Your Dedicated College Counselor, Helping Your Student Put Their Best Application Forward
Your dedicated HelloCollege counselor gets to know your student’s strengths, experiences and college goals, then builds a college admissions strategy that helps your student stand out to admissions officers at the colleges they want to attend.
Your student has put in the work. We help them make it count.
What Our Students Achieved
The college decisions are what families work toward. Here’s how our Class of 2026 did.
92%
Accepted to one of their top three college choices
268 of 291 Class of 2026 survey respondents.
76%
Reported acceptance to at least one student-defined reach school
207 of 273 respondents, using their own definition of a reach school.
+5 ACT / +150 SAT
Average recorded score improvement among qualifying tutoring students
Students with at least 10 tutoring hours in the relevant test: 19 ACT and 28 SAT students.
89%
Reported private or merit scholarships
262 of 295 Class of 2026 survey respondents.
What Families Say About HelloCollege
From last-minute questions to application deadlines, hear what students and parents have to say about working with our counselors and tutors.
Our family would highly recommend Raymond Gonzales as a college counselor! He made himself available at all times and on short notice for questions that came up during the process. He was knowledgeable and professional. We could not imagine going through the college process without his guidance.
Ernest De Jesus
Naperville North High School
Asma Wazir, a tutor at HelloCollege – is the single best educational support person (tutor) my family has ever worked with – just incredible. Clark
Clark Wormer
This is our 2nd time working with HelloCollege on our kids’ college application. Teens tend to think they know everything (while they don’t), high school counselors have a lot of students to attend to… so having a professional to guide my high school seniors in their application season is a great help. Shariq Ali is fantastic.
Shiyong Lu
Lyons Township High School
I am incredibly grateful I had hello college throughout my college applications. Truly I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. They kept me on track in the midst of school work and my social life to make sure I was still applying to my colleges. I recommend hello college to anyone going through college applications!
Alex D.
Newton South High School
We had a great experience with HelloCollege. Amanda Yoder was wonderful to work with and motivating. Her guidance through the application and financial aid process helped keep us on track. The essay seminar and feedback process were immensely valuable.
Carey Barry
Newbury Port High School
We worked with HelloCollege for my daughter. Ms. Amanda Yoder was my daughter’s counselor and she is extremely helpful. She is very patient and resourceful throughout this journey. She is always positive and encouraging my daughter. She helped us through every step and provided feedback and guidance even for the college selection at the end.
Lakshmi Yanamandra
Mason High School
How Our Students' Acceptance Rates Compare
In our Class of 2025 analysis, HelloCollege students recorded higher acceptance rates than the published benchmarks across all four groups of selective colleges shown below.
Based on Class of 2025 application records. The comparison uses each institution’s published acceptance rate from the preceding cycle, weighted by the mix of colleges students applied to. These are observed admissions outcomes, not a measure of counseling’s independent effect. View methodology ↗
Start Now with a Free College Prep Consultation
Tell us about your student's college ambitions and where your family could use guidance. During a complimentary 45-minute conversation, we'll discuss their current situation, answer your questions and explain how HelloCollege could help.
- Discuss your student's goals and admissions priorities.
- Identify areas where guidance or additional preparation may help.
- Understand the counseling plans and services available to your family.
Build an Application That Makes the Most of Your Student’s Strengths
Strong grades and impressive activities are only part of a competitive application. Your student also needs to choose the right colleges and show admissions officers what makes them a strong candidate. Your HelloCollege counselor leads that strategy, bringing in specialist expertise where your student needs it.
Your counselor reviews your student’s academics and activities, identifies what could strengthen their application, and sets priorities while there’s time to act. They guide your student through college selection, applications and the final decision.
Our tutors help students tackle challenging courses, including AP coursework, while developing stronger study habits and executive-functioning skills where needed.
Our SAT and ACT tutors use your student's current performance and test date to identify skills that need work and focus preparation on their next attempt.
StandOut Factor Development
We help students develop their interests through opportunities such as research or internships, then show what they contributed and learned in their applications.
College List and Major Exploration
Your counselor helps explore majors and build a balanced college list, weighing admission prospects alongside S.A.F.E. fit: campus life, academics, affordability and career opportunities.
Our essay coaches help students choose experiences that answer each prompt and revise their own drafts into essays that reveal something meaningful beyond grades and activities.
College Application Strategy
Your counselor helps decide between Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision for each college, including the financial implications of a binding Early Decision application.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Support
Our financial aid specialists help families navigate FAFSA and scholarship opportunities, understand aid offers and compare what attending each college could cost.
College Decision Support
When offers arrive, your counselor helps your student compare colleges and costs, understand available aid and consider whether an appeal is appropriate before committing.
Less Stress During Application Season
College applications arrive during an already demanding school year. Here’s what our Class of 2026 said about working with HelloCollege.
99.7% said HelloCollege helped them stay organized and meet deadlines
296 of 297 respondents.
96% said HelloCollege helped elevate their application
262 of 274 applicable respondents.
98% said HelloCollege made the process less stressful
290 of 296 respondents.
