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I want to talk about my experience with InGenius Prep because I have a lot of experience helping people get into college. This is especially true for families who are thinking about using their services. To help you decide if InGenius Prep is right, I’ll explain what they offer, point out some of my main worries, and give real-life examples. So, let’s move to the InGenius Prep review.
Pros & Cons
InGenius Prep calls itself a top-tier coaching company with a team of former admissions officers and a wide range of services. But does it do what it says it will do? Based on what I’ve seen, they fall short in several areas.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
InGenius Prep employs a team of over 150 former admissions officers and graduate coaches from top U.S. universities. | They have no transparent pricing, and their pricing policy is unclear. |
The company has an impressive track record, with many students gaining admission to top-tier universities. | Some students find it challenging and stressful to follow the strict steps to make a perfect application. |
InGenius Prep offers a tailored approach to college counseling, helping with everything from school selection to interview preparation. | If you want to go to schools with less competition, you might find that their method isn’t as helpful or is too focused on top schools. |
If you’re considering using InGenius Prep, think twice. While they have a strong brand and some positive testimonials, their service quality appears inconsistent and overpriced. As someone familiar with the field, I recommend looking at other college admission consultants before committing to a high investment without precise results or satisfaction guarantees.
It’s not enough to have flashy credentials; the experience needs to match the expectations they set, and from what I’ve seen and read, InGenius Prep falls short in this regard.
What Are the Main Admission Consulting Services of InGenius Prep?
Many people know InGenius Prep for its college admissions advising services, which help students apply to the best universities. They help with all aspects of getting into college, medical school, law school, and business school.
Each student is paired with a graduate coach and a former admissions officer who will help them with every part of the application process, from making a list of schools to applying to improving their essays and getting ready for interviews.
What’s Included in InGeniusPrep.com Packages?
InGenius Prep’s packages claim to offer a wide range of services to guide students through every step of the application process:
- Personal statement guidance. They help brainstorm, draft, and polish a standout personal statement that reflects the student’s unique story and goals.
- Supplemental essay support. Detailed feedback and edits to make sure each supplemental essay aligns with the college’s specific prompts and expectations.
- School selection strategy. InGeniusPrep experts can create a balanced list of reach, target, and safety schools.
- Interview preparation. One-on-one sessions to prepare students for college interviews, focusing on common questions and effective communication strategies.
- Recommendation letter assistance. Guidance on selecting the right recommenders and advice on securing strong, impactful letters.
- Waitlist and deferral support. Strategies to improve students’ chances if they are waitlisted or deferred from their preferred schools.
They say they can help you in a way that fits your needs at every stage, which sounds good. However, from working in the field for a long time, I’ve seen that many consulting companies, including Command Education, offer the same services. Because of this, you must focus on the quality of help rather than the number. It’s how many services you get and how well they work.
Who Is on Their Team (Are They Knowledgeable Enough)?
InGenius Prep claims to have a robust team of over 150 Former Admissions Officers and Graduate Coaches with combined experience from top U.S. universities. That sounds great on paper, but having worked with various consulting teams, I know that not all former admissions officers are equally impactful in one-on-one consulting.
Many reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and Google mention a lack of personalized attention, even with such a large team.
Does InGeniusPrep Offer Any Extra Services?
They offer additional services, such as career counseling and guidance on extracurricular activities, which can be helpful. But honestly, this feels like an upsell.
From my observations, a good admission counselor should naturally integrate advice on extracurriculars and career planning into the main package rather than making it seem like a separate paid service.
Do They Have Any FREE Services?
InGeniusPrep’s free offerings are minimal. They provide a few webinars and blog posts, which is standard for any consulting firm trying to attract potential clients. Unlike Juris Education, which often offers free initial consultations or extensive resource libraries, InGenius Prep’s free offerings seem lackluster.
InGenius Prep’s Pricing and Guarantees
InGeniusPrep.com doesn’t list their pricing online, which is always a red flag for me. Why the secrecy? Parents and students deserve transparency regarding what they are paying for.
I’ve heard that their services are costly, sometimes reaching five figures for comprehensive packages.
If you’re considering spending that kind of money, it’s essential to have guarantees, but as far as I know, they don’t offer any concrete guarantees about admissions results. That’s a significant drawback.
Their Professionalism in Terms of Reviews Available Online
Reading reviews on Trustpilot and Google paints a mixed picture. While some students have had great experiences, others felt the service was not worth the cost.
One review on Trustpilot mentioned, “The consultant was hard to reach and unresponsive to emails, leaving us scrambling during crucial deadlines.”
Another on Reddit stated, “It felt like a factory. I didn’t feel like they knew me or my goals; they just wanted to push me through the process.”
Such comments are concerning, especially when paying a premium for their “expert” services.
Areas of InGenius Prep that They Should Work On
In my opinion, there are several grey areas where InGenius Prep needs improvement to truly meet the high expectations set by its branding and pricing:
- Multiple reviews highlight issues with slow communication. Students and parents often felt neglected, especially during crucial deadlines.
- Not listing prices upfront feels deceptive. Knowing what you’re paying for before committing is a basic expectation.
- Many clients report feeling like just another number. Despite advertising tailored services, their actual approach seems more formulaic.
- There are many complaints about the high cost compared to the value delivered. One would expect a more intensive and individualized service for the amount they charge.
- Their focus on Ivy League and top-tier schools might not suit everyone. Students aiming for less competitive schools could feel underserved.
Considering all the issues above, think carefully before choosing InGenius Prep for help with your college application.
1. How much do InGenius Prep services cost?
InGenius Prep does not publicly list prices on the official website. Still, their packages are generally expensive, often reaching into the $10,000, depending on the level of service and the number of schools involved.
2. Is InGeniusPrep a reputable company?
InGenius Prep has a mixed reputation. While some students and parents report positive experiences, praising the company’s support and expertise, others have expressed concerns about inconsistent service quality and high costs.
3. Can InGeniusPrep.com guarantee acceptance?
No, InGenius Prep does not guarantee acceptance to any school. Like all legitimate college admissions consultants, they emphasize that there are no guarantees in the admissions process due to its subjective nature.
5. Is InGenius Prep legit?
Yes, InGenius Prep is a legitimate company. They have a team of former admissions officers and consultants.