As someone with substantial expertise in college admissions advising, I’ve witnessed personally the impact an educated and helpful team can have. In this review, I’ll give my thoughts on Princeton Review’s college application services, outlining what they provide, where they shine, and where they may improve.
If you’re considering investing in your child’s college future, our review will help determine if Princeton Review is a good choice.
Pros & Cons in Short
Here are three pros and cons of The Princeton Review’s college counseling services.
| Pros | Cons |
| The Princeton Review offers various services, from test preparation and tutoring to admissions counseling and essay assistance. | Their services are expensive, making them inaccessible to students and families on a limited budget. |
| One-on-one tutoring and individualized admissions counseling provide students with specialized guidance that meets their unique needs and aspirations. | The Princeton Review’s focus on standardized test scores overshadows other aspects of student applications, such as extracurricular activities or personal essays. |
| The company offers many resources, including practice tests, books, online tools, and webinars. | With so many programs and resources accessible, students may get overwhelmed by the amount of information and possibilities. |
Overall, Princeton Review is an excellent option if you’re serious about getting into a top institution and want a staff that understands the admissions process. Like other top college admissions consulting services, they provide a comprehensive package of services that cover all areas, and their team’s experience is unparalleled.
While the cost may seem prohibitive, the investment may reap dividends in the form of a better college fit and perhaps additional scholarship chances. I would suggest them to any kid who wants to ensure their college application is as strong as possible.
What Are The Main Admission Consulting Services of PrincetonReview?
In my opinion, PrincetonReview.com is a powerhouse for college admission consulting. As I know from general practice, getting into top colleges is more competitive than ever, and proper guidance can make all the difference.
The Princeton Review offers a wide range of services aimed at helping students not just get into college but get into the college that’s the right fit for them. They cover everything from test prep for the SAT, ACT, and AP exams to more personalized services like one-on-one admissions counseling and essay help.
What’s Included in Those Packages?
The packages they offer are pretty extensive:
- One of their outstanding features is their admissions counseling. This covers choosing the right schools and developing a compelling application strategy.
- The essay is one of the most challenging parts of the college application process. Princeton Review’s packages also include essay editing services.
- Princeton Review offers mock interviews and coaching sessions that help students practice their answers, refine their speaking skills, and build confidence.
- They provide access to full-length practice testsfor the SAT, ACT, and AP exams, which are as close as possible to the real thing.
- Strategic planning is one of Princeton Review’s packages’ less obvious but precious aspects. They help students develop a timeline for completing their applications.
- Another part of the package is guidance in securing letters of recommendation. Princeton Review consultants advise students on who to ask for these letters and how to approach them.
- Princeton Review packages often include assistance with finding and applying for scholarships and guidance on getting financial aid.
As in Empowerly, their idea is to ensure students are well-prepared, confident, and polished before they submit their applications. It’s all about making sure they put their best foot forward.
Who Is on Their Team (Are They Knowledgeable Enough)?
The team at PrincetonReview.com is top-notch. I’ve observed that they have a crew of experts who know their stuff. These people have been in the trenches of college admissions, and some even have experience as former admissions officers at prestigious universities. This means that they understand what colleges are looking for.
They’ve seen thousands of applications and know how students often make mistakes and, more importantly, how to avoid them. As someone with experience in this field, I can confidently say that having that level of expertise guiding you is invaluable.
By the way, TopAdmit has the same strong team of experts.
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
Beyond the basics, PrincetonReview also offers many extras. For instance, they have workshops and webinars that cover everything from financial aid to college selection strategies. These can be a real lifesaver for students and parents who feel overwhelmed by the process.
Additionally, I wish more services were offered in scholarship search assistance. College is expensive, and finding the right scholarships can make a huge difference. Their offer of help in this area shows that they’re thinking about the bigger picture.
Do They Have Any FREE Services?
Yes, they do! One of the things that stood out to me is that Princeton Review offers free resources like college match tools and sample tests. These free services are an excellent way for students to get a feel for what they provide without committing right away.
As I’ve seen, this accessibility is important because it allows families to consider all possible options without feeling pressured.
Their Pricing and Guarantees
So, you’re looking at shelling out somewhere between $4,500 and $10,000 for Princeton Review’s college admission counseling. If you’re aiming for med school, the price range doesn’t change much, between $5,000 and $10,000.
Yeah, it’s not chump change as in College Advisor, but you’re getting the full monty — the whole shebang of support and know-how for either undergrad or the big leagues of med school.
Here’s a quick breakdown of some prices:
- SAT 1500+ Comprehensive Live Online Tutoring – $6,560 (with a money-back guarantee) for 18 hours of intensive tutoring.
- Primary Application Support for Medical/Dental School – $2,000.
- Secondary Applications & Interview Prep – $2,000.
- Comprehensive Admissions Counseling for Med School – ranges from $3,700 to $9,100.
If you’re interested, I’d recommend hitting PrincetonReview.com directly to get the skinny on what it’ll cost for your situation. Plus, they often have exclusive discounts and payment plans, so it’s worth inquiring about those to ease the financial burden.
Plus, they offer a satisfaction guarantee for some of their services, which is reassuring. If you invest in something as crucial as your child’s future, it’s nice to know that the company stands behind its work.
Their Professionalism in Terms of Reviews Available Online
When you look at online reviews, the consensus is pretty positive. On platforms like Trustpilot and Sitejabber, you’ll see parents and students praising their experiences. For example, one reviewer on Trustpilot mentioned that their SAT score went up by 200 points after using Princeton Review’s test prep services. Another highlighted how their essay coach helped them write a personal statement that stood out. These real-life success stories are a testament to the effectiveness of their services.
Areas of Princeton Review That They Should Work On (Their 3 Worst Sides)
However, like any service, there are areas where PrincetonReview could improve:
- The cost can be prohibitive for some families, which might limit access to its services.
- While it offers many resources, some users have reported feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information.
- Occasionally, a focus on test prep might lead students to place less emphasis on other critical aspects of their applications, like extracurriculars or personal development.
Their biggest problem is that the abundance of accessible services and resources makes it difficult to determine the most useful for the student’s scenario.