Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. Should you buy using our links, we might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here. All opinions expressed by contributors are solely their own.
As someone with extensive experience helping people get into college, I think it’s essential for students and parents to research before picking a consulting service. The goal of this Accepted.com review is to give an honest opinion on their services using my expertise and comments from real users.
If you’re considering their services or other options, check out additional reviews on the best college admission consultants.
Pros & Cons of Accepted
Accepted.com customizes its services for different educational tracks, such as college, law school, medical school, MBA programs, and other graduate programs. However, there are some important pros and cons.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Accepted.com offers personalized application tactics and comments that can help people showcase their unique skills in the best possible way. | Their professional consulting services can be expensive, potentially making them less accessible for students with limited financial resources. |
| The team includes past admissions officers and graduates from top schools who can advise you on how to make your application stand out. | The effectiveness of the service may vary depending on the experience and expertise of the assigned consultant. |
| They cover all aspects of the application process, from essay editing and interview prep to school selection, making it a one-stop shop for applicants. | Some students may feel that the process becomes too formulaic, possibly limiting the authenticity of their applications. |
Overall, I wouldn’t suggest Accepted.com to serious applicants or people who want specific, high-quality help. As a professional, I believe that other college admissions consulting companies provide better value, more in-depth knowledge, and a more personalized service. You should look for a service that gets what you need and can give you the personalized help you need to stand out in today’s challenging college world.
What Are the Main Admission Consulting Services at Accepted.com?
In my opinion, Accepted.com offers the usual admissions consulting services: essay editing, interview prep, and application reviews. They claim to provide comprehensive support for college, MBA, law, and med school applicants.
However, from my experience in the field, I’ve found that their services lack depth and customization. Unlike Prep Scholar, they seem to follow a generic formula, which might not be effective for students with unique backgrounds or aspirations.
What’s Included in Those Packages?
Their packages range from single-session consultations to more expensive “full package” services that cover the entire application process:
- Application strategy. Accepted.com helps candidates create a unique application plan that considers their school background, social activities, and goals.
- Editing essays. One of the main things they do is help students write essays. They help applicants develop essay ideas, organize their writing, and ensure that drafts are clear, convincing, and aligned with their story.
- Preparing for an interview. The company helps applicants prepare for talks with admissions teams by holding practice interviews and giving candidates feedback.
- School selection. Based on an applicant’s background and interests, Accepted.com can help them pick the right schools.
- Review of applications. They thoroughly review whole applications, ensuring all the parts work well together.
However, what you get in those packages isn’t always straightforward. Many students and parents feel confused about what they’re paying for.
The so-called “comprehensive” packages often leave gaps in crucial areas like strategizing for specific schools or integrating personal narratives into multiple applications.
Who Is on the Accepted.com Team? Are They Knowledgeable Enough?
I’ve seen that the advisers are a big part of what makes admissions advice good or bad. Accepted.com has a team of skilled experts, but many haven’t worked as admissions officers before and know little about the process.
Many of my clients felt that the expert at Accepted they were given didn’t really “get” them or their application needs, which led to general advice that was easy to find online.
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
Apart from the primary application services, they don’t offer much extra support, like financial aid guidance or post-admission counseling, which many other consulting firms offer.
This lack of additional services means students may need to look elsewhere for a holistic application experience. To see what a good example looks like, check out what Empowerly offers.
Do They Have Any FREE Services?
They have a few free resources like blog posts and webinars, but in my opinion, these are more of a marketing tool than actual value-added resources. The free content is often superficial and serves to funnel students into their paid services rather than genuinely helping them.
Now, let’s move to the prices of all their packages.
Accepted.com Pricing and Guarantees
Accepted.com’s pricing is on the higher end, and I believe it doesn’t deliver the value you’d expect for such a steep cost. They offer four main packages:
- Bronze package ($9,015) – application support, including one personal statement and monthly strategy sessions.
- Silver package ($12,900) – adds three supplemental applications and one mock interview.
- Gold package ($16,480) – includes six supplemental applications, three mock interviews, and waitlist advice.
- Platinum package ($20,480) – an all-inclusive option with additional support for camp, competition, or scholarship applications.
Optional add-ons like extra mock interviews or additional supplemental application reviews can drive up the cost significantly. While the “no clock ticking” feature is a plus, there’s no guarantee of admission outcomes, which is standard in the industry.
However, given their premium prices, it’s reasonable to expect more transparency and better results. Additionally, their restrictive refund policy can disappoint families if the service falls short of expectations.
Their Professionalism in Terms of Reviews Available Online
I’ve read mixed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and other forums. Some users appreciate the service, but many complain about the lack of individualized attention and the high costs.
A typical negative review reads, “I felt like another number in their system. The consultant didn’t seem invested in my success and followed a cookie-cutter approach.” This is consistent with my observations from working in the industry.
Areas of Accepted.com That They Should Work On
Accepted has some severe areas that need improvement if they want to compete with other top consulting firms:
- Their approach often feels generic and doesn’t cater to individual student needs.
- The service quality does not justify pricing, especially compared to competitors.
- Some consultants are highly experienced, while others lack a basic understanding of the admissions process.
- Many clients report delays in responses and a lack of proactive support throughout the application process.
- They focus too much on making applications look perfect rather than authentic, which can be disingenuous to admissions committees.
These issues can make the entire application process more stressful rather than supportive. If Accepted.com addresses these shortcomings, they might be able to deliver a better experience for their clients.
1. How much do Accepted.com services cost?
Accepted.com’s packages range from around $9,015 for their Bronze Comprehensive Package to $20,480 for the Platinum Package. Additional services, like extra mock interviews or application reviews, can increase the overall cost.
2. Is Accepted.com a reputable company?
Yes, Accepted.com has been in the admissions consulting industry for years and has a team of experienced consultants. However, reviews are mixed, with some clients feeling their services fall short of expectations.
3. Can Accepted.com guarantee acceptance?
No, Accepted.com, like most admissions consulting firms, cannot guarantee acceptance into any program. They offer guidance and support but cannot influence admissions decisions.
4. Is Accepted.com worth it?
It depends on individual needs and expectations. While some find value in their services, others feel the high costs don’t justify the results. It’s best to compare with other firms before deciding.