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I’ve worked as a college admissions consultant for years and have seen many different services. Some were great, and some were…well, not so great. Command Education says they are one of the best in the field, but after looking into this service more, I’m unsure if they’re worth the high price. Many things about this company bother me, such as always using the same methods and charging very high prices.
So, I recommend you look at other choices and read our Command Education review before making a significant financial investment.
Pros & Cons of CommandEducation
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Command Education boasts a 94% success rate in helping students gain admission to one of their top three school choices. | Command Education’s services are costly, with some packages reportedly costing over $500,000. |
| The “near-peer” mentorship model, where recent Ivy League graduates mentor students. | Command Education does not offer many short-term or hourly services, unlike other college prep companies. |
| The services are available globally via virtual sessions, making them accessible to students worldwide. | Command Education does not partner with schools or larger institutions, which limits its reach and influence. |
In my professional opinion, Command Education is overpriced and overrated. While they’ve helped some students get into top-tier schools, the price tag, lack of flexibility, and overly structured approach make it hard to justify the investment. There are plenty of other consultants out there who offer more personalized, thoughtful, and affordable support.
For more insights into other options, check out other reviews on the best college admission consultants.
What Are the Main Admission Consulting Services of Command Education?
Command Education is a top-tier college admissions consulting service promising support to help students get into Ivy League and other elite schools. On paper, their services look impressive: they offer consulting for students starting as early as 8th grade, helping them select the right courses, plan extracurriculars, and develop leadership projects that will stand out. This might sound great for ambitious students, but I think a few things are worth considering.
What’s Included in Command Education’s Packages?
Their offerings focus on personalized, one-on-one mentorship, starting as early as 8th grade and continuing through high school.
1. Premier Roadmap Package
Aimed at 9th – 11th graders, this package helps students develop leadership skills, plan impactful extracurricular activities, and find opportunities such as internships and community service to enhance their college applications. This program provides continuous guidance on standardized testing, community engagement, and personal growth.
2. Premier Senior Package
This package for 12th graders helps students build a balanced college list, craft compelling essays, and finalize applications, with guidance throughout the entire admissions process.
3. College Application Booster
A more focused, short-term program that assists students with perfecting their college applications, including their statement and supplemental essays, over a few days.
4. Test Prep and Tutoring
Command Education also offers SAT and ACT tutoring alongside subject-specific academic support through private, one-on-one sessions, helping students achieve the scores necessary for admission to top-tier schools.
The help feels too organized, even though it sounds like it covers everything. From experience, I know that college applications need to grow more naturally. There is no way to make a plan that fits every student’s goals, and Command Education’s method seems too one-size-fits-all to me.
Who Is on the CommandEducation.com Team?
Command Education prides itself on using “near-peer” mentors — recent Ivy League graduates who are supposed to guide students like older siblings. In theory, this is appealing, especially when compared with C2 Education. But from my experience, simply graduating from a top-tier school doesn’t necessarily make someone an expert in guiding high school students through a complex, holistic process like college admissions.
You need deep expertise and sometimes more life experience than just a fresh diploma. Sure, these mentors have been through the process recently, but are they the best to guide your child’s unique situation? That’s where I’m not so convinced.
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
Yes, they offer some extra services like tutoring for SAT/ACT and help with launching “passion projects” (a buzzword you’ll hear often). If your child wants to start a nonprofit or build a research project, they claim to offer mentorship on that.
However, I know from working in this field that those projects are only impressive if genuine. In many cases, overly managed projects feel forced, which doesn’t look good on a college application.
Does CommandEducation.com Offer FREE Services?
Here’s a short answer: no. The company offers a free consultation, but it’s mostly a sales pitch to sign you up for their pricey packages.
I’ve seen plenty of admissions consultants who at least offer some free webinars or free resources on their websites, but Command Education keeps everything behind a paywall. For a company that charges such exorbitant fees, I think it’s a missed opportunity not to offer free tips and advice to students who might be unable to afford their services.
Command Education Pricing and Guarantees
Now, let’s talk about the price. The cost of Command Education’s services is, frankly, astronomical. They don’t publish prices on their website, but it’s widely known that families have paid upwards of $500,000 for their full package. That’s not a typo. Several former customers also report spending between $85,000 and $120,000.
Sure, some people may be willing to invest that much in their child’s future, but in my opinion, it’s simply not worth it. There are other quality consultants out there who charge a fraction of that and offer more flexible, personalized support.
Their Professionalism in Terms of Reviews Available Online
Looking at online reviews, I was surprised by how few there are. Trustpilot shows only four reviews, and while there are positive testimonials on their site, it’s hard to find many genuine, unfiltered reviews from actual clients on other platforms. For example, on Reddit, some users have raised concerns about the company’s high fees and pressure-filled environment, which aligns with my concerns.
Areas of Command Education That They Should Work On
While CommandEducation claims to offer top-tier admissions consulting, there are several critical areas where they need improvement:
- Exorbitant pricing. Charging up to $500,000 for college consulting is outrageous, even for families who can afford it.
- Cookie-cutter approach. Command Education’s method doesn’t feel personalized enough. It applies a one-size-fits-all strategy that might miss the mark for many students.
- Lack of transparency in pricing. You won’t find any upfront pricing info on their site, creating discomfort and distrust for many families.
- Over-reliance on recent graduates. Near-peer mentors sound nice, but more experienced consultants would likely offer better guidance.
- Lack of free resources. Offering no free webinars, guides, or tools makes their services feel elitist and inaccessible to many.
These concerns make me question whether the value truly matches the price. For families considering a consultant, there are better and more affordable options.
FAQs
How much does the Command Education service cost?
The exact cost of Command Education’s services isn’t listed on their website, but reports suggest that families can pay up to $500,000 for comprehensive packages. Pricing depends on the specific services needed and can be discussed during a consultation.
Is Command Education a reputable company?
Yes, Command Education has a solid reputation in college consulting, with many students getting into top-tier schools. However, there are mixed opinions online, with some reviewers highlighting concerns about the cost.
Can CommandEducation.com guarantee acceptance?
No, Command Education cannot guarantee acceptance into any specific college. Like any consulting service, they provide guidance and support, but admissions decisions are ultimately up to the universities.
Is Command Education worth it?
While Command Education offers extensive support, whether it’s worth the high price depends on your budget and needs. Other college consultants are offering similar services for significantly lower costs.