions consultants g enerally have experience as former admissions officers, educators, or counselors. They may have a wide range of backgrounds, and their qualifications can vary depending on their experience. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each to help get a better understanding of the resources available to you.

A Former Admissions Officer

It makes sense that if someone has worked in the admissions office of a university, they would know all about the process. Admissions officers are employed by a college or university, and one of their jobs is to read through every application to determine who will be accepted.

That real-life experience working in admissions is a huge bonus for the consultant, and for you. After working through thousands of applications, they can show you how to create one that catches the eye of an admissions officer and moves you to the yes pile. They can suggest ways to frame your application and prioritize your involvement in extracurricular activities. They can tell you what topics to avoid when writing college essays because they know exactly what too many kids write about.

On the other hand, if they’ve only worked at one school, their expertise is there, not at every other school in the nation. They may be biased based on what they have learned from their limited experience, and what works at that school may not work at all at another school. So if you choose someone with an admissions office background, be sure to find out if they’ve had more than one experience.

A Private Consultant With a Track Record

Most admissions consultants come from the field of education, but many do not have experience in an admissions office. Instead, their experience comes from the knowledge they’ve gained from years of teaching, for example, or from the knowledge gained in earning education degrees. 

Let’s say your consultant is a former senior English teacher. She spent 20 years teaching students how to write strong essays. Every year, she worked with her seniors on their college admission essays. She’s written hundreds of letters of recommendation. She’s taught her students how to create resumes to help them with their college applications. And she’s even helped kids narrow down their choice of major by assigning a career-based senior project.

There’s a lot of value in working with someone like her. She’s built her credibility, and once you’ve hired her, she has a vested interest in your success. Since she will work with you individually, she can give you a lot more time and attention than, say, your high school counselor, who is trying to help thousands of students.

Keep in mind that even with all these skills, she does not have direct experience in a college admissions office. She may also believe, based on her experience, that there is one best way to apply, when there are actually many ways to find success. And while she may know a lot, she’s never worked as a counselor, so she may not have all the skills of someone with direct career and admissions counseling experience.

Cost is also a consideration. Both the former admissions officer and the teacher or other educational professional are likely to be pricy. According to US News & World Report , consulting fees generally start at about $200 an hour and your final price can go as high as $10,000 or more, depending on how many services you need.

A High School Counselor

Chances are good that your high school counselors have the best intentions when it comes to your success. Counselors are a font of wisdom when it comes to college admissions, and it is a significant part of their job to stay up-to-date with changes. They are the first to be notified when deadlines or requirements change, and many have direct connections to admissions officers as they get to know them over the years.

Your counselors help thousands of students graduate and get to college every year , and they are dedicated educators who want you – and the school overall – to be successful. They also have the full picture of who you are. Your file is literally right there at their fingertips and contains everything about your high school career. This gives them an incredibly well-rounded picture of you which in many ways may be more accurate than one formed by a teacher or a coach.

However, high school counselors are also notoriously overworked . Edweek reports that the number of students per school counselor in U.S. schools is 408. Given that the recommendation is 250, counselors have way more students than they should. They also have a lot of different job responsibilities that do not allow much time to sit down with students one-on-one. And sometimes, when juggling a lot of students, applications get lost in the shuffle, with deadlines missed and opportunities lost.

A College Student From a Top School

“You’re applying to Princeton? My brother goes there! You should talk to him.”

It happens all the time. Someone knows someone who goes to your dream school. They tell you that if you want to get in, you should talk to that person, who has the inside scoop on how to apply.

It’s always a good idea to talk to anyone familiar with a specific school . They can offer a different perspective and share their own experience, and you can learn from that. A current or recently graduated student from Princeton, for example, just went through the admissions process and has real-life experience with it. Obviously, what they know played a part in getting them in, so why not see what they can add to the conversation?

Keep in mind, though, that they only have their own personal experience, and it might be quite different from your own. What worked for them might not translate to working for you. And since they don’t know the inner workings of the admissions office, and they are not counselors, their knowledge and experience is limited.

When Should I Start Working With an Admissions Consultant?

It’s a popular belief that admissions consultants step in when it’s time to start applying for colleges. For most students, this will start the summer before senior year, with a big press before fall deadlines. Some students will continue to apply throughout their senior year, especially to schools with rolling admissions or no set deadlines.

Most won’t realize that they need help until they narrow down their college choices and begin the application process. In actuality, those same students might have benefited from consultants much earlier in their high school careers. What about you? Let’s look at when you should start working with a college admissions consultant.

How Consultants Can Help You Early in High School

Think about it: college applications don’t just cover your last year or two of high school. They encompass everything you’ve done from the moment you became a freshman. Extracurricular activities, club participation, leadership, community service, honors and AP courses, and your cumulative GPA are all considered when you apply to college. You build up those areas during all four years of high school, so it makes sense that a consultant can help you as early as your freshman year.

First, college admissions consultants can help you determine a career path, then help you set yourself up for success . They do this by administering career interest inventories or just getting to know you and asking about your goals. From the minute you share your dreams with them, your consultant will work on a plan to help you reach them.

They will advise you when you are choosing classes for the next semester or year. They might encourage you to challenge yourself with an honors-level course, or they may point out that a public speaking class will help you prepare for a degree in politics. If you enjoy writing but are unsure of a career, they might encourage you to join the school newspaper staff and explore the world of journalism. If you’re in a club, they will remind you that leadership skills go a long way in life and that you should run for office. Or, they may see a gap in your resume – lack of community service, for example – and prompt you to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.

And let’s not forget that SAT and ACT scores play a big part in college admissions. For many students, this isn’t a one-shot deal. Rather, they take a PSAT each year, then at least one SAT in their junior and sometimes senior years. Consultants can study your very first PSAT report and begin helping you improve your score, so by the time you take the SAT, you’ve already prepared in every way possible. Not happy with those scores? An admissions consultant will work with your individual strengths and weaknesses to help get you to your goal score.

In short, admissions consultants can help you lay the foundation for a truly well-rounded high school experience. That will translate into a truly well-rounded resume, so when college application time rolls around, you’ll be ready to present your best self.

How Consultants Can Help You Later in High School

Even with all these advantages, most students wait until later in high school to seek out an admissions consultant. At this stage, the consultant will focus on helping you achieve your college admission goals, just over a shorter amount of time.

Are your SAT scores too low for the college of your choice? A consultant can do an in-depth study of your score report, then design an SAT prep course to target your needs. Since the tutoring is one-on-one, it’s intensive and directed solely on you and what you need to succeed. For this reason, consultants can help you raise your score significantly, even if you only have a few months before the next exam is offered.

