Get Accepted To Your Top College Choice

Navigating high school and applying to college looks much different than it did a generation ago. The process has become competitive, confusing, and stressful.

Our experts help you:

HelloCollege is here to help. Our students gain admission to their top schools, earn more scholarships, and graduate faster with a job in their major.

Class of 2026 College Acceptances Include:

Posted on Google Google
Jamie Witt profile picture
Jamie Witt
104 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
HelloCollege did an amazing job of helping our daughter for the ACT test !! We had used a different tutor previously (who was highly recommended by good friends), but he just wasn't quite the "right fit" for our daughter. Firstly, Ian Simon really listened to us during our intake session, and he fully understood that fit was arguably the most important factor. We needed someone who could help reduce / minimize our daughter's test anxiety, while also building her confidence. And the great positive about an organization like HelloCollege is they have a sizable staff where leadership at the top has the flexibility to find the best tutor to match with the individual student's particular personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses. Which leads me to Shelley Farmer. She is such a thoughtful, supportive and motivating tutor, who worked perfectly with our daughter !! And she went the extra mile to make herself available when our daughter's schedule was jammed. And most importantly, our daughter increased her score by 5 points (from her first test in October with the previous tutor, to her third and final test in July) with Shelley's help!! Our daughter surpassed her objective of breaking 30, and I am 100% positive that it never would have happened without Shelley's involvement !! Thank you, thank you, thank you .... =)
Posted on Google Google
Emily Chapman profile picture
Emily Chapman
120 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We are halfway through our hellocollege journey. The team has been amazing and we are looking forward to navigating senior year and college applications next. We are just finishing up ACT testing and I cannot recommend Shelley Farmer enough! She has tutored my son through two rounds of ACT testing, and the experience has been wonderful. My son is neurodivergent, very bright, and needed someone who could not only teach the material but also build his confidence and approach learning in a way that worked for him. Shelley did exactly that. She was patient, creative, and incredibly thoughtful in how she worked with him. If one approach didn’t click, she would reflect, adjust, and find another way to help him understand. Beyond ACT strategies and content, Shelley helped him develop confidence, feel supported, and believe in himself. She truly became one of his biggest cheerleaders. She also communicated so well with my husband and me throughout the entire process, which we appreciated so much. We have been so happy with Tanner’s progress and his experience with Shelley that we are continuing with her for math tutoring during the school year. If you are looking for a tutor who is knowledgeable, encouraging, flexible, and truly invested in her students, I highly recommend Shelley and HelloCollege.
Posted on Google Google
Lily Piper profile picture
Lily Piper
135 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have loved hello college so far! Everyone is so kind and encouraging to get everything done and it makes me excited for college!
Posted on Google Google
Camille profile picture
Camille
191 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The advice and college counseling we received was top notch. Adam was awesome and walked us through everything we needed to do to make sure my daughter submitted the best application she could to her top choice. We mainly needed help tightening up her common application and essay. My only regret is not starting with them earlier (we signed up the fall of her Senior year). It was easy to schedule time with them and each session was beneficial. As a parent, I felt like they really cared about my daughter and were very interested in helping her achieve her goals. She was accepted Early Action to her top school, and is excited to start there in the fall.
Posted on Google Google
Christy Cleveland profile picture
Christy Cleveland
207 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Adam Salazar was amazing! I don’t know how we would have gotten through the college application process without him and HelloCollege. Best decision I ever made to help us stay on track and relieve a lot of stress. I am thrilled with the results and how easy and effective the program is. I highly recommend Adam and HelloCollege. Christy
Posted on Google Google
Lara Matariyeh profile picture
Lara Matariyeh
297 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I loved the customized approach at HelloCollege. Their college counseling was truly personalized to my strengths and goals. The staff took the time to understand my interests and helped create a tailored plan for my applications. I felt confident and well prepared thanks to their expert guidance. Highly recommend. Also Meg is an excellent essay coach that made sure my essays were perfect and on time.
Posted on Google Google
Chloe N profile picture
Chloe N
310 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The customized approach and the expertise of the team at HelloCollege made the college admissions process clear and manageable. They were thorough, honest, and involved my family in every step while staying cost effective. I especially appreciated the comprehensive college counseling that helped us stay on track with applications. I highly recommend HelloCollege.
Posted on Google Google
Diya Sundaresan profile picture
Diya Sundaresan
320 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had a wonderful experience working with my essay coach, Max Freeman, through HelloCollege! He was clear, honest, and incredibly helpful in breaking down my ideas and strengthening my essays. His feedback often included thoughtful questions that pushed me to build a more authentic essay and add meaningful detail, and he always delivered feedback in a kind, supportive way. Max was very friendly and easy to talk to, which made the entire process feel much less intimidating. From helping me generate ideas to offering tips on editing and managing the word count, he supported me throughout the whole process. It relieved a lot of stress, and I’m very grateful for his help!
Posted on Google Google
Sam Sundaresan profile picture
Sam Sundaresan
320 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We are incredibly grateful to Max Freeman for the guidance and support he provided our daughter, throughout her college essay process. Max helped my daughter shape a compelling and thoughtful narrative. His feedback was insightful and encouraging, and he made the entire writing process feel much less stressful. His feedback helped my daughter gain confidence not only in her essays but also in her ability to tell her own story. We would highly recommend Max to any family seeking a great essay coach.
Posted on Google Google
Charles Coppelman profile picture
Charles Coppelman
322 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Incredible from top to bottom! They provide a truly comprehensive amount of assistance from any angle you could conjure up. My college counselor, Kim, was incredibly kind and helped me all throughout the process, from realizing what kinds of schools to look at for my specific interests and needs, to what to do to bolster my resume, to ultimately narrowing down my list. And my essay counselor, Margaret, was also greatly supportive; she helped me think deeply and make sure that was reflected in my essays, from my personal statement to supplementals. From brainstorming to making my essays more engaging and rhetorically strong, she was with me the whole step of the way. And if that wasn’t enough, I also had the help of one of their SAT coaches, Daniel, to improve my score by 50 points. All in all, could not recommend enough.
Verified by Trustindex
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Navigate the College Admissions Maze with Confidence

