We use the information we found on the college admissions consulting sites we surveyed to create a ranked list of the best consulting firms. The following eight categories are equally weighted in our evaluation process, with each college admissions consulting firm receiving a score of 1-5 in each area (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest).

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These are the eight ranking categories:

1. Prestige

2. Results

3. Team quality

4. Team size

5. Online presence

6. Cumulative expertise

7. Social media presence

8. Counselor-to-client ratio

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1. Prestige is assigned a score based on the number of independent reviews on third-party websites.

2. Results are based on the percentage of students admitted to top universities using the college admissions firm’s services.

3. Team quality is based on the experience of the firm’s admissions counselors, including what percentage of the team is former admissions committee members and has concrete records of hands-on industry experience. This expertise in the field indicates the value of the knowledge and support the client will receive from the service.

4. Team size rankings are evaluated based on the number of admissions counselors working for the firm. A large, diverse team with a strong network can help applicants secure a competitive edge in the application process. A team with many admissions counselors can cater to the unique needs of clients applying to diverse majors, schools, and programs.

5. Online presence is ranked based on the college admissions consulting company website’s organic Google search traffic – traffic and a higher ranking measure the company’s online presence.

6. Cumulative expertise refers to the combined knowledge of an admissions consulting company’s team, including the combined years of experience the team’s counselors have accumulated. This ranking demonstrates how years counselors have sat on admissions committees or held related educational, mentorship, and consultant roles. A team’s cumulative experience is related to its quality and is a fantastic metric to consider when comparing options.

7. Social media presence is based on the value and volume of a college consulting firm’s social media content, platforms, and subscriber base. Social media can be used as a valuable tool to disseminate expert advice and knowledge to a broader audience – a high ranking in this category indicates the college consulting firm is consistently active on social media, posts high-quality content, and has many subscribers.

8. Consultant-to-client ratio is ranked based on the number of clients a consultant works with at the same time. A lower ratio indicates clients receive the consistent support they deserve – this is a crucial metric to understand the level of support a consulting company provides throughout the application process.

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Our list combines each college admissions consulting company’s scores in all categories to generate a cumulative score that clients can use to compare their options objectively.

We want to emphasize that this website is not affiliated with or promotes any specific college admissions consulting firm. We recommend clients research the companies on our ranking list and compare their options before deciding to work with any college admissions consultant. Please be advised that the information on college consulting company websites is subject to change, meaning the information on this site may not always be the most recent available.

These rankings are one of many factors students and families can consider as they determine their best-fit college consulting company. This ranking scale does not factor in delivery method preferences, rapport, or other situations.

Each college candidate has unique needs, demands, and expectations of college admissions counselors that require a customized approach. Some clients may prefer to find prospective companies through referrals as opposed to Internet rankings. In addition, top-ranked college consulting firms’ costs can vary – some options may not be affordable for clients. Clients may be forced to work with companies with lower scores and rankings.

Many consulting firms offer virtual support, which may or may not be a selling point for potential clients. It’s always up to the student and family to decide their own paths.

We wish you the best as you navigate the college application process and hope our rankings have provided insight into choosing your best-fit college admissions consultant.