They will also work with you from start to finish on the application process. This includes helping you recognize and highlight your strengths and putting them into words that really showcase your accomplishments. Instead of describing your job as, “I mowed grass in my neighborhood,” they’ll teach you to say, “I started my own lawn business and worked to grow my client base 50 percent in three years.” Get the picture?

Those skills will benefit you in many other ways. College admissions consultants will advise you on essay topics and structure. They will help you get organized and meet all your application deadlines. They will alleviate stress by guiding you through the process. Basically, they will coach you and partner with you, lending a hand wherever it is needed.

Which Type of Consultant Is Best for You?

There are a lot of people out there who call themselves admissions consultants, so it’s important to do your research, ask questions, and meet with a potential consultant before making a decision. Your parents likely will be paying for this service, and you will be relying on this person to help you with major decisions, so it is worth taking the time to make this decision as well.

First, do your research. Exactly what is this person’s background? There are several ways you can delve into this. Ask if they belong to a reputable association that does background checks and invites only qualified members, like Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) or National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). This is an indication that they are true professional consultants who have up to date, current information to share with you.

If you are considering a former teacher or someone who worked in an admissions office, they will bring invaluable experience to the process. Make sure to ask who they’ve helped, how they’ve worked with students, and what their success rate has been, whether it’s raising SAT scores, getting their clients into Ivy League schools, or helping struggling students get organized . They should be able to answer all these questions, and if they can’t, it’s a sign that you might need to look for someone else.

Second, have they helped students like you? Some of the best relationships come from referrals. If a friend or sibling has worked with this consultant and enjoyed success, you are likely to value their opinion, and you should! Be sure to ask that person about his or her experience with the consultant. Then ask yourself if you would work well with that same type of consultant.

And while you’re asking yourself questions, don’t forget this one: What can this consultant do for me that I can’t do for myself? If you are going to invest time and money into working with a professional, you should know exactly what it is you need and want from them. It’s never a good idea to hire someone just because everyone else is. You should take time to pinpoint areas where you need assistance, as this will help both you and the consultant make the most of your time together. Remember that there is no best college admissions consultant for everyone because everyone has different needs.

This will also help you determine the answer to your next question: Do the benefits of an admissions counselor outweigh the costs? Once you have met with the person you think you want to work with, ask yourself what they can do for you and consider that against the cost. If you feel they will make a substantial difference in helping you reach your goals, it’s definitely worth considering. A short-term investment can pay off in long-term rewards. If you feel you could achieve the same results with a little more personal effort, you might choose that path instead. Truly, only you (with help from your parents) can determine if college admissions consulting is right for you.

One last thought. Don’t forget that parents, family members, and friends can offer advice and likely will, whether you want them to or not. They are personally invested in your success and oftentimes know you better than anyone, so it’s important to at least consider what they share with you. Admissions consultants offer something different: They are objective, they have current information, and they are professionals in the field. Ideally, you can learn something of value from all of these resources.

Prep Scholar offers college admissions consulting and is the extra support you might be looking for. You can get a free consultation to learn about the services that could help you get into the school of your dreams.

Rebecca has a doctorate in Educational Leadership and taught high school English for over 20 years. Her students consistently earned top scores on the SAT and ACT, AP Language and AP Literature exams. She worked one-on-one with students through her own tutoring and educational coaching business and believes that individualized attention and personal connection are the keys to success. Rebecca is the author of the parenting book Teenagers 101: What a Top Teacher Wishes You Knew About Helping Your Kids Succeed, which provides tips for parents on how to help their kids reach their full potential. As a content writer for Prep Scholar, she hopes to help guide students and parents through high school and make the transition into adulthood as stress-free – and informed – as possible.

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Best College Admissions Consultants

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Getting into college is no small task, especially if you are aiming for a top tier college or university. More and more people are attending college, and with more students, comes more competition.

A college admissions consultant can help students navigate the difficult process of applying and getting into the best colleges in the United States.

Getting a good SAT or ACT score is important, but it is no longer the only metric used by colleges and universities. These schools are now considering many different factors including GPA, test scores, community service, extracurriculars, courses taken in high school, and the student’s application.

There are so many different options available to students who are looking for a college admissions consultant. Use our reviews of the best college admissions consultants to find the best choice for you.

Best College Admissions Consultant Reviews (2023)

Our picks for best college admissions consultants.

• Most Personalized  –  Prep Expert
• Most Affordable Options  –  Princeton Review

Most Personalized: Prep Expert

TG Recommended

• Students looking for a highly personalized option
• Parents looking to stay involved throughout the whole process
• Experience of admissions director Akbar Rahel

Not Recommended For

• Someone looking for a cheap option

Key Decision Making Factors

Middle of the pack in terms of pricing. Around $250/hour for each of their packages.

4 different options to choose from. One of those is a completely custom package.

Other Features

Experience of admissions director Akbar Rahel is really nice.

Pros and Cons

• Highly customizable
• Experience of Akbar Rahel
• Involvement of parents throughout the process
• Can become expensive

What to Expect – Hands on Walkthrough

Prep Expert is one of the top providers when it comes to ACT and SAT prep – it is no surprise that they also have an incredible admissions consulting program.

For starters, Prep Expert offers the most personalized college admissions packages out there. Students will have the opportunity to sit down, one-on-one, with their admissions consultant and devise the best plan to get into their desired schools.

Not only does Prep Expert offer the most personalized college admissions packages, but they are also very affordable. Prep Expert ends up costing around $250/hour for each of their packages.

The admissions consulting industry is not a cheap industry. This price point puts them in the middle of the pack in terms of cost per hour – a great deal for the amount of personalized attention the student will be receiving.

Prep Expert ensures that parents are kept in the loop throughout the whole process. Parents will be updated on what the admissions consultant and the student are working on. Parents are heavily involved at the beginning of the process.

Students will have the ability to work on whatever they choose with their college admissions consultant but some of the most common services offered include:

• Planning  – Students can plan out their high school schedules, summer programs, test dates, and extracurricular activities.
• School Selection  – Create a list of colleges and universities that best fit your needs.
• Application Strategy  – Craft the best possible application. Stand out from other applications.
• Test Prep  – Students will receive a FREE self-paced ACT or SAT prep course as part of the Prep Expert admissions consulting packages. Prep Experts  ACT prep course  and  SAT prep course  are legit. They were our #1 choice in both categories.
• Essay Help  – Ensure your essays are of the best quality. Students who use Prep Expert will go through 10+ revisions most of the time.
• Anything Else  – If there is something else you want to cover, Prep Expert will ensure you have the resources you need. Things like waitlist letters, interview prep, and letters of recommendations are some examples.

One of the best features of Prep Expert and their admissions consulting programs is their admissions director, Akbar Rahel.

