Many students and parents look to Accepted, a well-known name in the field, as a service to help them get into college or get an MBA. At first view, Accepted looks like a good choice. It offers expert help and has a history of success. But as someone with a lot of experience in the field, I think it’s essential to look more closely at what they offer, how they keep their promises, and whether the high price is worth it.
In this post, I’ll discuss the pros and cons of Accepted using real-life cases and client feedback so that you can make an informed choice.
Pros & Cons
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
| A team of consultants, many of whom have been admissions directors or committee members at top business schools and universities. | Although Accepted offers extensive application support, they do not include financial aid advising in their standard packages. |
| Accepted’s services cover everything from school selection to final application checks, interview preparation, and waitlist strategy. | The comprehensive packages are costly, with prices for multiple applications reaching several thousand dollars. |
| Accepted allows clients to choose between hourly consulting services and complete application packages. | Applicants might rely too heavily on their consultants, so applications reflect the consultant’s voice more than the student’s authentic self. |
Accepted has a good name in college and MBA admissions consulting, but I don’t think its services always live up to the high standards it sets. There is no promise that the higher cost will lead to better service, and candidates may feel unprepared because the service is not truly personalized.
If students or parents consider using this service, I would tell them to carefully weigh the possible benefits against the high costs and look into other choices that offer a better mix of value and customization.
What Are The Main Admission Consulting Services at Accepted.com?
Accepted is a service that promises to help students with the stressful and complex process of applying to MBA programs and colleges. They offer various consulting services, including essay editing, interview preparation, school selection guidance, and waitlist strategies. These are the bread and butter of any admissions consulting service, but, in my opinion, how well they execute these services is what truly matters.
What’s Included in Those Packages?
Accepted offers both comprehensive packages and hourly consulting services:
- School choice evaluation. Guidance on selecting the right schools based on your profile.
- Essay strategy and editing. Assistance in crafting and refining your application essays.
- Letters of recommendation guidance. Support in selecting and coaching recommenders.
- Resume critique. Feedback on how to present your achievements effectively.
- Interview prep. Mock interviews to prepare you for real admissions interviews.
- Final application review. A last check to ensure your application is polished.
- Waitlist support. Strategies to move from the waitlist to an accepted offer.
- Decision counseling. Advice on how to choose between multiple offers.
It sounds great on paper, but as I know from general practice, the devil is in the details. I’ve seen applicants who received these packages still struggle because the guidance they received was more generic than tailored to their specific needs. For example, their essay editing services might correct grammar and syntax. Still, they often miss the mark on conveying a student’s unique voice, which is critical in standing out in competitive admissions.
Who Is on Their Team (Are They Knowledgeable Enough)?
Accepted proudly promotes its team of consultants, many of whom have experience as admissions directors or committee members. While this sounds impressive, we need to dig deeper. In practice, even the most experienced consultant can fall short if they don’t connect well with their clients.
As I know from general practice, a consultant’s resume does not guarantee the ability to translate years of admissions experience into actionable advice that resonates with a student’s personal story. I’ve also heard from several students that, given the price, they felt like just another client without receiving the personalized attention they expected.
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
Accepted does offer some extras like mock interviews, LinkedIn profile reviews, and letters of recommendation guidance. However, the effectiveness of these extras can vary. For instance, their mock interviews are helpful for basic preparation, but they often fail to provide the deep, strategic feedback that can make or break an applicant’s actual interview. In the competitive world of MBA admissions, basic isn’t enough, and I think Accepted.com falls short.
Do They Have Any FREE Services?
Accepted.com provides free resources like sample essays, podcasts, and webinars. However, these free resources are primary.
As I know from general practice, these can be good starting points, but they are not enough to guide applicants through the highly competitive admissions process. The free content often scratches the surface but leaves students hanging regarding more profound, nuanced advice.
Their Pricing and Guarantees
The pricing for Accepted’s services is higher, with comprehensive packages reaching several thousand dollars. For example, their 3-application package is priced at $9,400, a significant investment. While they promise quality service, in my opinion, the return on investment isn’t always there. I’ve seen students pay these high fees only to end up with advice that they could have received from more affordable, or even free, resources.
Their Professionalism in Terms of Reviews Available Online
Accepted has mixed reviews online. On platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit, you’ll find some clients satisfied with their services, but there are also many negative reviews.
For instance, one Trustpilot review mentioned, “I felt like I was just another number to them. The advice was generic and didn’t help me stand out in my application.” Another review on Reddit stated, “The consultant I worked with seemed disinterested and didn’t help me highlight my strengths effectively.”
Areas of Accepted.com That They Should Work On
Accepted has some good points, but it also has some problems, especially when you compare it to the Top Admit:
- The services often feel cookie-cutter, not adapted to the applicant’s needs.
- The high cost of services does not always align with the value provided, especially compared to other consulting services.
- Some consultants seem disengaged, negatively impacting the quality of advice and support.
- Their free content is too basic and doesn’t offer the deep insights needed for successful applications.
- Accepted relies heavily on their consultants’ experience, which doesn’t always translate to top-tier service.
These problems can significantly affect the general quality of Accepted’s services. If you’re a possible client, you must carefully consider these things to determine whether Accepted is the right choice.