
#3. Ivy League Consultant
Ivy League Consultant is a premier consulting firm dedicated to guiding high-achieving students through the increasingly competitive landscape of elite college admissions. Founded by John Morganelli, who brings an invaluable insider perspective as a former Director of Admissions at Cornell University, the firm leverages authentic expertise to transform aspirations into acceptance letters. Morganelli, author of "Growing Ivy: How to Crack the Code on Elite College Admissions," has developed a signature approach called "The Morganelli Method"—a strategic roadmap specifically designed to navigate the complex and often opaque process of Ivy League admissions. With over a decade of experience, the firm has established itself as a trusted resource for families targeting the nation's most selective institutions.
Ivy League Admissions
Services Offered
Ivy League Consultant offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to support students throughout their high school journey:
9th-11th Grade Services:
Focus on building strong foundations through curriculum guidance, academic direction, and development of thematic extracurricular plans that enhance student profiles.
12th Grade Services:
Provide comprehensive application support, including personal statement development, supplemental essay guidance, activities and honors list review, and strategic prospective major identification.
The firm also implements the PAGE Approach, emphasizing Perspective, Activity, Goal, and Ethos to ensure applications are well-structured and strategically designed to highlight each student's unique strengths and aspirations.

Team
While Ivy League Consultant does not include former Ivy League admissions officers on staff, its team comprises highly accomplished professionals with strong academic backgrounds, including alumni from top-tier institutions like Harvard and Johns Hopkins. This combination of academic pedigree and industry expertise allows the team to guide students with informed strategies tailored to the competitive standards of elite universities.
Reputation
Ivy League Consultant has earned a solid reputation within the college admissions consulting space, backed by 22 client reviews and an average rating of 4.60 out of 5. Families frequently praise the firm’s structured, strategic approach and its role in helping students gain admission to top-choice colleges. With an Ivy League Advantage Factor of 8.8, the firm demonstrates a strong alignment with the expectations and standards of elite admissions offices.
Pros
Insider Expertise: Led by a former Ivy League admissions director, the firm offers unparalleled insights into the evaluation criteria and decision-making processes of elite institutions.
Personalized Strategies: The Morganelli Method ensures tailored guidance that evolves with each student's academic journey, adapting to changing interests and strengths.
Comprehensive Support: Services span all aspects of the application process, from academic planning to essay development, providing holistic support throughout the college preparation journey.
Cons
Selective Clientele: Services are exclusively designed for students and families with the financial means to pursue Ivy League and top-tier colleges, without specific assistance for scholarships or financial aid concerns.
Limited Accessibility: The firm's specialized focus may make it less suitable for students targeting a broader range of institutions beyond the most selective universities.
Online Presence
4.79
Review Score
4.12
Team Score
1
Ivy Advantage Score
5
Total Score
4.01
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