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As an experienced college admissions consultant, I want to share my thoughts on Top Tier Admissions. While the company has some strong points, there are a few aspects that students and parents should consider before investing.
Pros & Cons in Short
| ✔️ PROS | ❌ CONS |
|---|---|
| Top Tier Admissions gives each student help and plans specifically made for their skills and goals. | Full services, especially from TopTierAdmissions, can be pricey, which could be a problem for some families. |
| The company helps with everything, from writing essays to reviewing applications and studying for tests. | Personalized, intense coaching can make it hard to take on new clients, especially during peak application seasons. |
| Top Tier Admissions probably hires experienced advisers who can give good, specific help for programs like the Application Boot Camp. | Focusing on building a solid image from a young age can put extra pressure on students. |
So, TopTierAdmissions.com may be an excellent match for families with financial resources who want a comprehensive approach to college applications.
However, other college admission consultants may be worth considering for individuals looking for better balance or value for money. The high expenses and pressure-inducing techniques are significant disadvantages that potential customers should consider before agreeing to deal with them.
What Are the Main Admission Consulting Services at Top Tier Admissions?
Top Tier Admissions offers various services to help students through the admissions process. Their key offerings include the application boot camp, an intensive, multi-day program focused on completing application materials, and personal boot camp, a shorter version with similar support through virtual meetings.
They also provide essay guidance, common application 911, and general academic counseling, packaged services that improve specific parts of the college application process.
What’s Included in Those Packages?
For example, their essay guidance service focuses specifically on the personal statement and supplemental essays. During this program, students receive multiple rounds of feedback and suggestions for improvement, helping them refine their narrative and stand out to admissions officers.
The common application 911 service directly supports crafting a compelling activities list, highlighting extracurricular achievements, and ensuring the application is error-free. Other packages include:
- Test prep. Comprehensive preparation for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, including practice tests, strategies for test-taking, and focused coaching.
- Academic tutoring. Subject-specific support to improve grades and build a solid academic foundation for competitive college applications.
- Graduate admissions counseling. Guidance for students applying to master’s and doctoral programs, including assistance with statement of purpose and CV preparation.
These services aim to offer a complete support system that includes test scores, personal comments, and more. However, the organized, intense method might feel too rigid and high-pressure for some.
Who Is on the Top Tier Admissions Team (Are They Knowledgeable Enough)?
Top Tier Admissions employs former admissions officers and experienced consultants. This insider knowledge can be beneficial, but it’s worth noting that having former admissions officers on staff doesn’t necessarily guarantee success.
As someone who has worked with numerous students, I’ve seen that effective consulting depends more on how well the counselor can connect with and guide the student rather than just having industry experience.
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
Yes, they offer additional services such as test prep and general academic tutoring. They even have a “top tier futures” program targeting younger students (grades 4-8), which, in my view, can be unnecessary and add undue pressure at an early age.
Does TopTierAdmissions.com Have Any Free Services?
Top Tier Admissions does not appear to offer any free comprehensive services. This firm has resources on its website, but these are basic and not comparable to the personalized guidance provided through its paid programs.
However, other firms like Prep Scholar sometimes offer free initial consultations or more substantial resources.
Pricing and Guarantees of Top Tier Admissions
Top Tier Admissions’ pricing is relatively high, and detailed costs for some services are not fully transparent on their website. According to feedback from previous clients and additional research, the Application Boot Camp is priced at around $18,000.
The ACT tutoring packages, as shown in the image, range from $1,950 for the Starter Pack (5 hours) to $9,000 for the Summer Pack (30 hours). This variability in pricing can make it challenging for families to assess the value of the services without in-depth consultations.
Their Professionalism in Terms of Reviews Available Online
From what I’ve seen, reviews are mixed. Many families praise their personalized approach and the success rates of getting into top schools (but only on the TopTierAdmissions.com website).
However, on platforms like Reddit, some users have criticized the high prices and felt that the services did not provide value commensurate with the cost. One review mentions the impressive 95% acceptance rate into top schools but highlights the cost barriers for most families.
Areas of TopTier Admissions They Should Work On
There are a few things about Top Tier Admissions that I think could be better so that they offer a more useful service:
- Their services are prohibitively expensive, making them accessible only to wealthy families. This creates an unfair advantage and may not sit well with those seeking a level playing field.
- Programs targeting young students (grades 4-8) can create unnecessary stress and pressure.
- They do not offer flexible hourly consulting, which could benefit families seeking help in specific areas without committing to large packages.
- Despite the high cost, their offerings are not significantly different from other firms. For many students, the price may not justify the benefits received.
- While they are more transparent about costs than College Transitions, some high-end packages are still unclearly structured.
Taking these worries into account could make their users’ experience much better and their services more open and easy to use for everyone. Before that happens, families should do a lot of study and consider whether the possible benefits of TopTierAdmissions match their needs and budget.
1. How much do Top Tier Admissions services cost?
The cost of Top Tier Admissions services varies widely based on the package. For example, the Application Boot Camp can cost around $18,000, and their ACT tutoring packages range from $1,950 to $9,000.
2. Is Top Tier Admissions a reputable company?
Yes, Top Tier Admissions is a reputable company in the college admissions consulting industry. It has been in business for over twenty years.
3. Can TopTierAdmissions.com guarantee acceptance?
No, TopTierAdmissions cannot guarantee acceptance into any college or university. Their role is to help strengthen a student’s application and improve their chances, but the colleges themselves make final admissions decisions.
4. Is Top Tier Admissions worth it?
Whether Top Tier Admissions is worth it depends on individual needs and financial resources. While it has a high success rate and provides comprehensive services, the steep costs make it a significant investment.
5. Is TopTierAdmissions.com legit?
Yes, Top Tier Admissions is a legitimate college admissions consulting firm. However, prospective clients should thoroughly research the costs and potential benefits before committing to their services.