College admissions is complex and tricky to navigate. The good news is that there are consulting firms standing by to help students with their applications. The obvious question is: Which Admissions Consulting firm is the best?
We’ve tried to help answer that question by grading some of the best admissions consulting firms by a few objective parameters.
Our Ranking Parameters
Size of Team: A larger team usually means a broader range of expertise, with diverse consultants including former admissions officers. We assessed each firm’s team size and composition to gauge their ability to meet varied student needs.
Transparency: Transparency is key to building trust. We evaluated how clearly firms communicate their processes, pricing, and outcomes, as well as how openly they share their methodologies and progress with clients.
Customer Feedback: We analyzed client reviews across platforms like Trustpilot and Google Reviews, focusing on the quantity and quality of feedback. Firms with consistently high ratings ranked higher.
Without any further ado, here are the top admissions consulting firms in 2024:
1. Solomon Admissions Consulting
Website: https://www.solomonadmissions.com
Size of Team: Solomon Admissions Consulting boasts a large team of experienced former admissions officers from top universities. This gives them deep insights into what schools are looking for in applicants.
Transparency: The Solomon website talks about “the Solomon Methodology”, a clear, step-by-step process that ostensibly ensures a consistent quality of service regardless of which consultant assists a given client.
While several of the firms listed publish success rates, Solomon is also the only firm we’ve found that has an independent review of their success rates performed by an accounting firm, adding additional transparency points.
Customer Feedback: Online reviews for Solomon Admissions are overwhelmingly positive, with clients frequently praising the firm for its personalized approach and significant impact on admissions outcomes.
Solomon has excellent reviews, sitting at the top of our reviewed firms in terms of both the quantity and quality of client reviews.
Platform: Trustpilot
Number of Reviews: 250
Average Score: 4.9/5
Link: Trustpilot – Solomon Admissions Consulting
Other Factors: Solomon’s team is particularly effective in helping students craft compelling narratives that align with the values and expectations of elite institutions. This focus on storytelling, combined with their extensive experience, makes them a top contender in the industry.
2. CollegeWise
Website: https://collegewise.com/
Size of Team: CollegeWise boasts one of the largest teams in the industry, including former admissions officers and experienced counselors, providing extensive support across a wide range of services.
Transparency: CollegeWise is committed to demystifying the college admissions process, offering clear and transparent guidance. Their process is well-documented, ensuring clients know what to expect at every step.
Customer Feedback: CollegeWise has an outstanding reputation on Trustpilot, with 377 reviews and an impressive average score of 4.9/5. Clients consistently praise the firm for its personalized and impactful approach to college admissions.
Platform: Trustpilot
Number of Reviews: 377
Average Score: 4.9/5
Link: Trustpilot – CollegeWise
Other Factors: CollegeWise is known for its holistic approach, focusing not just on admissions success but also on helping students find the right fit for their academic and personal growth.
3. Empowerly
Website: https://www.empowerly.com
Size of Team: Empowerly has a substantial team of former admissions officers and experienced counselors, providing a broad range of expertise.
Transparency: Empowerly is transparent about its services and offers various tools to assist students in the application process, including essay editing and application reviews.
Customer Feedback: Empowerly has a strong presence on Trustpilot with positive reviews, reflecting client satisfaction with their personalized support. They come a very close second to Solomon in this category.
Platform: Trustpilot
Number of Reviews: 219
Average Score: 4.9/5
Link: Trustpilot – Empowerly
Other Factors: Empowerly offers a comprehensive set of services, making it a strong choice for families seeking extensive support in the college admissions process.
4. CrimsonEducation
Website: https://www.crimsoneducation.org/
Size of Team: Crimson Education boasts a large and diverse team of over 2,400 experts, including former admissions officers from top universities worldwide. Their extensive team allows them to offer specialized guidance across various academic and extracurricular domains.
Transparency: Crimson Education is known for its detailed, transparent approach, offering clients a clear roadmap through every stage of the admissions process. They provide comprehensive insights into their strategies and outcomes.
Customer Feedback: Crimson Education has an impressive presence on Trustpilot, with 193 reviews and an average rating of 4.8/5. Clients frequently commend the firm for its personalized and results-driven approach, highlighting the significant impact on their admissions success.
Platform: Trustpilot
Number of Reviews: 193
Average Score: 4.8/5
Link: Trustpilot – CrimsonEducation
Other Factors: Crimson Education’s global reach and emphasis on both academic and extracurricular excellence make it a top choice for students aiming for elite universities worldwide. Their innovative use of technology and personalized mentoring distinguishes them in the competitive field of college admissions consulting.