99% would recommend HelloCollege
295 of 297 respondents.
Class of 2026 student exit survey; figures are based on applicable responses to each question. How these results are calculated ↗
From Your First Consultation to the Final College Decision
Here’s how we turn your family’s goals into an admissions plan and guide your student through the work ahead.
Start With a Complimentary Consultation
Tell us about your student's ambitions and where your family could use guidance.
During your free 45-minute consultation, we'll discuss how HelloCollege could help.
Choose the Right Plan
Select an engagement suited to your student's stage and needs.
We'll explain the included hours and services so you know what to expect.
Build Your Admissions Plan
Your dedicated counselor reviews your student's academic record, activities and target colleges.
That assessment informs an individualized admissions strategy and priorities for the months ahead.
Put the Plan Into Action
Your student works directly with their counselor to carry out the plan.
Your counselor oversees progress, coordinates essay coaching and tutoring where included, and adjusts the strategy as circumstances change.
Make Your College Decision
When offers arrive, your counselor helps your family evaluate college fit, financial aid and attendance costs before making the final enrollment decision.
Support Throughout College Planning
HelloCollege offers support across the college admissions journey, with services and hours determined by your plan.
Academic Support
Strengthen academic performance through subject tutoring, SAT and ACT preparation, study skills and executive functioning support.
Strategic College Planning
Explore majors and build a balanced college list using our S.A.F.E. approach to consider admission prospects and fit.
Applications and Essays
Develop applications that present your student's strengths through thoughtful personal statements, supplemental essays and application planning.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Identify scholarship opportunities, navigate financial aid applications and understand award offers and college affordability.
College Decision Support
Compare admission offers, financial considerations and college fit before making the final enrollment decision.
The Students Behind the Results
See how HelloCollege counselors and essay coaches supported students with different goals and admissions challenges.
College Choice:
The Ambitious Self-Starter
Major: Engineering
Worked with Kim Shipman
From the Counselor: "Bella was aiming higher. She did everything she needed to do in high school—she just needed our help packaging her accolades and pitching herself to the most competitive schools.
College Choice:
The Young Changemaker
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Worked with Raymond Gonzales
From the Counselor: "We packaged Aaron as someone who wanted to help the world. He had already helped thousands of students—we had to demonstrate that the right college could help him reach millions.
College Choice:
The Dancer Mathematician
Major: Math
Worked with Don Keller
From the Counselor: "Taryn was open to our advice and genuinely excited about the process. With that great attitude, the biggest impact we made was showing her more options than she ever expected. Sometimes, exposure makes all the difference.
Is a HelloCollege Admissions Consultant Right for You?
Do you...
-
Find the college application process overwhelming and aren't sure where to start?
We help your student understand where they stand and what deserves attention before application season. -
Feel unsure how you'll afford the colleges on your student's list?
We help families consider affordability during college selection and make sense of financial aid and scholarship opportunities. -
Worry you don't fully understand how college admissions have changed or what colleges expect?
Our counselors help students understand what their target colleges are looking for and how to present their strengths effectively. -
Want to reduce the stress college admissions is causing at home?
Give your student an experienced counselor they can turn to, so every college decision doesn't have to become a family discussion. -
Feel worried you'll miss an application deadline or important detail?
We help students plan their application work and stay on track as college-specific deadlines approach. -
Feel like your child would listen to an experienced college counselor more than Mom and Dad?
Your student gets a trusted voice outside the family who understands their ambitions and helps them work through important decisions.
What Sets HelloCollege's College Admissions Counseling Apart
One Counselor Who Sees the Whole Picture
Your dedicated counselor understands your student's college goals, academic record and activities, along with the reasoning behind their college list.
When an essay coach or tutor gets involved, that work can be coordinated with the broader admissions strategy. Your family has one counselor keeping the full application in view.
Flexible Support as Your Student's Needs Change
A freshman exploring college options needs different support than a senior preparing applications.
HelloCollege offers hour-based plans suited to your student's stage and needs. Where your plan allows, hours can shift across counseling, tutoring, test preparation, essay support and financial aid guidance as priorities change.
Personalized Care and Deep Student Relationships
Your counselor gets to know your student's interests, ambitions and concerns over time.
When their priorities change, they have someone who understands the decisions they've already made and can help them reconsider what comes next. That continuity is especially valuable when choosing colleges or weighing admission offers.
Comprehensive, All-in-One College Planning
Your student's application may need more than counseling alone.
Your counselor coordinates essay coaches, tutors and financial aid specialists where included in your plan, keeping their work connected to the admissions strategy. Families can also use the applicant platform and applicable group sessions and planning resources.
Return on Your Investment
College planning is an investment of time, money and effort.
Your counselor helps focus that effort where it matters, considers affordability during college selection and supports a final choice that fits your student's goals and well-being. Financial aid guidance can help your family compare costs when offers arrive.
A Team With Experience Across Admissions and Education
HelloCollege's team includes former admissions application readers, experienced educators and specialists in essay coaching and academic preparation.
You can explore individual counselor profiles to understand the experience behind the advice your student receives.