Akbar has a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts from California Berkeley. Akbar has 22 years of college admissions consulting experience, 15 years of tutoring experience, 6 years of teaching experience, and has gotten his students more than $17,000,000 in merit scholarships.

Different Options

Prep Expert offers 4 different college admissions consulting packages. You can review those programs below.

Option#1: Flagship Package – $6,999

• Prep Experts most popular package.
• 25 hours of personalized admissions consulting.
• Free ACT or SAT prep course.
• Recommended for high school juniors and seniors.

Option #2: Gold Package – $9,999

• 40 hours of personalized admissions consulting.
• Recommended for high school juniors or seniors who want to spend some more time with their admissions consultant.

Option #3: Platinum Package – $13,999

• 60 hours of personalized admissions consulting.
• This package is recommended for students who are in 8th grade or beginning their freshman year in high school.

Option #4: Custom Package

• Package for families who have unique needs.
• This could include siblings, students with disabilities, and other special situations.
• Prep Expert wants to help students in different situations succeed.

Key Features

• 4 different options to choose from
• Includes everything from planning extracurriculars to choosing the right school
• Includes major discounts on ACT and SAT prep courses

Key Differences from Other College Admissions Consultants

• Work directly admissions director
• Discounts on prep courses

Why Choose Prep Expert College Admissions

• Highly personalized experience
• Experience of Akbar
• Discounts on ACT and SAT prep included
• Return to Top

Most Affordable Options: Princeton Review

• Students looking for different options based on their needs
• Students who may be earlier in the process
• Students who may need prep materials bundled with their college admissions counseling

Have some very affordable options for students looking for specific things.

7 different options to choose from. Broken down by grade you are in.

Includes things like virtual meetings, messaging with college coaches, and written essay edits.

• # of different options
• Affordable options for specific things
• Not as customizable as Prep Expert

Princeton Review offers some of the best college admissions consultants. They offer a ton of options for students looking for college admissions counseling. Some of their best options are:

Option 1: On-Demand Admissions – $799

Princeton Review recommends this option for students that are freshmen – seniors in high school. This college admissions counseling packing is completely online. Some of the features include:

• 120+ videos and articles that outline the college admissions process
• 25 direct messages with a college admissions consultant
• Written feedback on essay prompts
• Activities list and admissions planner tools
• College research and application tracker tools

Option 2: Ultimate Admissions Package – $3199

This is Princeton Review’s most popular college admissions consultant package. It is the most comprehensive and involves the most student to counselor interaction. Some features include:

• 7 meetings with college admissions counseling team
• 2-3 rounds of written edits on your personal statement
• 2 rounds of written edits on your admissions essay
• Guide you through interview process, deferrals, waitlists, and choosing your final college
• Personalized college list of 20-25 schools – customized to your interests and personality.

Option 3: College List Building – $479

Students can sign up for this program and get help in choosing the best colleges and universities for themselves. This is recommended for high school juniors who already have taken the SAT or ACT at least once. Some features include:

• One hour long virtual meeting with a college admissions counselor to discuss preferences
• A list of 20-25 schools that fit your interests and personality
• Access to interactive tools like the school tracker and activities list

Option 4: Sophomore Edge – $549

This college admissions counseling course is tailored specifically for high school sophomores. Some of the features include:

• Virtual meeting with your college admissions counselor
• Virtual meeting with your college admissions coach
• Look over your transcript and map out the best plan for courses to take in high school
• Review extracurricular activities and create a plan to include summer activities and leadership opportunities
• Create a testing plan for the ACT, SAT, and PSAT.
• 7 different options to choose from
• Options are affordable and can choose specific packages based on your needs
• Can start the process earlier with some of their programs
• Number of options offered
• Options broken down by grade in high school

Why Choose Princeton Review College Admissions

• Number of different options
• Can start the process early in high school

Prep Scholar Review

Prep Scholar

• Someone looking for unlimited counseling time
• Someone looking to not spend a lot of money

The full-service plan is expensive but you do get unlimited counseling hours.

5 different options offered. Can choose based off your needs.

The unlimited counseling time is a really nice feature we like

• Unlimited counseling time
• Interview prep
• No prep products/discounts included

Prep Scholar offers a couple of different college admissions consulting packages. Each of their packages is tailored to specific needs of students. The packages they offer are:

Option 1: Grade 9-11 Mentorship – $4895

This package is perfect for students who are freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in high school. This package is designed to help students in the years before they submit their college applications. Some of the features of this course include:

• Detailed 12-month application plan
• High school coursework planning
• GPA improvement strategy
• Customized test prep strategies for SAT and ACT
• Extracurricular management

Option 2: Complete Package – $6895

Prep Scholar’s complete college admissions consultant package. Everything you need to guide you through the whole college admissions process. Features include:

• Complete student review – getting to know you, what drives you, and what your passionate about.
• School selection strategy
• Tracking of deadlines and requirements
• Full essay service for every school
• Full application review
• Recommendation letter strategies
• Financial aid negotiation
• Final school decision

Option 3: College Essay Services – $195 or $595

Prep Scholar has two difference services they offer for students looking for assistance with their college application essays.

The first service is their essay editing service that is available for $195. This service is tailored for students who know what they want to write about but want a second set of eyes to review their style, tone, and message.

The second service is their full essay service that is available for $595. Students who choose this service will receive help from start to end and will be coached through the essay step-by-step.

Option 4: Application Review Service – $495

This service is for students who have finished their college application but want an expert to review it before they submit it.

Students will submit their common application, activities list, all short answers, and any additional supplements to a Prep Scholar college admissions consultant.

The consultant will return their evaluation and revisions for the student to review. The student will then submit their final college application with peace of mind that everything has been reviewed.

• 5 different options to choose from
• Includes everything from reviewing yourself as a student to negotiating financial aid

Why Choose Prep Scholar College Admissions

Varsity tutors review.

Varsity Tutors

• Someone looking for a complete package
• Someone looking for a dedicated financial aid specialist
• Someone looking for a lot of 1:1 time with your consultant

$4,700 for the program. Pretty solid offering with basic features within the course.

Only 1 option offered. It is a complete option though.

Includes mostly everything that the other courses include but does lack some features.

• Tailored writing exercises to improve your writing
• Application review by a whole team
• Only 1 option offered

Varsity Tutors keeps their offerings very simple – they offer 1 complete option. This option is available for $4,700 and is a complete option that includes mostly everything you will need.

First, you will fill out an information form. The point of this form is to match you with the proper college admissions counselor. Everyone is different and has different needs, so Varsity Tutors has you fill out this form so they can match you with the best potential counselor.

Once you are matched with a counselor, you will have access to things like:

• Guidance on crafting a compelling narrative
• A timeline to keep you on track
• Help selecting schools
• Writing exercises to improve writing
• Personalized essay feedback
• Mock interviews

One unique thing about Varsity Tutors is the emphasis they place on financial aid. You will work with a dedicated financial aid person to help maximize your financial aid opportunities. This specialist will also help you with completing financial aid forms and submitting documents.