5. Accepted.com
Website: https://www.accepted.com/
Size of Team: Accepted.com features a seasoned team of admissions consultants, many of whom have served as admissions officers at top-tier schools. Their collective experience offers deep insights into what top universities are looking for in applicants.
Transparency: Accepted.com is clear and upfront about its services, providing clients with a detailed understanding of what to expect throughout the admissions process. They offer a range of consulting packages tailored to different needs.
Customer Feedback: With 171 reviews and an average score of 4.5/5 on Trustpilot, Accepted.com is well-regarded by its clients. Users frequently highlight the firm’s effective communication and practical guidance.
Platform: Trustpilot
Number of Reviews: 171
Average Score: 4.5/5
Link: Trustpilot – Accepted
Other Factors: Accepted.com is particularly strong in graduate school and MBA admissions, making it an excellent choice for those seeking specialized guidance in these areas.
6. IvyWise
Website: https://www.ivywise.com
Size of Team: IvyWise has a sizable team that includes former admissions officers from Ivy League schools and other prestigious universities. Their team’s diverse background is a strong asset.
Transparency: IvyWise is upfront about its services and pricing. They offer detailed plans that outline the steps they take to assist students, making it easier for families to understand what they are paying for.
Customer Feedback: Clients often highlight IvyWise’s comprehensive support, noting that the firm goes beyond just application assistance by providing guidance on course selection, extracurricular activities, and even career planning.
IvyWise has garnered a solid number of reviews on Trustpilot, where clients have generally provided positive feedback on their services. The 4.5 average score reflects high customer satisfaction, but a total of 18 reviews falls short of some of the competition.
Platform: Trustpilot
Number of Reviews: 18
Average Score: 4.5/5
Link: Trustpilot – IvyWise
Other Factors: IvyWise’s holistic approach to admissions consulting is highly regarded, as it aims to develop well-rounded candidates who are not only academically strong but also engaged in meaningful extracurriculars.
7. Spark Admissions
Website: https://www.sparkadmissions.com
Size of Team: Spark Admissions has a focused team of experts, including former admissions officers with deep knowledge of top-tier college admissions.
Transparency: Spark Admissions is clear about its tailored approach, providing detailed plans that cater to individual student needs.
Customer Feedback: Spark Admissions receives a perfect score of 5 out of 5 on Yelp, where clients appreciate the firm’s strategic and personalized guidance. Unfortunately, these results are less impressive when you consider there are only a total of 9 reviews.
Platform: Google Reviews
Number of Reviews: 9
Average Score: 5/5
Link: Yelp – Spark Admissions
Other Factors: Spark Admissions is known for its strategic approach, making it a top contender for students targeting elite institutions.
8. InGenius Prep
Website: https://www.ingeniusprep.com
Size of Team: InGenius Prep has a large team of former admissions officers and experienced counselors, which allows them to offer a wide range of expertise.
Transparency: InGenius Prep is transparent about its process and offers a variety of packages to suit different needs and budgets. Their website is informative, providing clients with a clear understanding of their offerings.
Customer Feedback: Clients often commend InGenius Prep for its thorough and personalized approach. The firm’s attention to detail and commitment to client success are frequently highlighted in reviews.
InGenius Prep has garnered a respectable number of reviews on Trustpilot (76), with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5. Clients frequently highlight the personalized guidance and support provided throughout the college admissions process.
Platform: Trustpilot
Number of Reviews: 76
Average Score: 4.2/5
Link: Trustpilot – InGenius Prep
Other Factors: InGenius Prep’s global reach and ability to assist international students is a unique strength, making it a popular choice for families around the world.
9. CollegeVine
Website: https://www.collegevine.com
Size of Team: CollegeVine’s team is made up of former admissions officers and experienced college counselors, though it is slightly smaller compared to some of its competitors.
Transparency: CollegeVine offers a transparent pricing structure and provides free resources to help families understand the admissions process. Their website is packed with tools and guides that demystify the college application process.
Customer Feedback: CollegeVine’s most reviews appear on TrustPilot, but the outcome is negative, with an average score of 1.6 out of 5, which TrustPilot considers “Bad”.
Platform: Trustpilot
Number of Reviews: 62
Average Score: 1.6/5
Link: Trustpilot – CollegeVine
Other Factors: CollegeVine stands out for its use of predictive analytics, which helps students identify their chances of admission at different schools and tailor their applications accordingly.
Conclusion
Choosing the right college admissions consulting firm is a critical step in navigating the highly competitive landscape of college admissions. The firms listed above each have their own strengths and specializations, making them suitable for different types of applicants. Solomon Admissions Consulting, with its large team, transparent processes, and strong customer feedback, stands out as a top choice for families seeking comprehensive and effective support in the college admissions journey.
