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I know how important it is to find the right help during the application process because I have much experience in college admissions consulting. Families want to spend money on programs that help them because the stakes are high. That’s why I want to share some thoughts about one of the top admission consultants out there today.
In this HelloCollege review, I’ll go over their services, highlight their strengths, point out areas for improvement, and explain why I believe they’re a solid choice for students and families.
What We Like & Disadvantages
Before you go with SayHelloCollege.com, it’s worth looking at what they do really well—and a few things they could do better.
| âž• PROS | âž– CONS |
|---|---|
| A full suite of services: college counseling, essay coaching, SAT/ACT prep, financial aid guidance, and even more. | Much of HelloCollege’s physical presence has been concentrated in certain states (e.g., Illinois). |
| Various package levels (20–100 hours) and mix-and-match services make it adaptable to any budget and timeline. | Higher-tier packages (like HelloCollege 75 or 100) may be costly and out of reach for some families. |
| Their S.A.F.E. model (Social, Academic, Financial, and Employment fit) helps you build a realistic college list. | Their approach is best for students who start early (freshman or sophomore year). |
So, if you’re a student or a parent looking for real help, HelloCollege is definitely worth checking out. Their team knows what they’re doing, the support covers all the possible areas, and honestly, the results show.
From what I’ve seen, the students who succeed are the ones with a game plan and a strong story. HelloCollege helps you figure out both. You might be aiming for the Ivies, or just looking for a smart, affordable way to get into a school that’s right for you, but either way, they’ve got you covered.
Would I recommend HelloCollege to families I work with? I already do. And so far, it’s been nothing but positive feedback.
By the way, I also recommend you check all our reviews on the best college admission consultants.
The Main Admission Consulting Services of HelloCollege
HelloCollege helps with all the big stuff students stress about:
- Writing college essays.
- Test preparation.
- Financial aid.
- Building a solid college list.
They also make sure you’re applying to a brilliant mix of reach, match, and safety schools, which honestly saves a lot of time and second-guessing. What I like most is that they actually guide you through each step, whether it’s your personal statement, your school list, or figuring out how to pay for college without going broke.
What’s Included in Hello College Packages?
As I said above, HelloCollege is a full-service admissions consulting company that helps high school students with all parts of the application process. They offer several package levels based on how early you start and how much help you want.
For example, students aiming for top-tier or highly competitive programs (like BS/MD tracks) often go with the 100-hour plan for more in-depth support. On the other hand, their 20-hour or 30-hour options are great for those who need focused help with essays, school selection, or financial aid.
Below is what you get with HelloCollege packages:
🎯 Personalized College Planning
You’ll get one-on-one guidance based on your grades, interests, goals, and even career ideas—so your college list makes sense for you, not just based on rankings.
đź“ť Application and Essay Coaching
They walk you through the Common App, supplemental essays, and everything in between. The essay coaching is a big highlight—they really help students find their voice and stand out.
🎓 College List Building
HelloCollege helps you build a smart mix of reach, match, and safety schools, while also looking at fit, campus culture, and cost. They want to make sure you’re not just applying to big-name schools, but to places where you’ll actually be happy and successful.
đź’° Financial Aid and Scholarships
Their team helps with FAFSA, the CSS Profile, and scholarship searches. They also teach families how to compare offers and appeal if needed—super useful, especially if cost is a major factor.
đź“š Test Prep
SAT or ACT? Doesn’t matter—they’ve got tools, resources, and coaches to help you boost your score and stay confident on test day.
đź‘Ą Group Workshops and Online Tools
Alongside the one-on-one sessions, they also offer live workshops and digital modules on everything from interview prep to college admissions strategy. It’s a good mix of personal and practical essay writing, interview preparation, and application strategies.
These packages are a great all-in-one option for families who want everything in one place. That being said, this approach is very similar to Prep Expert.
Also, if you’re starting senior year and feeling the crunch, you might need a little more flexibility—but even then, Hello College’s team can adjust the plan and meet you where you are.
Who is on HelloCollege’s Team (Are They Knowledgeable Enough)?
Kevin Krebs is at the top. He is the founder and managing director, with 25 years of experience. He is a first-gen college student from Northwestern who has turned his story into helping over 40,000 families. And everyone on the crew shares that level of commitment.