HelloCollege simplifies the college admissions journey, helping your family achieve peace of mind and success.

5,700+
Students and families guided since 2012
99%
Would recommend HelloCollege
92%
Accepted to a top-three college choice
89%
Reported private or merit scholarships

Percentages from the Class of 2026 exit survey. How we measure this

Testimonials & Reviews

What It's Like to Partner with HelloCollege

Hear about the positive experiences of real students and parents.

Olivia KearnsStudent
Jana SmoleyParent of Nick and Jake · Notre Dame Prep · Texas A&M
Carson KoteckiStudent · Hinsdale South High School · Cornell University
★★★★★

Hello college helped me so much with making sure I stayed on track during the college application process. With the multiple one-on-one meetings with counselors and personal essay helpers I never once felt stressed. I recommend Allison Dahleen, she was the biggest help and guided me into getting into now my future school, Notre Dame!

J
Julia Arulandu, StudentBatavia High School · University of Notre Dame
★★★★★

It's been great working with my counselor Ms. Husband. She helped me find schools that I am truly passionate about. She made sure I was on track with all the things I had to do and provided constructive feedback. I always looked forward to our meetings and left feeling very supported.

T
Tessa Gonzalez, StudentWheaton Warrenville South High School · University of Notre Dame
★★★★★

Would heavily recommend the HelloCollege services. Ms. Leslie has provided me with guidance and ample resources. Most importantly she has set me up for success within the college and scholarship application process. Thank you HelloCollege!

L
Lauren Fain, StudentOsbourn Park High School · Hampton University
Going It Alone vs. Working With College Admissions Consultants

Avoid College Planning Chaos

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the college admissions process? Here's what changes when you have a team in your corner.

Going it alone
With HelloCollege
Going it aloneGuessing which colleges fit from rankings and word of mouth
With HelloCollegeA balanced, best-fit college list built around your student
Going it aloneAn anxious student and a school counselor stretched across hundreds of students
With HelloCollegeA dedicated counselor who builds your student's confidence, backed by a team of specialists
Going it aloneParents chasing progress and deadlines, then scrambling at the last minute
With HelloCollegeA detailed calendar of tasks and deadlines, regular check-ins, and parents kept in the loop
Going it aloneA strong student who blends in with every other applicant
With HelloCollegeA Stand Out Factor and essays that tell your student's story

Peace of mind knowing you've done everything to set your student up for success.

