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When looking for a college admissions consulting service, you need to know more about what each one gives than what they say in their ads. In this Dewey Smart review, I’ll share some lessons I’ve learned from working in college admissions consulting for a long time. I want to give you a fair picture by looking at their services, team experience, and price structure.
Before signing up for their services, this review should assist student and parent decision-making.
What We Like & Disadvantages
Dewey Smart advertises itself as a complete program for students who want to get into top colleges, but it falls short in some areas.
| ☑️ PROS | ❌ CONS |
|---|---|
| Dewey Smart provides a highly personalized education by matching each student with a guide familiar with their particular objectives. | Extensive services, such as those offered by Dewey Smart, may have a significant price tag. |
| The service offers more than guidance. It includes internships, solo study projects, and growth opportunities outside school. | While the service aims to place students in top universities, this focus might not align with every student’s goals or capabilities. |
| Dewey Smart pairs students with mentors who are often recent graduates or top students from prestigious universities. | Although the program emphasizes personalization, some students may still find the advice too formulaic. |
Overall, Dewey Smart is a capable option for students aiming for competitive universities, particularly in STEM or business fields. However, in my opinion, they need to work on providing a truly individualized experience for all students.
Their approach might suit high-achieving students seeking elite institutions, but better options and college admission consultants are available for those with unique goals or limited budgets.
The Main Admission Consulting Services of Dewey Smart
Dewey Smart is a full-service college admissions consulting firm that will help students with every step of the application process. They can help students prep for tests, write essays, and plan their extracurricular activities all in one place.
As an admissions adviser, I can say that their process seems well-organized, with essential parts like giving comments on essays, managing applications, and planning for school. However, the application might not be as good as it could be regarding real personalization, especially for students with specific hobbies in school or work.
What’s Included in Dewey Smart’s Packages?
Dewey Smart offers several services to guide students through the admissions process:
- Admissions counseling.
- SAT/ACT prep.
- Academic tutoring.
- Internship matching programs.
- Extracurricular planning.
While these services appear extensive, I believe some are too generalized. Their set packages might not fully cater to each student’s unique needs. Although this company pairs students with top school mentors, feedback suggests that the advice can be formulaic rather than truly tailored.
This one-size-fits-all approach can be restrictive for students with aspirations outside the mainstream or applying to less common programs, so you can consider Admissionado.
Who Is on Their Team (Are They Knowledgeable Enough)?
It might sound appealing that DeweySmart.com advertises its staff as recent college graduates or high-achieving students from well-known universities.
But from experience, I know that getting a degree from an Ivy League school doesn’t always mean you can be a good guide.
Does Dewey Smart Offer Any Extra Services?
Yes, they offer extras like internship placements and independent study projects to enhance a student’s application. While these opportunities can be valuable, they seem more relevant for students aiming for highly competitive STEM or business programs.
These extras may not provide as much added value if your student has a different focus — say, the arts or humanities. I believe these “extras” could be better customized to match the diversity of student interests.
Do They Have Any FREE Services?
DeweySmart does offer free beginning talks, which can help families determine whether their method fits their hopes.
Other than this initial meeting, though, there aren’t many free services. Many of the good things they have to offer cost money, which makes it harder for students and families to find cheap alternatives.
Dewey Smart’s Pricing and Guarantees
One big problem with Dewey Smart’s website is that it doesn’t give any exact price information. This lack of openness makes it hard for families to know how much their services will cost or how valuable they are right away.
You have to set up a meeting instead to determine how much their deals cost.
Their Professionalism Based on Reviews Available Online
From reading reviews on Google, people have different opinions about Dewey Smart. Some users have said their teachers were very dedicated and helpful, especially when entering well-known universities like MIT and Caltech.
But there are also worries about the service’s quality. A parent review discussed the “cookie-cutter” approach and how their child felt they had to fit into a mold instead of emphasizing their unique skills.
Areas of Dewey Smart That They Should Work On
DeweySmart has significant aspects that may not meet the mark, especially compared to Admit Advantage.
- Consistency in Mentor Quality
DeweySmart.com needs to standardize the quality of its mentorship. Students have reported varied experiences depending on the mentor assigned, leading to inconsistent service delivery.
- Overemphasis on Elite Universities
Their focus on Ivy League placements might not be suitable for every student. More flexibility is needed to help those with different academic goals.
- Limited Customization
While DeweySmart claims to offer personalized services, the feedback suggests that their packages remain rigid and may not serve students with unique career aspirations.
- High Pricing Without Guarantees
The high costs, combined with no guarantee of admission or outcome transparency, might deter families who need more explicit expectations of what their investment will achieve.
- Insufficient Support for Non-STEM/Business Students
Students interested in the arts, humanities, or vocational paths may find the extras less beneficial. A broader approach that caters to these areas could be more inclusive.
❓ FAQs
How much do Dewey Smart services cost?
Dewey Smart does not list specific prices on its website. To find out the exact cost of its services, you must book a free consultation.
Is Dewey Smart a reputable company?
Dewey Smart has mixed reviews online. While some students and parents report positive experiences, especially in gaining acceptance to competitive universities, others criticize the inconsistent service quality.
Can DeweySmart.com guarantee acceptance?
No, Dewey Smart, like most college admissions consulting services, does not guarantee acceptance. They offer guidance and support to strengthen your application but clarify that outcomes depend on several factors beyond their control.
Is Dewey Smart legit?
Yes, Dewey Smart is a legitimate college admissions consulting service. They offer various services, such as admissions counseling, test preparation, and academic tutoring.