• 1 comprehensive option
• Financial aid specialist
• Final application review by a whole team of experts
• A dedicated financial aid specialist

Why Choose Varsity Tutors College Admissions

• Someone looking for a complete package for a decent price

How to Choose a College Admissions Consultant

Selecting the right college admissions counselors can be the difference between getting into your top school of choice or not. There are many important factors to consider when choosing the best college admissions consultant. The most important thing is to consider your own individual needs.

What to Consider When Purchasing A College Admissions Consultant

When considering your own individual needs, it is important to be honest with yourself. Do you or your child need help with the whole college admissions process or just part of the process? Do you or your child only need assistance with the financial aid aspect of the process? These are questions you should be asking yourself before purchasing a college admissions program.

Price is going to be a factor when purchasing college admissions counseling. Most programs are not going to be cheap. You should look at this as an investment in your future. You will pay some money up front, but will reap the benefits down-the-road when you accepted into a top school.

The features within these different college admissions courses will vary. Some programs include everything, while other programs only include parts of the college admissions process. Prep Expert was one of our top choices due to the flexibility and ability to customize your program.

Other Factors to Consider

Some other factors to consider include:

• Financial aid – if this is a big part of your admissions process, you should find a program that will assist you with this.
• Essay assistance – if you need help with all of the writing that is included during the college admissions process, make sure the program you choose includes writing assistance.
• Customization – find a program that works for your specific needs. Many of these providers include a free consultation – ask questions during these consultations to see what they offer and if they are willing to adjust the program to your specific needs.

Do I Need a College Admissions Consultant?

A college admissions consultant may not be for everyone. While a college admissions consultant may make the process easier and help you get into a better school, they are certainly not necessary. Plenty of students are able to get into top school with a consultant.

Here are some alternatives to consider:

• ACT Prep – See our rankings of some ACT prep courses .
• SAT Prep – See our rankings of some SAT prep courses .

Methodology: How We Tested College Admissions Consultants

We looked at 10+ different college admissions consultants before narrowing it down to the best 4. We chose 4 providers because we did not want to overwhelm our users. Each of the 4 providers we chose (besides Varsity Tutors) has multiple different packages and offerings.

After spending time researching these providers, we gave the providers different ratings for 5 different criteria. Each of those criteria are assigned a weight which helps us arrive at a final weighted score.

For more details, read about our independent review process .

FAQs About College Admissions Consultants

Is a college admissions consultant worth it.

College admissions consultants  are great for students who need additional help when applying to colleges. Consultants can help you with all the steps involved in the college admissions process and can even help you get some additional financial aid.

Which college admissions consultant is best?

After reviewing  numerous consultants , we found that Prep Expert and Princeton Review were the best options. These 2 companies have a ton of different options for students looking for college admissions assistance.

What service does a college admissions consultant offer?

College admissions consultants  offer a ton of different services. They can assist students with their college essays, college applications, finding your best fit colleges, and working through the financial aid process.

• Authored By: Dave Evangelisti
• Last Updated February 26, 2024

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

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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 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.

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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.

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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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Spark admissions has the highest college admissions success rate in the country..

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The Ultimate Guide To College Admissions Counseling

What’s covered:, what is college admissions counseling, pros and cons of college admissions counseling, where to find admissions advisors.

In 2022 Harvard University’s admissions rate was 3.19%, Dartmouth College’s was 6.2%, and New York University’s was 12.2%. These staggeringly low figures are reflective of a new college admissions landscape, one where getting into top institutions is more competitive than ever before.

How, then, can students navigate this unprecedented world? For many, the answer is college admissions counseling.

College admissions counseling is a comprehensive process that guides the student through the admissions process from beginning to end. The student is matched with a one-on-one advisor who will assist them with activities like building a college list, putting together a quality profile, reviewing essays, preparing for interviews, making final college choices, and navigating financial aid and financial barriers.

Personalized guidance

The admissions process is complex and often confusing. An expert counselor will assist the student with every stage of the process, tailoring their guidance to the individual, taking into account their unique interests, goals, skills, and talents.

Help strengthening your profile

A college admissions counselor will work closely with the student to assist them with building and strengthening their profile, guiding them on how to choose the best courses and extracurricular activities and coaching them on ways to build their qualifications.

Targeted advice

Beyond guiding the student through the admissions process, the college counselor will offer targeted advice on how to improve their chances of admission, create a college list that aligns with their objectives and profile, and ultimately select the best fit school for them.

College admissions counseling is often expensive. Students and their families will need to weigh the benefits of this dedicated service against the cost associated with it.

Difficult finding the right fit

Not all counselors are the right fits for all students. The relationship must be based on trust and strong communication, and this may not come naturally to everyone.

Time investment

The college admissions process is time-consuming, and students must also factor in their coursework and extracurricular activities. College counseling takes time, too — students must build relationships with their counselors and work with them to improve their chances of admission to top schools.

CollegeVine’s Expert College Advising can help you navigate the admissions process from start to finish through services like personalized advising and essay review. Book a free consultation to chat with an advisor one on one and find out whether they’re the right fit for you.

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We’ve launched our new book: The Empowerly Expert’s Handbook to College Admissions!

The Empowerly Expert’s Handbook to College Admissions is here to answer your burning questions about how to navigate and maximize your outcomes in the American higher education system. Data-driven, up-to-date, and packed with insights and case studies, this book is an easy-to-understand look into the complex and competitive college admissions landscape.

Empowerly navigates your journey to top colleges with a 98% success rate.

• Up to 11x improved college admissions rates
• 98% of our students got into a top 50 school
• 25x more time spent with student

EMPOWERLY NAMED ON INC. 5000’S LIST OF FASTEST GROWING COMPANIES IN AMERICA.

OUR SERVICES

College Admissions Committee Review

College Admissions Counseling

Essay Editing

Financial Planning Assistance

Research Scholar Program, AI Scholar Program and Startup Internship Opportunities

Start for Free

During Empowerly’s free 30-minute consultation, an expert college admissions counselor will conduct a full review and offer you some valuable college application counseling. Then, they’ll show you a customized, designed-for-success college application consulting package that matches your goals and needs. It’s the risk-free way to see what our college admissions counselors can do for you.

How it Works

Overwhelmed by the college admissions process? Our team of experienced college admissions counselors make it easy, with personalized support that cuts through the confusion. From college search to application submission, you’ll have a dedicated college admission counselor keeping you on track.

We get results: Empowerly students are 11x more likely to get into their college of choice. Using data-driven technology and one-on-one consultation with former college Admissions Officers, our customized programs help you and your college application consulting stand out during the fiercely competitive U.S. college admissions process.