Evidence behind the statistics shown in the graphics: Class of 2026 student exit survey: 98% reported a less stressful process (290 of 296); 99% would recommend HelloCollege (295 of 297); 99.7% felt more confident applying (297 of 298); and 92% reported acceptance to a top-three choice (268 of 291). The credential graphic refers to the service team as of August 19, 2026: 75% held a master’s degree or higher. See full methodology and reporting bases ↗
Experienced College Admissions Counselors in Your Corner
The person guiding your student matters. So does the team behind them.
Your student works with a dedicated college counselor, backed by a multidisciplinary team with experience across admissions, higher education, school counseling, essay coaching and tutoring.
- 25+college counselors
- 40+in-house essay coaches
- 20+in-house tutors
- 60+ yearsof combined admissions-office experience
What's Behind Your College Counseling Plan?
When comparing providers, look at who leads the strategy, what specialist support is available and how your student's needs are handled over time.
| What matters |  HelloCollege | What to ask another firm |
|---|---|---|
| Counselor continuity | A dedicated counselor leads your student’s admissions strategy through decision day. | Will the same counselor own the strategy throughout? |
| Integrated specialist support | In-house essay coaches and tutors work with your student where included in your plan, coordinated by your counselor. | Who provides essay and tutoring support, and how is that work coordinated? |
| Firsthand admissions experience | The team includes former admissions officers, readers and interviewers with admissions-evaluation experience. | Has the team evaluated applications or worked in admissions? |
| Professional qualifications | The service team includes professionals with advanced degrees and current or former licensed school-counseling experience. | What qualifications do the people advising my student hold? |
| Flexible engagement | Hour-based plans allow eligible services and available hours to be matched to changing priorities, subject to plan terms. | Can support adapt if our student’s needs change? |
| Student-centered planning | Counseling considers admission prospects, academic and personal fit, affordability and student well-being. | How does the firm define success beyond acceptance? |
Professional Qualifications and Admissions Background
- 75% of the service team hold a master's degree or higher.
- 15 completed doctoral degrees.
- Seven current or former licensed school counselors.
HelloCollege reports former admissions-office, application-reading or interviewing experience associated with UC Berkeley, Northeastern, Pepperdine, Occidental, Washington University School of Law, the University of Chicago, SCAD, RPI BS/MD and QuestBridge.
Team figures are based on HelloCollege's staff roster as of August 19, 2026. Institutional examples describe staff members' prior professional experience, not institutional endorsement. See our results methodology.HelloCollege in the News
Explore HelloCollege’s recognition and media appearances featuring founder Kevin Krebs.
College Admissions and Planning Advice From HelloCollege
College Students Using AI: 2026 Survey Statistics on College Admissions, Majors, and Careers
AI now shows up at nearly every stage of a student’s education, from high school homework
Class of 2026 Results: Why Confidence Is the Real Story
Every college admissions cycle brings HelloCollege new reasons to celebrate: competitive acceptances, life-changing scholarships, and students
How to Write a Personal Statement in 7 Days
You wake up and look at your phone. It’s October 26th, and you’ve got one week—just
Working With HelloCollege: A Student’s Perspective
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Maya, a high school senior in the Class of
Questions About College Admissions Counseling
What is a college admissions consultant?
A college admissions consultant helps students prepare for and manage the application process.
At HelloCollege, a dedicated counselor develops the admissions plan and advises on college selection and application strategy. Specialist services contribute where appropriate under the selected engagement.
Learn more about what a college admissions consultant does or explore our college admissions services.
How much does an admissions counselor at HelloCollege cost?
Most families invest between $6,000 and $20,000, depending on when they start, the level of support they want and the services included. Our typical package is $9,000.
The cost depends on the plan and level of assistance your student needs. Visit Plans & Pricing for current options, or book a consultation for a specific quote. For a closer look at what affects the price, read our guide to college admissions counselor cost.
Are college counselors or consultants worth it?
That depends on the guidance your student needs and what’s already available through their school.
A private counselor can provide additional time for college selection and applications. Consider the cost against the services your student would use.
Our student stories and published results offer a closer look at HelloCollege’s work. For a full breakdown, read Are College Counselors Worth It?
How do I pick an admissions consultant?
Ask who will work directly with your student and what experience they bring.
Find out how communication works, what’s included in the plan and how your student can access specialist services.
Read independent reviews and detailed student stories before deciding. Our guide to choosing a college admissions consultant covers what to ask.
What is the difference between a high school counselor and a college admissions consultant?
High school counselors provide academic planning and college guidance within their school responsibilities.
A private consultant can offer additional individual attention to college selection and applications.
HelloCollege’s counselors can complement the guidance your student receives at school. Read the full comparison.
When should I begin working with a HelloCollege admissions consultant?
HelloCollege works with students as early as eighth grade or freshman year. Many families begin during junior year.
Starting earlier leaves time to explore interests and make deliberate choices during high school. Students closer to application season can concentrate on their college list and deadlines.
A consultation can help identify what needs attention now. Book a free consultation or read the best time to hire a private college consultant.