Book a Consultation

Is HelloCollege Right For You?

Below are several types of families that utilize the benefits of HelloCollege.

If you…

Want to attend a highly competitive university

We know exactly what it takes to get you there. Our expert college counselors will work with you to stand out on applications and improve your odds of admission.

If you…

Aren't an expert on the admissions process

The college admissions process can be confusing for everyone, let alone for parents who haven't gone through this before or didn't attend college in the U.S. That's why we are here to help you avoid common mistakes and maximize opportunity.

If you…

Have a neurodivergent student and need extra support

Our highly trained counselors emphasize executive functioning skills, ensuring each student stays organized and on track. We offer a supportive and encouraging environment that nurtures their unique strengths and needs.

If you…

Need help staying on track

With a strong emphasis on accountability and organization, we help students stay on track with crucial deadlines. By offering personalized guidance and keeping students motivated, we elevate their potential and increase their chances of acceptance and finding aid.

As Featured In

Forbes logoNPR logoWGN Chicago logoThe Washington Times logoBloomberg logoLos Angeles Times logoThe Harvard Crimson logo
FAQs

College Admissions Consulting FAQs

What families ask most before their first conversation with us.

What happens during the free consultation?

It's a 45-minute Zoom call with a HelloCollege advisor, focused entirely on your student. We'll:

  • Learn about your student's goals, interests, grades, and timeline
  • Identify where they stand today and what will matter most from here
  • Walk you through how we work and who would be on your student's team
  • Recommend a plan and answer every question you bring

You'll leave with a clearer picture of the road ahead, whether or not you choose to work with us.

Who should attend the consultation?

Ideally, both parents (or guardians) and the student. College planning is a family journey, and the call is most valuable when everyone hears the same information and can ask their own questions.

How should we prepare?

No preparation is required, but it helps to have a recent transcript or grades, any test scores, a list of activities, and any colleges you're already considering. Bring your questions too; nothing is off the table.

What makes HelloCollege different from other college admissions consultants?

Every student gets a dedicated counselor who knows them personally, backed by a collaborative team of specialists in essays, tutoring, test prep, and financial aid. You get one coordinated team instead of juggling multiple providers.

Our counselors are NACAC members, and our team brings 60+ combined years of admissions-office experience. Plans are flexible, so support can shift to wherever your student needs it most.

How much does HelloCollege cost?

Every HelloCollege plan is customized, so the investment varies. Most families invest between $6,000 and $20,000, with a typical plan around $9,000. Where you land depends on when you start, the support you want, the selectivity of your college list, and any tutoring or test prep needs. A free consultation is the best way to find the right fit.

When should we start college planning?

As early as possible, ideally before high school begins. The right course choices in 9th grade open the door to the advanced classes top colleges expect later on. Early planning also makes high school smoother for students and parents, and a couple of B's that could have been A's, or a few points on the ACT, can cost tens of thousands of dollars in merit scholarships. We've worked with thousands of families, and not one has told us they wish they'd started later.

Is senior year too late to start?

No. We welcome new seniors through December and January, in time for both Early and Regular Decision deadlines. We build a detailed calendar of tasks and milestones, provide regular accountability, and focus on the right schools, the right application strategy, and essays that tell your student's story. We also guide you through evaluating offers, securing scholarships, and making the final decision.

Do you only work with top students aiming for the Ivy League?

Not at all. We believe every student deserves a path to their best-fit college, whether that's an Ivy League school or a regional gem. We work with students at every academic level, including students with an IEP or 504 Plan.

Do you work with families outside Illinois?

Yes. HelloCollege works with families nationwide and internationally. Meetings take place virtually, so your student gets the same personalized support wherever you live.

Your Next Step

Let's Build Your Student's Success Story

Schedule a free consultation. We'll walk through your student's goals and timeline, and how HelloCollege can help them thrive.