EMPOWERLY STUDENTS HAVE RECEIVED ADMISSION TO:

98% of Empowerly's Class of 2022 got admitted into a top 100 U.S. college

Measure & Monitor

Discover your Empowerly Score®. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of your academic record, extracurriculars, and college essays, this proprietary data analysis helps our college application counselors customize a student’s path to college admissions success.

Analyze Impact

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.

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UVA’s application readers are looking to enroll students who match their institutional mission, values, beliefs and backgrounds. We can help!

April 5, 2024

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March 30, 2024

Empowerly Students Receive Early Admissions for University of California Class

March 29, 2024

Caltech Acceptance Rate: What It Means for Applicants

March 28, 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.

College Application Essay Guidance

College essay guidance program, get our expert guidance on your college essays..

The essays that make up The Common Application & supplements are not just typical pieces of writing, nor are they just another step in the application process. College essays are an uncommon genre that must catch the attention of admissions officers and illuminate students’ intellect, personality, and potential. Our Senior Counselors have years of experience guiding students in writing essays that make admissions officers take notice.

College Essay Guidance Program Includes:

20-minute Introductory Call

5, 10 or 15 Hours of Essay Guidance:   Time includes any combination of detailed written responses and phone/video chat time to brainstorm and discuss ideas and read through drafts.

Call Summaries: Email synopsis of every phone consultation.

Your Senior Counselor Will:

• Brainstorm and Discuss Essay Topics
• Draw out Compelling Angles
• Guide You Through the Writing Process and Help with Writer’s Block
• Offer Candid and Specific Feedback to Drafts
• Provide Motivation and Set Deadlines

Some essays may need only proofreading while others need to be coaxed from a blank page—we’ll guide you through the writing process to create compelling, authentic essays.

Our counselors are accustomed to tutoring over the phone and reviewing drafts by email. They can work with students from anywhere in the world, at any time.

* All students possess differing writing abilities. Our 5-hour package generally covers Common Application related essays whereas our 10- or 15-hour package is more realistic if students are hoping to complete supplements as well. * This program must be used within 6 months from the date of purchase. * This package can also be used for prep school essays which are very similar in content to college essays.

*NOTE: Secure more hours at purchase to lower your hourly rate.

• College Essay Guidance – 15 hrs $ 13,500.00 Add to cart
• College Essay Guidance – 10 hrs $ 9,400.00 Add to cart
• College Essay Guidance – 5 hrs $ 4,800.00 Add to cart

Consider our Essay Guidance Program &  Common App 911  Bundles for a complete application package!

• 15-hr EGP & CA911 Bundle $ 14,700.00 Add to cart
• 10-hr EGP & CA911 Bundle $ 10,600.00 Add to cart
• 5-hr EGP & CA911 Bundle $ 6,000.00 Add to cart

Receive successful essay samples now with the purchase of our Essay Guidance Program or our Common App 911/Essay Guidance Program bundles.

Hear from our students and parents :

I was accepted at Harvard early action, and intend on enrolling there in fall 2020.  I’m thrilled!!! Many thanks for reaching out and for all your help.

I got into CMU! I am completely overjoyed; I love it so much. Thanks for everything! My writing has greatly improved and I have learned a lot with you so, again, thank you a million.

Thank you so much! I’m IN at JHU and I couldn’t have done this without you! Your advice paved the way for me to find my voice in my writing.

I wanted to send you a note to thank you for all the help you have given to P for her college essays. You have helped her so much within such a short period of time. I wish we had found you earlier. We wasted so much time and effort since the summer. I have a 9th grader and I know who to turn to for help now. Thank you, J! I will be in touch.

I JUST GOT INTO HARVARD CLASS OF 2026!!! This is incredible!!!!!!! I thank you SO SO SO much!!!!! You’re SO incredible and an amazing help.

E, I recently received my decisions for UCLA, UC Berkeley, and Harvard, and I was accepted to all three schools!! Thank you so much for your help last winter; you not only guided me through my applications but also made things much less stressful!

I just wanted to let you know that I was accepted to Cornell last night! Thank you again for your help with my essays this summer. I am so thankful for all of the valuable insight that you provided.

L, T was accepted early decision to Boston College! Thank you so, so much for all of the help and guidance that you provided us over the past 6 months. I can’t imagine there are many (if any!) people out there who are better than you at what you do! Thank you for your patience, prompt replies, and for keeping T on track! We are very grateful to have found you and worked with you!

The help you gave me paid off as I’m moving into my BC dorm tomorrow! I just wanted to say thank you for sticking with me and helping me get to this point.

My Essay Guidance Program was AMAZING! I was able to drastically improve my Stanford application in a matter of 5 hours!

L, I CAN’T BELIEVE IT! We are done with all of the essays! It is my birthday today and I couldn’t have gotten a better birthday present. Thank you so much for responding soooo quickly and helping me in this process. I have learned a lot from you and you are an excellent and kind teacher. I don’t think anyone else on this planet could have done a better job than you did. Thanks again!

I was accepted to Yale yesterday!!! Thank you so much for all your help with my application! The impact was obviously very positive! I could not have done it without you!

A got into Brown! Thank you so much for your patience and persistence with him!

L, thanks for all you did to help K with the essays and app this past month. I cannot believe how much work you both put in to get this done. I had no idea submitting a college app was so daunting. She was able to submit all of her early apps! Anyway, thanks for the great work, you are truly a wordsmith and a special talent!

I am thrilled with my results and I’m so thankful to have worked with you. Honestly couldn’t have done it without you. I was accepted to Northeastern, Boston University (Presidential Scholarship), UNC Chapel Hill, University of Michigan, Ross Business School, UC Davis and the University of Chicago! I’ve committed to UChicago!

I KNOW that YOU were beyond instrumental in this process and I wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for your efforts from August in Boston onward. You were always available and such a massive help for K with her supplements.

Kristen, I got accepted to Vanderbilt, USC, and Penn! I also got interviews to Miami and GW, but I’ve already accepted the spot at Penn so I declined the interviews. I’m so excited! Thank you so much for everything!! This has been incredibly valuable and I’m very grateful for all of your help.

T received a letter for those who’d been accepted to Harvard. At the end of it, a handwritten paragraph was added by the individual who was T’s reader and who then presented her to the entire committee. She commented on how she saw T’s interest in art history throughout all aspects of her application and how impressive it was how everything tied together. We immediately looked at one another and said, “That was Top Tier!” Bottom line – hats off to your team! I can’t imagine where we would be without you!

