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HS2 Academy has built a strong name in college admissions counseling, but not everyone agrees on what you actually get for the price. So, this HS2 Academy review breaks down their main services, pricing, and overall approach so students and parents can see what works (and what doesn’t) before signing up.
Also, make sure to read multiple reviews before choosing, so you can find the best college admission consultant that fits your needs.
Pros & Cons of HS2 Academy
| ✔️ PROS | ❌ CONS |
|---|---|
| HS2 Academy pretty much covers the whole college admissions process: planning, test prep, essays, interviews, you name it. | Some parts of HS2 Academy come with a steep price tag, like the $2,000 ability test or the financial-aid filing fees for non-members. |
| They offer access to the USC STAR Research or Harvard Crimson internship, which can look great on a college app. | Their “acceptance lists” sound impressive, but they’re self-reported and not verified. |
| HS2 Academy says its counselors include grads from Harvard, UC Berkeley, USC, Duke, Cornell, Pomona, and Columbia. | At HS2Academy.com, your experience really depends on the team you’re paired with. |
HS2 Academy is a well-known name offering services such as SAT prep, essay editing, and financial aid filing. Also, there are nice extras like career testing and access to research or internship programs. For busy families who want structure and don’t mind paying for it, HS2 could be a good option.
That said, the high prices, questionable acceptance stats, and inconsistent counselor quality make it hard to recommend without hesitation. In addition, the team’s approach at HS2 Academy doesn’t always focus on a student’s story, goals, or overall fit. For what they charge, the level of customization just isn’t quite there.
Keep in mind, just because a brand name is out there doesn’t mean it’ll work. College admissions have become way too competitive for one-size-fits-all solutions like HS2Academy.
We’ll break down all of these points below.
What Are the Main Admission Consulting Services at HS2Academy.com?
HS2 Academy offers a range of college admissions services, including college counseling, essay workshops, and standardized test preparation. It promises a comprehensive approach to helping students get into their dream schools.
It looks like a single stop for everything from SAT prep to college essay brainstorming. However, the reality is less impressive. While the services offered may initially appear comprehensive, they lack depth and flexibility.
Although these services cover the basics, they often feel more like a sales pitch than meaningful support. The issue is not just what they offer but how they deliver it. College counseling, for example, tends to be generic, focusing on cookie-cutter advice. By the way, Top Tier Admissions has the same problem.
What’s Included in Those Packages?
In terms of structure, HS2 Academy doesn’t clearly publish fixed package details. Instead, they promote customized counseling plans that can include multiple services under one contract:
- College counseling. HS2Academy offers tailored college counseling services that include college selection, application strategy, and timeline management guidance.
- College application assistance. Writing personal statements, supplemental essays, and activity lists.
- Test preparation. Prep courses for standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, and AP exams.
- Academic enrichment. HS2Academy.com also offers tutoring services in various subjects to improve students’ academic performance.
- Extracurricular and leadership development. They help students identify and pursue extracurricular activities and leadership roles for a well-rounded application profile.
- College essay workshops. HS2 Academy conducts workshops focused on college essays.
- Interview preparation. This company offers training and mock interviews to help students prepare for college interviews.
Based on what families have reported, most packages combine college counseling, test prep, and extracurricular planning as the core components. Other services, like internships or financial aid, can be added at an extra cost.
It’s also worth mentioning that the so-called customized plans are pretty cookie-cutter. Many parents and students say the process can feel standardized, with little flexibility to address the unique needs.
Also, there seems to be a strong correlation between the branch you work with and the amount of real customization, even though the package appears flexible on paper.
Who Is on the HS2 Academy Team?
HS2Academy.com lists counselors who graduated from well-known universities like Harvard, UC Berkeley, USC, and Duke. Impressive, yes. But graduating from a good school doesn’t automatically make someone an effective admissions strategist.
According to HS2 Academy reviews, the quality depends heavily on who you’re paired with. So, we’d like to see more emphasis on training and certification rather than just branding based on alma mater.
Moreover, the turnover rate is high, so students may not receive consistent support throughout the lengthy and complex college application process. According to multiple Glassdoor reviews, many staff members describe the environment as stressful and disorganized.
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
That’s one of their biggest selling points:
- HS2 offers structured research and internship programs like the USC STAR Research Program and the Harvard Crimson Online Internship, plus partnerships with schools like George Mason University. Sounds like a dream. However, all these programs come with additional costs, and the level of exclusivity may not always match the marketing.
- They also offer optional services like the Highlands Ability Battery, a $2,000 assessment that’s meant to help students identify their natural strengths. It’s included in the higher-tier packages for grades 9–11 and marketed heavily as a “must-have.”
- There are also financial aid help. Separate services include one-on-one planning plus FAFSA/CSS Profile assistance and workshops.
In practice, though, many experienced counselors (myself included) use similar personality or aptitude tools for far less, or even for free.
Does HS2 Academy Have Any FREE Services?
