You have a lot at stake when you choose an admissions consulting service, and they often make big claims. Marks Education markets itself as the best company for MBA and college admissions help, but does it get the great results it says it does? As someone who knows a lot about the admissions process, I looked more closely at what Marks Education offers and decided if their services live up to the buzz. Here are some things you should know before spending time and money.
Pros & Cons in General
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Whether you’re attending college or pursuing an MBA, they can help you choose courses, write essays, and prepare for interviews. | Marks Education’s services are expensive, particularly the one-on-one consulting and extensive support packages. |
| The team at Marks Education includes former admissions officers and educators. | Availability, especially during peak application seasons, might be limited. |
| Marks Education stresses a team-based method in which experts work together to offer all-around help. | Too much stress on “winning” the admissions game can lead to forgetting the importance of finding the right school and academic focus. |
Marks Education tries to sell itself as a star in MBA and college admissions consulting, but my experience and others’ testimonials don’t support this claim. Because they market too much, don’t give you enough personal attention, and offer services of varying quality, I’m not sure they are worth the money. I think you should look for services like Prep Expert that deliver real value, not just fancy websites with big claims.
The Main Admission Consulting Services of Marks Education
Marks Education claims to offer top-tier MBA and college admission consulting services. It is the go-to for students aiming to get into elite programs. The services they provide range from helping students with school selection, essay writing, and interview prep to navigating the complexities of the application process. Sounds like a dream, right? But, in my opinion, the reality is far from what they advertise, especially compared to the best MBA consulting services.
What’s Included in MarksEducation.com Packages?
MarksEducation offers a range of consulting packages for both MBA and college admissions. For MBA applicants, the packages cover every step of the process:
- School selection advice,
- Writing compelling essays,
- Preparing for interviews,
- Breaking down complex application requirements.
On the college admissions side, Marks Education’s packages support students from the early stages of high school to the final application submissions at grad schools. They help with:
- Course selection,
- Standardized test preparation,
- Developing an extracurricular profile,
- Personal statement and supplemental essay writing.
The depth of their consulting varies depending on the package you choose — whether it’s ongoing support throughout high school or targeted help at critical moments. However, despite the extensive list of services, the value often falls short, with some students reporting that the guidance felt generic and not tailored to their specific needs.
Who Is on Marks Education Team?
Marks Education touts its team of former admissions officers and educators as its main selling point. However, with years of experience in this field, I can tell you that just because someone worked in admissions doesn’t mean they understand the intricacies of every student’s unique needs.
I’ve encountered students who were advised to take the wrong approach simply because their advisor at MarksEducation.com didn’t take the time to understand their background and aspirations fully.
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
Yes, Marks Education offers extra services like standardized test prep and tutoring. But here’s the kicker: these add-ons feel like cash grabs rather than genuinely helpful resources. I’ve heard from students who felt pressured to sign up for these services even when they didn’t need them. It’s as if they’re more focused on upselling than helping students succeed.
Do They Have Any Free Services?
As I know from general practice, a reputable consulting firm usually offers free resources to help students and families make informed decisions. Unfortunately, Marks Education doesn’t offer much in this area. They might have a blog or a few articles, but these are basic and don’t provide any real value. It’s disappointing that they don’t offer free workshops or webinars, which are standard in the industry.
Their Pricing and Guarantees
Let’s be honest — admission consulting is pricey, and Marks Education is no exception. They charge a premium for their services, which might be understandable if they deliver exceptional results. But, based on what I’ve seen and heard, the reality doesn’t match the hype.
While they offer various consulting packages, the costs quickly add up, especially considering that their hourly rates start at $185 and can go up to $425 for more specialized consulting.
Here’s a quick rundown of their pricing structure:
- Hourly rates – $185 to $425 per hour.
- Packages – $2,500 to $4,900 and more, depending on the hours and level of support.
- Additional fees – potential for extra costs depending on specific services required.
Despite these high prices, there’s no guarantee of success. While no reputable service should promise guaranteed results, the high cost of Marks Education creates an expectation that simply isn’t met. Students often feel like they’ve paid top dollar for what turns out to be subpar service.
Their Professionalism in Terms of Reviews Available Online
One thing I always do is check out reviews before making a recommendation. When I looked at MarksEducation on platforms like Reddit and Yelp, I was alarmed by the mixed reviews. While some people had positive experiences, there were too many reports of unprofessionalism, poor communication, and lackluster results.
For example, one review mentioned a student left in the lurch during a critical application stage because the advisor was “too busy,” which is unacceptable at any price point.
Areas of Marks Education That They Should Work On
So, what are the worst aspects of MarksEducation.com?
- Lack of personalized attention. Despite their claims, many students report feeling like just another number. The advice is often generic, a huge red flag in this field.
- Overpriced services. The high cost simply doesn’t match the quality of service provided. You can find better value elsewhere.
- Pressure to upsell. Many students and parents feel pressured to buy additional services they don’t need. It comes off as more of a money-making scheme than genuine care for the student’s success.
- Inconsistent quality of advisors. Not all advisors are created equal, and it shows. Some students get excellent guidance, while others are left with advisors who don’t seem to have a clue.
- Poor communication. Multiple reports of unresponsive advisors during critical times are unacceptable in this industry.
Also, students seeking help during peak admission times may face difficulties securing timely assistance from Marks Education.