I wanted to thank you once again for the help and guidance that you provided to B and H.  You helped both of them craft a compelling Common App essay which must have been well received. B ended up being accepted at Stanford and Vanderbilt as well and was offered a place in the Echols Scholar program and College Science Scholars program at UVA. Ultimately, she decided to join H at Yale!

We are so excited for T. Many years of hard work has culminated in a successful undergraduate admission to Washington University. His dad and I wanted to personally thank you for your expertise and guidance in helping T reach this goal at a pivotal moment in his life. Cheers to a bright and prosperous future for T, thanks to you!

My Common App essay was not very strong before working with Top Tier and I apparently had no clue how to write supplementary essays! As for the Common App, I unknowingly filled out many sections incorrectly within the info portions. E was always very kind, prompt, and informative with her assistance in helping me figure everything out. I probably asked her over a hundred questions and she had insightful answers for all of them. The TTA staff really knows what they’re doing and knows a lot about the admissions process, individual schools, and what colleges look for. Also, since I did not give myself a lot of time to complete everything, the quick response time to my questions was such a relief. Thank you!

I wanted to let you know that my journey through the college application process has officially come to an end. I was accepted to Duke in the ED round! I can’t thank you enough for all your guidance and support in the process. It has truly been a privilege working with you. The feedback you gave me was so generous and helped me to elevate my essays beyond what I thought was possible. Ironically, in the end, all I needed was my personal statement and my 150-word “why” for Duke, but I’m so glad I was prepared for the regular decision round. Thank you again for everything!

I could not imagine where I would be without the help of TTA, and I am very thankful to everyone, especially L, for helping me through this process.

L, thank you so much for helping P with her essays. Your advice, insight, and edits were extremely helpful and really pushed P to improve upon her work. My son will be starting this process in two years, and I would love to have you help him as well!

Just wanted to pass along that B got into Stanford, Harvard, CalTech and University of Washington (her safety school).  Only school she didn’t get in to (that she applied to) was MIT.  So, yesterday she happily accepted into Stanford. We couldn’t be happier, as both our girls are now attending Stanford.  And, both got there with Top Tier’s help.  We don’t have any more kids to usher through your program but we’ll be sure and recommend you to anyone we come across!

L, S is planning to join USC for Aerospace Engineering! I am personally very happy for her and want to thank you once again for all your help and support. It was simply invaluable. Wishing you the very best.

I am delighted to share with you that with your support, S has been accepted at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. We are incredibly excited! I realize that S may not have been able to accomplish this success without your guidance. All of us will remain grateful to everyone at Top Tier Admissions for helping him successfully navigate the college admissions process to this wonderful outcome.

Thank you so much for helping H with her essays and activities list.  She really enjoyed working with you, as you were positive, incredibly helpful with suggestions and cutting down word and character counts, and so fast!  Thank you for your kind words about her hard work.  I know she feels better after working with you.  She’s going to get this first round in, then she may be coming back to you for help on other applications.  Thank you again for everything!

H’s expertise and ability to improve my writing was so beneficial! She elevated my essays and helped me to bring out my own creativity and voice. H went above and beyond to be responsive and helpful. She always responded in a timely manner, and her feedback was generous and constructive. I thought this program was great; I wasn’t able to attend the regular Boot Camp and found this to be an excellent alternative that worked with my schedule. I highly recommend Top Tier Admissions! The work I did with H definitely elevated my essays beyond what I would’ve been capable of on my own. Knowing I had an expert there to help, and wasn’t doing this on my own, also greatly reduced my stress levels. I will be forever grateful to H for all of her assistance. It was truly a pleasure working with her, and you’re lucky to have someone with her level of expertise on your staff. Thank you for matching me with her.

Work with our expert tutors and ace your AP exams!

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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

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

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, 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

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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By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., how to choose a college admissions counselor.

Many students and families opt to hire an independent  college counselor to supplement the support they receive from their high school counselor. So, how do you pick the right college consultant for you?

Always request a preliminary meeting or phone conversation with any counselor you are considering. These questions will help you decide if a particular counselor is the right choice for your family.

Who’s who?

Does your college counselor work solo or would you have access to team of coaches? What is everyone’s role, and who would be your go-to contact?

How accessible are they?

How often will you meet your admissions counselor, either virtually or in-person? Are you able to contact them between meetings for quick questions? Applying to college can be overwhelming, and knowing you have a coach in your corner for advice and encouragement can make a huge difference.

Are they dedicated to helping you find YOUR best-fit college?

The right college for you is not necessarily the most prestigious school or the school where your parents or older siblings went. Instead, it’s the school that is the best fit for your unique personality, goals, and interests. Your college counselor should be serious about getting to know you, so they can help you find (and get into!) your dream school.

Read More: How To Find Your Best Fit College

What services do they offer?

A good independent counselor should be upfront about rates and services, but if they don’t offer this information make sure to ask! College counselors may offer any of the following services:

• College search
• Final college list
• Strategy sessions related to:
• Sending SAT/ACT scores
• Senior year courses
• Extracurricular activities
• Teacher recommendation letters
• Early decision or early action applications
• Application and essay review
• College interview prep
• FAFSA and financial aid advice
• College decisions

What about financial aid?

Getting into college is one thing. Paying for college is another adventure entirely. A smart financial aid plan should factor into every stage of the college process. Ask any potential college counselors about their financial aid strategy. 

What is their background in college admissions?

Be on the lookout for credentials as well as real-world experience. Many private counselors have worked in college admission offices or have counseled at the high school level. Look for degrees in Counseling and Higher Ed, membership in national organizations like IECA (Independent Educational Consultant Association) or NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling), and certification from an accredited counseling program.

What is their track record?

Private college counselors will often brag their clients' acceptances on their websites. You can also ask: How many of their students were accepted to their dream schools? What do former clients have to say about working with them? 

In the end, you'll know an admissions counselor is a good fit if they make you feel comfortable and challenge you to present your best self to colleges.

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Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay

Tips for writing an effective college essay.

College admissions essays are an important part of your college application and gives you the chance to show colleges and universities your character and experiences. This guide will give you tips to write an effective college essay.

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UPchieve connects you with knowledgeable and friendly college advisors—online, 24/7, and completely free. Get 1:1 help brainstorming topics, outlining your essay, revising a draft, or editing grammar.

Writing a strong college admissions essay

Learn about the elements of a solid admissions essay.

Avoiding common admissions essay mistakes

Learn some of the most common mistakes made on college essays

Brainstorming tips for your college essay

Stuck on what to write your college essay about? Here are some exercises to help you get started.

How formal should the tone of your college essay be?

Learn how formal your college essay should be and get tips on how to bring out your natural voice.

Taking your college essay to the next level

Hear an admissions expert discuss the appropriate level of depth necessary in your college essay.

