How We Rank

Ivy League Admissions
Consulting Firms

Choosing the right Ivy League admissions consulting firm is a high-stakes decision. To help students and families make informed choices, we’ve created a data-driven ranking of the top firms in the space. Our evaluation combines digital visibility, real-world impact, and admissions expertise to highlight the firms that stand out in a competitive field.

Overview of the Project

Our evaluations are based on publicly available data, verified reviews, and an “Ivy League Advantage Factor” — a metric based on Ivy League Admissions success rates published by each firm that highlights the firms with the most relevant experience and demonstrated success.

LEARN MORE ABOUT US

Our Ranking Methodology

We rank firms based on four core parameters:

1. Search Presence

We assess a firm’s visibility on Google and other search engines by measuring how often they appear in the top results for seven high-volume keywords, all of which include “Ivy League.” A strong search presence indicates that the firm is not only active but also widely recognized and sought after.

2. Client Reviews

We evaluate the number and quality of customer reviews across platforms, including:

  • Google
  • Trustpilot
  • Yelp
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Firms that consistently receive high ratings and positive feedback score higher in this category, as these reflect client satisfaction and service reliability. Both the number of reviews and the average review quality are taken into account.

3. Team Size & Quality

This metric takes into account:

  • The number of former Ivy League admissions officers on staff (not to be confused with consultants in general - we only count counselors with prior experience in the admissions offices of Ivy League schools. We believe this experience makes these individuals the best positioned to assist in an application to an Ivy League school.) 
  • The cumulative years of Ivy League admissions experience across the team

We believe that having a team of insiders—professionals who have read and evaluated applications for Ivy League schools—offers applicants a critical strategic advantage.

4. Ivy League Advantage Factor

This score is based on whether the firm publicly shares its Ivy League acceptance rate or "advantage factor"—a number showing how much higher their students’ success rate is compared to the national average. Firms that are transparent about their outcomes and show a clear admissions boost for their clients receive higher marks.

Why This Matters

Our goal is to cut through marketing hype and shed light on firms that are genuinely delivering results. By highlighting firms with experienced teams, proven outcomes, and positive reputations, we hope to make the admissions process more transparent for families everywhere.

BACK TO OUR RANKINGS