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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. In this HelloCollege review, I’ll talk about their services in detail, including their strengths, shortcomings, and how well they work overall.
What We Like & Disadvantages
Before you decide whether to use this service, you should carefully consider the pros and cons.
| ➕ PROS | ➖ CONS |
|---|---|
| HelloCollege offers tailored guidance to each student, focusing on their unique strengths, interests, and career goals. | The structured nature of HelloCollege’s programs might be less effective for students who start the application process late. |
| HelloCollege offers services ranging from college selection and application assistance to essay writing and financial aid guidance. | While extensive support can be beneficial, there is a risk that students may become too dependent on guidance. |
| Their workshops and group programs offer valuable insights and practical skills, helping students and parents better understand the college application. | For those on a tighter budget, the cost of HelloCollege services might be a significant barrier. |
I think HelloCollege might work for families in the Midwest who need an organized plan and know more people in the company. But people who want to go to top schools or require a lot of freedom might not be impressed by what’s available.
Because of the cost, it’s crucial to think about whether HelloCollege’s services fit your wants and your income. I also recommend you check all our reviews on the best college admission consultants.
The Main Admission Consulting Services of HelloCollege
HelloCollege offers various services, including essay coaching, standardized test preparation, and financial aid guidance. They also assist with college selection, ensuring students apply to a balanced list of reach, match, and safety schools.
While this range is typical for consulting firms, the depth of each service might not be as substantial as advertised.
What’s Included in Hello College Packages?
HelloCollege is a full-service admissions consulting company that helps high school students with all parts of the application process.
- Personalized College Planning
HelloCollege provides personalized guidance tailored to students’ academic strengths, interests, and career aspirations.
- Application and Essay Support
One of HelloCollege’s key offerings is support for completing college applications, including help with the common application and school-specific requirements. They also offer essay coaching services.
- College Selection Assistance
HelloCollege helps students build a balanced college list, considering academic fit, career goals, campus culture, and financial aid opportunities.
- Financial Aid and Scholarship Guidance
The company offers guidance on financial aid applications, including FAFSA and CSS Profile completion.
- Standardized Test Preparation
HelloCollege supports standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, including access to test preparation resources and personalized study plans.
- Workshops and Group Programs
In addition to one-on-one consulting, SayHelloCollege.com hosts various workshops and group programs on topics such as college essay writing, interview preparation, and application strategies.
These packages offer an appealing all-in-one solution, but their structure can sometimes feel rigid compared to Prep Expert. Students, especially those starting the process late, need more flexibility.
Who is on HelloCollege’s Team (Are They Knowledgeable Enough)?
Kevin Krebs, an experienced consultant, leads the team. However, the overall team structure seems thin, with reports indicating only a small core team of senior consultants (some reviews mention just two primary consultants).
From my experience, a larger, more varied team brings a broader perspective, especially when advising on applications to top-tier schools.
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
SayHelloCollege.com hosts free workshops on topics like essay writing and financial planning. These are great for initial engagement, but feedback suggests they don’t provide in-depth insights for competitive admissions.
Does SayHelloCollege.com Have Any FREE Services?
Yes, HelloCollege offers a free initial consultation and workshops. The free consultation is helpful, but, as some users point out, it often serves more as a sales pitch than a genuine evaluation session.
In practice, families might not receive enough actionable advice unless they commit to a paid package.
Their Pricing and Guarantees
One of HelloCollege’s biggest drawbacks is the lack of transparent pricing. To understand the cost, you need to sign up for a consultation, which can be inconvenient for families simply looking to compare options quickly.
From what I’ve gathered, HelloCollege offers several pricing packages based on the level of support:
- Hourly sessions. For targeted assistance.
- 10-hour or 20-hour packages. Covering specific needs like essay coaching or test prep.
- Comprehensive programs. Complete guidance throughout high school.
However, without a clear price list, it’s challenging to gauge whether these options are cost-effective. Furthermore, they do not offer guarantees on admissions outcomes.
Professionalism in Terms of Reviews Available Online
Online reviews show a mixed picture. On Yelp and Reddit, feedback ranges from praise for specific counselors to criticism about unfulfilled promises and lack of depth. This is very suspicious, as the best consultants, like MBA Exchange, have only positive reviews.
For instance, one reviewer mentioned that despite paying for essay support, their student only received superficial feedback, forcing them to hire an additional consultant.
Areas of SayHelloCollege.com They Should Work On
Below are the five key issues I observed:
- Team expertise. With only a few experienced consultants, the capacity to provide expert guidance for a wide range of colleges seems limited.
- Flexibility of services. The structured nature of their programs might not suit every student, especially late starters.
- Results transparency. There’s a lack of precise outcome data, making it hard to evaluate their success rates objectively.
- Pricing vs. value. The cost is significant, but some users report that the value they received was not proportionate.
- Free resources. While they offer free consultations and workshops, these are often viewed as introductory sessions to upsell their paid services.
Therefore, despite the fact that HelloCollege has some positive attributes, several areas require development to serve students and their families better.
❓ FAQs
How much do HelloCollege services cost?
The exact pricing isn’t available on their website. You need to schedule a consultation to find prices, which may be inconvenient for those looking for quick comparisons.
Is HelloCollege a reputable company?
Yes, HelloCollege has been operating since 2019 and has mixed reviews online. While some clients are satisfied, others feel the services fall short of expectations.
Can SayHelloCollege.com guarantee acceptance?
No, they do not guarantee college acceptance, which is standard for college consulting services to avoid legal issues.
Is SayHelloCollege.com worth it?
It depends. The structured programs and guidance benefit some, but others may find the cost disproportionate to the value received.
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.