Student Stories

Student Story: Admissions essay about a formative experience

Get the perspective of a current college student on how he approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about personal identity

Get the perspective of a current college student on how she approached the admissions essay.

Student Story: Admissions essay about community impact

Student story: admissions essay about a past mistake, how to write a college application essay, tips for writing an effective application essay, sample college essay 1 with feedback, sample college essay 2 with feedback.

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At Collegewise, the core of the work that we do with families is recognizing that this isn’t just about college.

It’s about making sure our students know what classes make most sense for them and their goals, which activities will allow them to thrive, what summer opportunities will help them grow, and how college fits into that broader picture of who they’re becoming.

A college counselor, at their best, helps you navigate every piece of that journey. And that’s what we do, every day.

Our counselors receive rigorous training when they're hired, and we keep a close eye on each counselor's roster size to ensure our students get the attention and support they need. Because, after all—if you're not successful, neither are we.

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Collegewise counselors come from a variety of backgrounds. Many are former admissions officers, high school counselors, professors, teachers, and graduate degree holders.

Even before they made Collegewise their full-time gig, counseling and teaching were their life’s work. We've worked in admissions at institutions like University of Chicago, Harvard, Wellesley College, Stanford, Johns Hopkins University, Georgetown, and NYU.

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Once upon a time, we applied to and attended college ourselves. From the ivies, to small private colleges, to large public research institutions, to women's colleges—we represent a wide variety of alma maters.

Our counselors attended schools like Boston University, Scripps, UCLA, Yale, Caltech, Harvard, Northwestern, Cornell, University of Texas at Austin, and Columbia University (to name a few).

Where Our Expertise Comes From

We hire counselors with a deep background in admissions, and they go through a rigorous training with members of our leadership team before starting a counseling practice.

Our counselors also take advantage of the breadth of knowledge in our ranks—we’re constantly asking each other questions and learning from one another’s areas of expertise, and benefitting from each other's conversations with admissions officers from all over. Your student will benefit from the collective experience of more than 85 Collegewise admissions experts.  

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From our very first meeting, we knew we had found the perfect counselor for our family. She was an excellent resource for talking through essay ideas and helping Mila present her narrative in the best light. And she kept Mila on schedule, relieving us, as parents, from policing the process, and always with a velvet glove. Now that Mila has been accepted, we miss her! And my current sophomore keeps asking, "When do I get to start with Collegewise?"

MELISSA, PARENT OF MILA

DARTMOUTH COLLEGE

Here are the reasons why we were so happy with Collegewise: Their ethos fit us perfectly and their level of inside knowledge was amazing. Our daughter loved her Collegewise counselor and felt a strong sense of personal ownership throughout. We had results back from 7 different universities before most of our school family friends had even finished applying. As my magnificently math-loving husband pointed out when Macy received a $72,000 scholarship to her top choice, "Wow, that's more than a 1000% return on our Collegewise investment." Thank you, for everything.

MELISSA, PARENT OF MACY

TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

"My wife and I were looking into college counseling for our niece whose parents are pretty hands-off. We wanted to make sure we “got it right” for her and interviewed a bunch of companies like IvyWise, Crimson Education, local counselors, and Collegewise. Collegewise was the first company we really felt heard. Collegewise really seems to care a lot about each student which is refreshing to see. There’s not this pressure we felt with other companies to push students to top schools if that’s not their goal - I think this is really important."

GRACE MOREHEAD

"I have had a wonderful experience with our Collegewise counselor. Our counselor has been working with my son since 10th grade. They have built a solid, honest relationship. He keeps me posted on their progress and answers all my questions timely and thoroughly. Our counselor has kept my son on a doable timeline and helps him balance his school schedule, his sport and his high school social life and stresses. I would highly recommend Collegewise!"

Jean O'Shaughnessy

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Guest Essay

Elite College Admissions Have Turned Students Into Brands

By Sarah Bernstein

Ms. Bernstein is a playwright, a writing coach and an essayist in Brooklyn.

“I just can’t think of anything,” my student said.

After 10 years of teaching college essay writing, I was familiar with this reply. For some reason, when you’re asked to recount an important experience from your life, it is common to forget everything that has ever happened to you. It’s a long-form version of the anxiety that takes hold at a corporate retreat when you’re invited to say “one interesting thing about yourself,” and you suddenly believe that you are the most boring person in the entire world. Once during a version of this icebreaker, a man volunteered that he had only one kidney, and I remember feeling incredibly jealous of him.

I tried to jog this student’s memory. What about his love of music? Or his experience learning English? Or that time on a summer camping trip when he and his friends had nearly drowned? “I don’t know,” he said with a sigh. “That all seems kind of cliché.”

Applying to college has always been about standing out. When I teach college essay workshops and coach applicants one on one, I see my role as helping students to capture their voice and their way of processing the world, things that are, by definition, unique to each individual. Still, many of my students (and their parents) worry that as getting into college becomes increasingly competitive, this won’t be enough to set them apart.

Their anxiety is understandable. On Thursday, in a tradition known as “Ivy Day,” all eight Ivy League schools released their regular admission decisions. Top colleges often issue statements about how impressive (and competitive) their applicant pools were this cycle. The intention is to flatter accepted students and assuage rejected ones, but for those who have not yet applied to college, these statements reinforce the fear that there is an ever-expanding cohort of applicants with straight A’s and perfect SATs and harrowing camping trip stories all competing with one another for a vanishingly small number of spots.

This scarcity has led to a boom in the college consulting industry, now estimated to be a $2.9 billion business. In recent years, many of these advisers and companies have begun to promote the idea of personal branding — a way for teenagers to distinguish themselves by becoming as clear and memorable as a good tagline.

While this approach often leads to a strong application, students who brand themselves too early or too definitively risk missing out on the kind of exploration that will prepare them for adult life.

Like a corporate brand, the personal brand is meant to distill everything you stand for (honesty, integrity, high quality, low prices) into a cohesive identity that can be grasped at a glance. On its website, a college prep and advising company called Dallas Admissions explains the benefits of branding this way: “Each person is complex, yet admissions officers only have a small amount of time to spend learning about each prospective student. The smart student boils down key aspects of himself or herself into their personal ‘brand’ and sells that to the college admissions officer.”

Identifying the key aspects of yourself may seem like a lifelong project, but unfortunately, college applicants don’t have that kind of time. Online, there are dozens of lesson plans and seminars promising to walk students through the process of branding themselves in five to 10 easy steps. The majority begin with questions I would have found panic-inducing as a teenager, such as, “What is the story you want people to tell about you when you’re not in the room?”

Where I hoped others would describe me as “normal” or, in my wildest dreams, “cool,” today’s teenagers are expected to leave this exercise with labels like, Committed Athlete and Compassionate Leader or Environmentally Conscious Musician. Once students have a draft of their ideal self, they’re offered instructions for manifesting it (or at least, the appearance of it) in person and online. These range from common-sense tips (not posting illegal activity on social media) to more drastic recommendations (getting different friends).

