#12. Ivy Academic Prep
Ivy Academic Prep is a Seattle-based educational consulting firm specializing in college admissions counseling and standardized test preparation. The firm has established itself as a dedicated partner for students navigating the complex landscape of elite university admissions. Their philosophy centers on helping students express their authentic selves and intellectual passions through their applications, enabling them to stand out meaningfully in increasingly competitive admissions processes. A distinctive feature of Ivy Academic Prep is their delivery model—all services are provided through personalized, one-on-one online sessions, ensuring accessibility and convenience for students regardless of geographic location.
Ivy League Admissions
Services Offered
Ivy Academic Prep provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet diverse student needs:
Admissions Counseling Packages:
Comprehensive support through every stage of the college admissions process, including strategic college list development, essay assistance, interview preparation, and application strategy designed to maximize chances at elite institutions.
Hourly Admissions Consultations:
Flexible, individualized assistance for specific aspects of the application process, allowing students to target particular areas of concern such as essay editing, school selection, or extracurricular planning.
Admissions Essay Review:
Detailed feedback and guidance on crafting compelling personal statements and supplemental essays that effectively showcase each student's unique story and intellectual interests in ways that resonate with admissions committees.
Test Preparation Tutoring:
One-on-one tutoring for standardized tests, including SAT, ACT, and PSAT, with a focus on content mastery, strategic test-taking approaches, and building confidence to achieve competitive scores required by selective universities.
Team
Ivy Academic Prep is led by Dr. Matthew T. Riley, who brings over 27 years of experience in college admissions counseling and previously taught at Yale University. While the firm does not currently include any former Ivy League admissions officers, Dr. Riley’s academic background and long-standing involvement in elite admissions provide valuable insight into the selection processes at top institutions. The team has developed particular expertise in guiding students through Ivy League and top 20 college applications, offering personalized support shaped by decades of experience.
Reputation
Ivy Academic Prep maintains a strong reputation grounded in client satisfaction and admissions outcomes, as reflected in a perfect 5.0 out of 5 average rating across 23 verified reviews. Clients consistently highlight the firm’s ability to improve standardized test scores and secure offers from highly selective institutions. Although the firm has not been widely evaluated by third-party industry rankers and holds an Ivy League Advantage Factor of 1, its reputation is bolstered by positive testimonials emphasizing individualized attention and results-driven support.
Pros
Personalized Attention: Ivy Academic Prep offers truly individualized, one-on-one online sessions tailored to each student's unique needs, goals, and learning style, ensuring targeted guidance throughout the admissions process.
Experienced Team: Led by Dr. Matthew T. Riley with his 27+ years of experience in college admissions counseling and Yale teaching background, the team brings valuable expertise and a proven track record of successful placements at elite universities.
Comprehensive Services: The firm offers a wide array of services spanning from test preparation to detailed admissions counseling, addressing all aspects of the college application process under one roof.
Flexible Options: By providing both comprehensive packages and hourly consultations, Ivy Academic Prep allows families to choose services that best fit their specific needs and budget constraints.
Cons
Premium Pricing: The extensive and personalized services may come at a higher cost compared to other consulting firms, potentially limiting accessibility for some families.
Virtual Format: All sessions are conducted online, which may not suit students who prefer or would benefit more from in-person interactions and guidance.
Online Presence
3.36
Review Score
4.40
Team Score
1
Ivy Advantage Score
1
Total Score
2.83
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