They do offer some free workshops and financial aid sessions for enrolled counseling students. Non-HS2 Academy students, however, are sometimes charged up to $800 for services that competitors often include as part of their packages.
So while “free” is technically true, it mostly applies after you’ve already bought into a larger, expensive plan.
Most reputable admission consulting firms provide at least a few free webinars or initial consultations to show their expertise. A good example is the Empowerly team’s free services. But HS2 Academy seems to focus more on upselling their packages from the get-go.
HS2 Academy Pricing and Guarantees
The College Application Package from HS2 Academy starts around $6,100 (plus a $100 registration fee for new students). Also, expect extra charges for UC applications, BS/MD programs, art school applications, or senior-level counselors.
Their online class packages range from $265 for one week to $3,680 for 18 weeks, covering test prep and subject-based tutoring. By the way, new students pay a $100 registration fee.
Additional services like financial aid help, essay workshops, and research or internship programs are all priced individually. Below is a snapshot of some of their publicly listed fees:
| SERVICE | NEW STUDENT | HS2 STUDENT |
|---|---|---|
| FAFSA one-on-one | $600 | $300 |
| FAFSA + CSS (joint) | $1,800 | $900 |
| FAFSA + CSS (separate) | $2,400 | $1,200 |
| Financial aid planning | $800 | Free |
| Workshops | $300 | Free |
HS2 Academy splits pricing into new-student and HS2-student rates, which doesn’t look great. New families end up paying more for the same service, and that pricing gap feels a bit unfair.
As for guarantees, there really aren’t any. HS2Academy.com markets impressive “acceptance lists,” but these are self-reported and cumulative over many years. That kind of marketing creates unrealistic expectations. Keep in mind that outcomes vary a lot between students and counselors, even though HS2 doesn’t make that distinction clear.
Also, their website avoids promises of acceptance or refunds, focusing instead on “improving chances”
Their Professionalism in Terms of HS2 Academy Reviews Online
HS2 Academy’s reputation online is pretty mixed. On Yelp, some branches, like Cupertino, get good feedback for helpful tutors and friendly staff, while others, like Walnut, get called out for being pricey and not very effective.
For example, one Yelp reviewer noted, “We paid thousands, and it felt like a waste. The counselor was nice, but we didn’t see any added value that we couldn’t get from a basic Google search.”
This is echoed in many other reviews, suggesting that the service is far from the premium experience they advertise.
Their official website is full of glowing testimonials, but they sound a bit too perfect. Every review seems overly polished. Such extreme perfection makes it hard to tell if those stories reflect real student experiences.
Even employee reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed mention issues like poor management and high staff turnover, which could affect how consistent the service is. By the way, there aren’t any verified reviews on Trustpilot, and HS2Academy isn’t BBB-accredited, either.
Overall, their professionalism seems to depend a lot on which branch or counselor you get.
Areas of HS2 Academy that They Should Work On
Unfortunately, HS2Academy.com has several areas where they fall short and could significantly improve:
❌ Some locations have experienced consultants, while others feel more like basic tutoring centers run by younger staff.
❌ HS2Academy.com doesn’t post clear pricing for all services, which makes comparing it to other programs frustrating. Many competitors are upfront about their rates.
❌ They love to highlight that their counselors went to Ivy League schools. But that doesn’t always mean they’re great at guiding students or building strong connections.
❌ Families say they’re constantly pushed to buy extra programs, internships, or tests. For students already stressed about college admissions, that can feel a bit much.
❌ Even though HS2Academy markets itself as one-on-one, a lot of the advice sounds cookie-cutter: good grades, leadership, summer programs, repeat.
For now, we can’t really recommend HS2 Academy. Their service is pricey, and they don’t really tailor their approach to the competitive college admissions process.
HS2 Academy can be worth it for families seeking structured, all-in-one college guidance and willing to pay premium prices. Still, many find it overpriced and not as personalized as expected. Other consulting services offer better support, more precise communication, and more reliable results at a similar or lower cost. The choice is yours, but it’s better to think twice before investing in HS2 Academy.
How much does the HS2 Academy cost?
HS2 Academy’s services range from $365 for a one-week online course to $6,100 for their comprehensive college application package. Additional fees, such as a $100 registration charge for new students, may apply.
Is HS2 Academy a reputable company?
HS2 Academy has a mixed reputation. While some families have positive experiences, many reviews highlight concerns about service quality, lack of personalized guidance, and high costs.
Can HS2Academy.com guarantee acceptance?
No, HS2 Academy does not guarantee college acceptance. While it offers guidance and support, the colleges make the ultimate admissions decisions.
Is HS2Academy service worth it?
It depends. The structure and resources provided may be beneficial for some students. However, others may find the cost and level of service not aligned with their expectations.
Is HS2 Academy a legit company?
Yes, HS2 Academy is a legitimate business that offers educational consulting and test prep services. However, carefully evaluate whether their services meet your specific needs.