It’s not just that these courses cut corners on self-discovery; it’s that they get the process backward. A personal brand is effective only if you can support it with action, so instead of finding their passion and values through experience, students are encouraged to select a passion as early as possible and then rack up the experience to substantiate it. Many college consultants suggest beginning to align your activities with your college ambitions by ninth grade, while the National Institute of Certified College Planners recommends students “talk with parents, guardians, and/or an academic adviser to create a clear plan for your education and career-related goals” in junior high.

The idea of a group of middle schoolers soberly mapping out their careers is both comical and depressing, but when I read student essays today, I can see that this advice is getting through. Over the past few years, I have been struck by how many high school seniors already have defined career goals as well as a C.V. of relevant extracurriculars to go with them. This widens the gap between wealthy students and those who lack the resources to secure a fancy research gig or start their own small business. (A shocking number of college applicants claim to have started a small business.) It also puts pressure on all students to define themselves at a moment when they are anxious to fit in and yet changing all the time.

In the world of branding, a word that appears again and again is “consistency.” If you are Charmin, that makes sense. People opening a roll of toilet paper do not want to be surprised. If you are a teenage human being, however, that is an unreasonable expectation. Changing one’s interests, opinions and presentation is a natural part of adolescence and an instructive one. I find that my students with scattershot résumés are often the most confident. They’re not afraid to push back against suggestions that ring false and will insist on revising their essay until it actually “feels like me.” On the other hand, many of my most accomplished students are so quick to accept feedback that I am wary of offering it, lest I become one more adult trying to shape them into an admission-worthy ideal.

I understand that for parents, prioritizing exploration can feel like a risky bet. Self-insight is hard to quantify and to communicate in a college application. When it comes to building a life, however, this kind of knowledge has more value than any accolade, and it cannot be generated through a brainstorming exercise in a six-step personal branding course online. To equip kids for the world, we need to provide them not just with opportunities for achievement, but with opportunities to fail, to learn, to wander and to change their minds.

In some ways, the college essay is a microcosm of modern adolescence. Depending on how you look at it, it’s either a forum for self-discovery or a high-stakes test you need to ace. I try to assure my students that it is the former. I tell them that it’s a chance to take stock of everything you’ve experienced and learned over the past 18 years and everything you have to offer as a result.

That can be a profound process. But to embark on it, students have to believe that colleges really want to see the person behind the brand. And they have to have the chance to know who that person is.

Sarah Bernstein is a playwright, a writing coach and an essayist.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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NEWS & EVENTS

Merrimack graduate student wins american counseling association essay contest.

• April 5, 2024
• By: Michael Cronin

As a career advising fellow, Sanjana Sheth M’25 knows about the pressures and issues college students currently face. So, she decided to write about it.

In March, the American Counseling Association announced Sheth’s entry in its Future School Counselor Essay Competition won the grand prize. Sheth, currently enrolled in Merrimack’s clinical mental health counseling master’s program, was awarded $2,000 and her essay will be published in the ACA’s online publication, “Counseling Today.” 

The essay prompt asked participants what they think are the most pressing personal and social issues impacting students today and what counselors can do to best address them. 

“I wanted to urge the school counselors getting their degrees to focus on all the aspects of it,” Sheth said in her essay. “Connect with the students who are not ready to be open. That’s what we are taught in counseling – if you want to help anyone, you need to work or establish a therapeutic relationship.”

In her essay, Sheth said the most common issues she sees in students include “anxiety, depression, feelings of isolation, academic struggles, identity development, transition and adjustment issues, bullying in context with diversity and inclusivity and issues with interpersonal relationships,” 

As such, she argued that counselors must “create strategic and individual-focused interventions to effectively address challenges for their well-being and success.”

Prior to Merrimack, Sheth worked for two years as a researcher studying cancer and vaccines. She holds a master’s degree in pharmacology from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

“When we’d have offsite meetings, I’d meet with a lot of people who had cancer,” said Sheth. “They explained how traumatic their experience was. They had no clue how to deal with them.” 

Talking to patients and getting first-hand insight into the struggles faced by individuals grappling with chronic illness was very insightful. It became evident to her that her passion lay in directly aiding individuals in comprehending their trauma and facilitating their healing process. 

Sheth said Merrimack’s fellowship program piqued her interest most when applying for graduate school for the second time.

“I couldn’t find any other (college) that had so much support for students,” Sheth continued. “After that, I was really interested in the curriculum that they had set up.” She highlighted Merrimack’s comprehensive curriculum, which allows students to explore diverse paths within counseling, “plus you get to learn, experience and choose from different modalities.”

Now, Sheth hopes to help people understand and work through their trauma. Luckily, she said she has a supportive network of Merrimack staff and professors to help her reach her dreams.

“Submitting the essay was nerve-wracking for me. I owe a great deal of gratitude to my professors, whose encouragement and guidance pushed me to submit (the essay),” she said. “I had one of my professors, Melissa Spencer, look through it and tell me if it was OK. At Merrimack, I’ve found an environment that fosters growth, support, and learning — it’s truly been an enriching experience.”

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Angel Reese Bids Farewell to LSU, College Basketball With Heartfelt Video Essay

• Author: Karl Rasmussen

In this story:

Angel Reese announced Wednesday morning that she intends to enter the 2024 WNBA draft following LSU's season-ending defeat against Caitlin Clark and Iowa in Monday's Elite Eight .

Shortly after her announcement, Reese bid farewell to the Tigers and all of her fans across the country on a more personal level, sharing a heartfelt video essay to her social media accounts. In the video, Reese thanked her supporters and expressed her gratitude to those who helped her along her journey.

"I'm leaving college with everything I've ever wanted," Reese said. "A degree. A national championship. And this platform I could have never imagined. This is for the girls that look like me, that's going to speak up on what they believe in, it's unapologetically you. To grow up in sports and have an impact on what's coming next.

"This was a difficult decision, but I trust the next chapter because I know the author. Bayou Barbie, out."

Grateful for these last four years and excited for this next chapter. #BAYOUBARBIEOUT pic.twitter.com/EvkzUW08JV — Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 3, 2024

Reese played two seasons at LSU after transferring from the University of Maryland. With the Tigers, she racked up a multitude of accolades and won a national championship last season, vaulting herself into the national spotlight in the process. Across 69 games for LSU, Reese averaged 20.9 points and 14.4 rebounds.

After wrapping up a legendary college career and bidding an emotional farewell to her fans, Reese has officially declared her intention to enter the WNBA draft, where she projects as a first-round pick in what figures to be a loaded draft class.

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