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As someone with extensive experience helping people get into college, I think it’s important for families to know what they’re buying before they pay for a service. In this HS2 Academy review, I’ll be honest and give a complete picture of what they offer and how well they do. Also, read all reviews before hiring one for more information on the best college admission consultants.
Pros & Cons of HS2 Academy
| ✔️ PROS | ❌ CONS |
|---|---|
| HS2 Academy offers individual guidance services that help students make a college application plan that shows off their skills and unique experiences. | Limited availability for one-on-one counseling sessions might lead to delays in getting the necessary support. |
| The academy provides extensive services, including application assistance, test preparation, and academic tutoring. | The intensive preparation and high expectations from such services could add stress and pressure on students. |
| Their team includes experienced counselors who are knowledgeable about the college admissions process. | Personalized and comprehensive services can be expensive and potentially unaffordable for some families. |
I cannot recommend HS2 Academy to students and families who are serious about getting top-notch college admission guidance. Their service is overpriced and lacks a personalized approach to managing the competitive college admissions process.
Other consulting services offer better support, more precise communication, and more reliable results at a similar or lower cost. Think twice before investing in HS2 Academy.
What Are the Main Admission Consulting Services at HS2Academy.com?
HS2 Academy offers various college admission services, including college counseling, essay workshops, and standardized test preparation. It promises a comprehensive approach to helping students get into their dream schools.
However, from my professional perspective, the reality is less impressive. While the services offered may initially appear comprehensive, they lack depth and flexibility.
Although these services cover the basics, they often feel more like a sales pitch than meaningful support. The issue is not just what they offer but how they deliver it. College counseling, for example, tends to be generic, focusing on cookie-cutter advice. By the way, Top Tier Admissions has the same problem.
What’s Included in Those Packages?
Here are some of the options they advertise:
- College counseling. HS2Academy offers tailored college counseling services that include college selection, application strategy, and timeline management guidance.
- Application assistance. The academy supports crafting college applications, including personal statements, supplemental essays, and activity lists.
- Test preparation. HS2 offers prep courses for standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, and AP exams.
- Academic enrichment. HS2Academy.com also offers tutoring services in various subjects to improve students’ academic performance.
- Extracurricular and leadership development. They help students identify and pursue meaningful extracurricular activities and leadership roles to build a well-rounded application profile.
- College essay workshops. HS2 Academy conducts workshops focused on college essays.
- Interview preparation. This company offers training and mock interviews to help students prepare for college interviews.
The packages offered by HS2Academy.com typically include college counseling, test prep, and extracurricular planning. But I think the so-called “customized” packages are pretty cookie-cutter.
Despite their claims of providing individualized guidance, their approach is often generic, with little flexibility to address the unique needs of each student.
Who Is on the HS2 Academy Team?
The team consists mainly of counselors and tutors with varying levels of experience. From what I’ve seen and heard, some counselors have not kept up with the latest changes in the admissions landscape, which is crucial for practical guidance.
Moreover, the turnover rate is high, so students may not receive consistent support throughout the lengthy and complex college application process. According to multiple Glassdoor reviews, many staff members describe the environment as stressful and disorganized.
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
While HS2 Academy advertises some extra services like leadership development and extracurricular planning, these add-ons don’t add much value. They often feel like filler content, justifying a higher price tag without delivering meaningful student benefits.
Does HS2 Academy Have Any FREE Services?
As far as I know, HS2 Academy offers no significant free resources or consultations. Most reputable admission consulting firms provide at least a few free webinars, articles, or initial consultations to demonstrate their expertise. A good example is free services from the Empowerly team.
HS2, however, seems to focus more on upselling their packages from the get-go.
HS2 Academy Pricing and Guarantees
The college application package from HS2Academy costs a whopping $6,100. Their online lessons, even the shorter ones, start at $365 for one week and quickly increase in price.
An 18-week program can cost as much as $3,680. New students pay an extra $100 application fee, which seems like a needless cost, given how much everything else costs.
Based on my experience, good college counselors should be open and give clear, useful comments throughout the process. It’s too bad that HS2 doesn’t always tell parents and students what to expect next. Even more worrying is that it’s not very clear, given the high price. Families should get the same level of help and contact for $6,100 as the extra they pay.
Their Professionalism in Terms of Reviews Available Online
Looking at testimonials on platforms like Yelp and Reddit, several students and parents have expressed dissatisfaction with HS2Academy.com. Common complaints include:
- Poor communication.
- Ineffective time use during sessions.
- Lack of individual attention.
One Yelp reviewer noted, “We paid thousands, and it felt like a waste. The counselor was nice, but we didn’t see any added value that we couldn’t get from a basic Google search.” This sentiment is echoed in many other reviews, suggesting that the service is far from the premium experience they advertise.
Areas of HS2 Academy that They Should Work On
Unfortunately, HS2Academy.com has several areas where they fall short and could significantly improve:
- Improve hiring standards and training for counselors to ensure they are up-to-date with the current admissions process and can offer real expertise.
- Communication between counselors and families should be improved. Many complaints suggest that parents and students feel left out of the loop.
- Clearer explanations of what each package includes and setting realistic expectations about what the service can and cannot achieve.
- The cost of services should be better aligned with the quality and effectiveness of the support provided.
- High turnover rates are detrimental to student progress. HS2 should focus on retaining skilled staff to provide a stable experience for students.
These are not minor problems; they can significantly impact a student’s experience and results. I won’t be able to recommend HS2 Academy as a top choice for serious college applications until these issues are fixed.
How much does the HS2 Academy cost?
HS2 Academy’s services range from $365 for a one-week online course to $6,100 for their comprehensive college application package. Additional fees, such as a $100 registration charge for new students, may apply.
Is HS2 Academy a reputable company?
HS2 Academy has a mixed reputation. While some families have positive experiences, many reviews highlight concerns about service quality, lack of personalized guidance, and high costs.
Can HS2Academy.com guarantee acceptance?
No, HS2 Academy does not guarantee college acceptance. While it offers guidance and support, the colleges make the ultimate admissions decisions.
Is HS2Academy service worth it?
It depends. The structure and resources provided may be beneficial for some students. However, others may find the cost and level of service not aligned with their expectations.
Is HS2 Academy a legit company?
Yes, HS2 Academy is a legitimate business that offers educational consulting and test prep services. However, carefully evaluate whether their services meet your specific needs.