#19. Bentham Admissions
Bentham Admissions is a specialized college admissions consulting firm dedicated to guiding students toward acceptance at Ivy League and other top-tier universities. The firm has established itself as a focused partner for ambitious students navigating the increasingly competitive admissions landscape. What distinguishes Bentham Admissions is their strategic emphasis on creating compelling personal narratives that enhance students' applications beyond traditional academic achievements. Their mission centers on providing expert strategies and personalized guidance to ensure students optimize every aspect of their candidacy—from grades and standardized testing to extracurricular activities and application narratives—resulting in a cohesive, distinctive presentation to admissions committees.
Ivy League Admissions
Services Offered
Bentham Admissions provides a comprehensive suite of services tailored specifically for Ivy League applicants:
Application Branding:
Strategic formulation of a distinctive branding approach for application narratives and essay topics, carefully crafted based on each student's unique academic and extracurricular profile.
Extracurricular Activity Strategy:
Targeted guidance in selecting and emphasizing extracurricular activities that authentically showcase the student's individuality while aligning with their personal brand.
Summer Program Applications:
Expert assistance in identifying and successfully applying to prestigious summer programs that strategically enhance the student's profile and support their academic goals.
College Coaching Packages:
Comprehensive support packages including essay development, strategic school list creation, extracurricular activity guidance, and ongoing consultation throughout the admissions process.
BS/MD Admissions Counseling:
Specialized guidance for students pursuing highly competitive combined BS/MD programs, addressing the unique requirements and expectations of these selective pathways.
Transfer Application Counseling:
Dedicated support for college undergraduates seeking to transfer to another university, navigating the distinct challenges and opportunities of the transfer admissions process.
Team
Bentham Admissions is staffed by a team of 11 consultants who are recent graduates from top-tier universities, including Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania. While the firm does not employ any former Ivy League admissions officers, its consultants bring a current and firsthand understanding of elite academic environments. A key differentiator in Bentham’s model is its collaborative structure—each application benefits from input across the team, providing students with multiple expert perspectives rather than relying on a single consultant. This team-based approach offers clients a well-rounded and dynamic support system during the admissions process.
Reputation
Bentham Admissions holds a generally positive reputation based on student outcomes and client feedback. The firm reports that 38% of its clients are accepted to Ivy League schools, and 82% gain admission to Top 10 public universities. It has earned an average client rating of 4.72 out of 5 across 17 verified reviews, reflecting a strong level of satisfaction. However, with an Ivy League Advantage Factor of 1 and no former admissions officers on staff, the firm may lack some of the direct institutional insight offered by competitors. Additionally, a C rating from the Better Business Bureau—due to an unresolved complaint and questions about firm longevity—suggests room for improvement in business practices and industry standing.
Pros
Reported Acceptance Rates: The firm's stated client outcomes—particularly the 38% Ivy League acceptance rate—significantly exceed typical admission rates at highly selective institutions.
Comprehensive Service Model: Bentham offers all-encompassing packages that address various aspects of the application process, from strategic positioning to essay development and interview preparation.
Collaborative Approach: The team-based consulting model potentially provides broader perspective and more diverse insights than single-consultant arrangements.
Competitive Pricing: Client feedback suggests that Bentham's services are competitively priced relative to industry standards, potentially offering value compared to more established competitors.
Cons
Limited Independent Verification: The scarcity of third-party reviews makes it difficult to independently verify client experiences and satisfaction levels outside the firm's own reporting.
Developing Experience Base: References to limited combined admissions experience suggest the firm may still be building its expertise in navigating selective admissions processes.
Online Presence
2.50
Review Score
4.20
Team Score
1
Ivy Advantage Score
1
Total Score
2.58
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