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Anna Ivey Consulting has emerged as a notable name in the vast realm of college admission consulting, promising to guide students through the intricate maze of college applications. With many services and a team boasting of former admissions officers, they’ve positioned themselves as experts in the field.
However, as someone deeply rooted in the world of college admissions, it’s essential to peel back the layers and critically assess what’s on offer. So, this is my Anna Ivey review for today.
Cut Short
Before diving deep into the specifics, let’s quickly glance at the top three pros and cons of their services:
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| The team is comprised of former admissions officers from top U.S. institutions. | Lack of transparency in pricing and package details. |
| A comprehensive range of services catering to high school students and those seeking transfers. | Overemphasis on law school admissions, which may not resonate with all students. |
| A comprehensive range of services catering to high school students and those seeking transfers. | Potential bias with the promotion of Anna Ivey’s books. |
With these key points in mind, let’s dive deeper into the specifics of what Anna Ivey Consulting brings to the table and where it might fall short.
What Are The Main College Admission Consulting Services of Anna Ivey?
Anna Ivey primarily offers admissions and educational consulting tailored for applicants targeting selective colleges, as well as Admit Advantage do, they focus on law schools, and MPA/MPP programs in the U.S. Their emphasis on law school admissions, given the founder’s background, is evident.Â
However, in my opinion, while they market themselves as having a unique and specialized approach, their range of services aligns closely with what’s commonly available in the industry.Â
| Best College Admission Consulting Firms |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultant | Admissionado | BeMo Consulting | Admit Advantage |
| Price Range | $1,650-$9,880 | $3,397-$11,397 | $5,999-$14,999 |
| Admissions Feature | Colleges | Med schools | Law schools |
| Rating | 4,8 | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| More info | Visit | Visit | Visit |
They seem to focus on guiding students through the application process, ensuring they present themselves in the best light.
However, let’s delve deeper.
What’s Included in Those Packages?
Anna Ivey Consulting provides a spectrum of packages designed to cater to different stages of a student’s academic road.Â
For younger high school students, they offer guidance on launching their academic careers, selecting the right classes, and setting a foundation for their future applications.
For high school seniors and juniors, they have specialized essay packages, which presumably offer guidance, editing, and feedback on college application essays.
Additionally, for those already in college but seeking a change, they provide transfer packages.
One of their standout offerings is a software program tailored for the college essay writing process. While this might seem innovative, as I know from general practice criteria, there are numerous tools and software available in the market that aid in essay writing.
Thus, it’s crucial to understand how their software stands out from the rest.
But who’s behind these services?
Their Team (are they knowledgeable enough)
The team at Ivey Consulting includes professionals with diverse backgrounds in the realm of college admissions. One such member is Beth Briney, a college coach. Beth’s experience spans both sides of the admissions desk, having worked at Truman State University, St. Louis University, and Gettysburg College.Â
Furthermore, she has served as a College Counselor at Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis, where she catered to both domestic and international students. Notably, her students have secured spots in prestigious institutions like Northwestern, New York University, University of Michigan, and Macalester College.
Beth’s educational background is also commendable. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gettysburg College and has pursued advanced degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in School Counseling (K-12) and College Counseling. Additionally, she is a Licensed Professional Counselor.
While Beth’s credentials and experience are undoubtedly impressive, it’s essential to note that having been an admissions officer or counselor doesn’t necessarily translate to effective consulting. It’s one thing to evaluate applications and another to guide students through the intricate process, ensuring they present their best selves.
In my experience, the transition from evaluating to guiding is not always seamless.
Speaking of guiding, do they offer anything beyond the basics?
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
AnnaIvey.com offers consultants for speaking events at a fee. They also promote Anna Ivey’s books with links for purchase. In my opinion, these “extra” services seem more like marketing tactics rather than genuine value additions for students.
Now, let’s talk about the investment.
Their Pricing and Guarantees
While the exact pricing isn’t mentioned in the sources I reviewed, the emphasis on their founder’s law background and the promotion of speaking events and books suggests a premium pricing model.
As I know, many other admission consulting firms, like, for example, Admissionado, offer more transparent pricing structures and more straightforward guarantees.
I have left an inquiry to get the minimum price. Now it’s been around 5 or 6 days (while I’m writing this review), but they still didn’t get back.
Maybe they are currently FULL; who knows? Still, I think they should have informed me, anyway.
For sure, I’ll update this review in case I get this information 😉
But what’s the word on the street?
Their Professionalism in Terms of Reviews Available Online
Online reviews are a mixed bag. Some praise the firm, while others, like a seemingly unrelated review on Yelp, raise questions about their online reputation management.Â
In my opinion, a reputable firm should have consistent positive feedback across various platforms.
Grey Areas of Anna Ivey Consulting
However, not everything is as it seems.
Lack of Transparency
It’s not clear what exactly is included in each package or how much they cost.
Questionable Value Proposition
Their emphasis on law school admissions might not resonate with all students, especially given the founder’s own reservations about the value of a law degree.
Potential Bias
The promotion of Anna Ivey’s books might lead to biased advice.
Rigorous Intake Process
While they claim it’s for the student’s benefit, it can be off-putting for many.
Lack of Unique Offerings
In my opinion, their services don’t stand out in a crowded market.
So, what’s the final word?
Verdict 👎
This is the end of my Anna Ivey consulting review. Given my extensive experience in working with the best college admission consultants, I find Anna Ivey Consulting to be lacking in several areas.
Their services, while comprehensive, don’t offer anything particularly unique or groundbreaking.Â
The emphasis on law school admissions, combined with the founder’s own reservations about the value of a law degree, sends mixed messages.
As I know from general practice criteria, there are other firms like BeMo out there that offer more transparent, student-centered services without the premium price tag.Â
I’d advise students and parents to look elsewhere.
FAQs about Anna Ivey Consulting
How much does Anna Ivey college consulting cost?
While the exact pricing for Anna Ivey Consulting services wasn’t mentioned in the sources reviewed, the emphasis on their founder’s law background and the promotion of speaking events and books suggests a premium pricing model. For precise figures, it would be best to contact the company directly or check their official website.
Is Anna Ivey a reputable company?
Anna Ivey Consulting has been in the industry for several years and is run by former admissions officers from top U.S. institutions. Online reviews are mixed, with some praising the firm and others offering criticism. As with any service, it’s essential to do thorough research and perhaps seek testimonials or references before making a decision.
Can AnnaIvey.com guarantee acceptance?
Based on the information reviewed, Anna Ivey Consulting does not explicitly guarantee acceptance into any college or program. They offer guidance, advice, and strategies to help students present their best selves, but the final admission decision always rests with the educational institution.
Does Ivey Consulting worth it?
The value of Ivey Consulting’s services depends on individual needs and perspectives. They offer a range of services, from essay guidance to transfer packages. However, some aspects, such as their emphasis on law school admissions and potential biases, might not resonate with all students.