I can assure you that SayHelloCollege.com has a solid core of senior experts. Each of them brings real credentials: advanced degrees, admission office experience, and decades in education. On top of that, there is a strong squad of essay coaches, tutors, and counselors with backgrounds in higher education, creative writing, and test prep.
Even though it’s not a mega-firm, it’s not small either—they’ve got depth in each area, so you’re not stuck relying on just one person.
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
Yes, and this is where I think they stand out. Besides the typical counseling and essays, they also offer:
- 1:1 tutoring for school subjects.
- Executive function coaching (a huge help for students with ADHD or time management issues).
- SAT/ACT test prep with diagnostic tools.
- FAFSA and CSS Profile assistance.
One of my students used HelloCollege’s test prep, improved his ACT by five points, and landed merit scholarships that paid back the entire consulting cost. That’s a win. 🏅
Does SayHelloCollege.com Have Any FREE Services?
They do. Parents and students can book a free consultation to get a sense of where they’re at and what kind of support might be useful.
HelloCollege also hosts regular free webinars and Q&A sessions that are honestly quite helpful, even if you don’t sign up for a full plan. And their blog is packed with straight-to-the-point advice (no fluff).
HelloCollege Pricing and Guarantees
HelloCollege offers block-hour packages that let you mix and match across services (counseling, essays, test prep, tutoring, financial aid).
If you don’t need the full college roadmap, they offer focused options too:
- Essay coaching: 5, 10, 20, or 40 hours, depending on your essay load.
- Test prep (SAT/ACT): 10/20/40-hour tutoring plans, usually paired with online practice modules.
- Academic tutoring: 5–40 hours for core or AP subjects.
From what I’ve gathered, counselors at HelloCollege generally charge around $100–$300 per hour, depending on experience and service type. This pricing matches what top-tier counseling costs, but the value (especially in scholarship savings) is solid. Plus, the flexibility of rolling hours and customization means you’re not overpaying for stuff you don’t need.
HelloCollege doesn’t guarantee acceptance—that’s not ethical. But what they do promise is this: their financial aid and scholarship help usually pays for itself.
Professionalism in Terms of Reviews Available Online
The team at HelloCollege has built a great rep for being knowledgeable and super easy to work with, similar to what you’d see with MBA Exchange.
Parents and students constantly mention how responsive and hands-on the staff is, even outside of normal hours.
This kind of feedback shows that HelloCollege genuinely cares and goes the extra mile.
Support like this makes a real difference, especially when you have multiple deadlines, essays, and test prep all at once.
As you can see, HelloCollege gets a lot of love for its expert support—and honestly, that makes it a solid choice.
Areas of SayHelloCollege.com They Should Work On
No service is perfect, and here’s what I’d like to see improved in this company:
- Cost Transparency
You won’t find prices easily on the site. Families have to book a consultation first, so it’d be great to see at least ballpark pricing upfront.
- Better Tools for Late-Starters
Their system works best if you start early (like sophomore or early junior year), and seniors who come in last minute might feel like they’re cramming. They could build more robust crash-course programs for those students.
- Stronger National Presence
While their virtual services are available everywhere, their brand is still strongest in Illinois and nearby states. Expanding outreach would help students across the U.S. know they’re an option.
âť“ FAQs
How much do HelloCollege services cost?
Their services typically range from $100 to $300 per hour, depending on what kind of help you need. They also offer pre-paid packages from 20 to 100 hours for full support.
Is HelloCollege a reputable company?
Yes—they’ve helped over 40,000 families and have tons of positive reviews from students and parents. Their team includes experienced counselors, essay coaches, and financial aid pros.
Can SayHelloCollege.com guarantee acceptance?
No legit service can promise acceptance, but HelloCollege does help students boost their chances with strong applications, smart school lists, and expert guidance.
Is SayHelloCollege.com worth it?
If you’re looking for hands-on support through the college process, it’s worth considering. Many families say that HelloCollege saved thousands in tuition and reduced stress big time.
Is Hello College a legit company?
Yes, SayHelloCollege.com is a legitimate college admissions consulting firm based in Oak Brook, Illinois, offering students various services nationwide.