I’ve worked in college admissions advising for a long time, and I know how much a good team can make a difference. In this review, I’ll share my thoughts on The Princeton Review college counseling services. I’ll talk about what they provide, where they stand out, and where they could improve.
If you’re thinking about investing in your child’s college future, this post will help you decide if Princeton Review is a good choice.
Pros & Cons in Short
Let’s start with three pros and cons of The Princeton Review’s college counseling services.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| They offer everything from a 1-hour strategy session to multi-meeting packages and a premium tier with ongoing support. | Some of their services can be pricey, so they might be out of reach for students and families on a tight budget. |
| The Princeton Review clearly promises outputs like a curated college list and defined rounds of essay review. | Some offerings are narrowly scoped, so you may need multiple purchases to cover everything you want. |
| The company offers many extras and free services, including practice tests, books, online tools, and webinars. | With so many programs and resources available, students may feel overwhelmed by the amount of information and options. |
Overall, The 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 offer full packages covering all areas, and their team is highly experienced. It might seem pricey, but it could be worth it to find the right college fit and maybe even snag some extra scholarships.
I’d definitely recommend PrincetonReview.com to any student who wants to make sure their college application is as strong as possible.
What Are The Main Admission Consulting Services of The Princeton Review?
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. The Princeton Review’s packages also include essay editing services.
- The Princeton Review offers mock interview sessions that help students practice their answers, refine their speaking skills, and build confidence.
- They provide access to full-length practice tests for the SAT, ACT, and AP exams, which are as close as possible to the real thing.
- Strategic planning is one of the less obvious but precious aspects of The Princeton Review’s packages. They help students develop a timeline for completing their applications.
- Another part of the package is guidance in securing letters of recommendation. Experienced consultants advise students on who to ask for these letters and how to approach them.
- Their packages often include assistance with finding and applying for scholarships, as well as guidance on obtaining 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)?
From my experience, the difference between “helpful” and “not worth it” advice comes down to who’s advising you. The Princeton Review uses experienced admissions counselors, including people with backgrounds in admissions offices, and also offers an admissions coach option.
I think having the counselor and the coach is a good idea. The counselor can handle the big-picture stuff and make decisions, and the coach can keep the student on track week after week. We all know that even the best students procrastinate when senior year gets busy.
By the way, TopAdmit has the same strong team of experts.
Do They Offer Any Extra Services?
Yes, and this is where they quietly stand out. With a core admissions counseling, PrincetonReview.com also offers:
- Essay feedback tools powered by AI (clearly positioned as feedback, not writing essays for students).
- Financial aid help, including FAFSA and CSS Profile guidance.
- Grade-level planning options for younger students who want to prepare early.
In my experience, families often don’t understand until it’s too late that they need to use one plan for financial help and applications. If you keep that support in the same place, you won’t have to worry about making expensive mistakes.
Do They Have Any FREE Services?
Yes, they do! One of the things that stood out to me is that The 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.
In addition, PrincetonReview.com describes a free consultation entry point. In my opinion, that’s useful even if you’re not sure you want to commit.
The Princeton Review Pricing and Guarantees
The Princeton Review keeps pricing pretty straightforward. It’s honestly refreshing. At PrincetonReview.com, you can see right away what level of help fits your situation instead of guessing.
You can start small or go all in, depending on what you need:
- 1-hour Strategy Session – $349
- College List Building – $499
- Sophomore Edge planning – $549
- Ultimate Admissions Package – $3,499
- Premier Admissions Counseling – $14,999
They also have essay and application review options, including AI feedback starting at $99, which is clutch if you just want quick, affordable input.
The ultimate and premier packages are not pocket change, as with the College Advisor, but you’re getting the full, comprehensive support.
If you’re interested, I’d recommend going directly to PrincetonReview.com to get an idea of the cost for your situation. Plus, they often have exclusive discounts and payment plans, so it’s worth asking about those to make things easier on your wallet.
As for guarantees, they keep it real. As I know from general practice, no legit admissions service promises acceptances. What The Princeton Review promises is clear scope, defined support, and no surprises. In my opinion, this honesty goes a long way.
They even offer a satisfaction guarantee for some of their services, which is a nice touch. When you’re investing in something as important as your child’s future, it’s good to know that the company has your back.
Their Professionalism in Terms of Reviews Available Online
On Trustpilot, PrincetonReview.com got a solid rating, backed by thousands of reviews.
Their previous clients mention clear communication, well-organized programs, and the instructors’ and counselors’ knowledge. One thing I’ve noticed is that students feel more confident and in control after working with The Princeton Review, which is half the battle.
On Reddit, the feedback is more straightforward (as expected), but it’s usually pretty fair. People don’t go out of their way to say it’s a miracle fix, but they do say it’s legit, structured, and safer than random online advisors. That says a lot.
Sure, you might find some complaints on Yelp or in forums, usually about pricing or expectations. I know from experience that this is pretty standard for a big national brand.
Areas of The Princeton Review That They Should Work On
However, as with any service, there are areas where The Princeton Review could improve.
- The cost of Princeton Review’s full packages may be too high for some families, so they can’t use the services.
- While it offers many resources, some users have reported feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information.
- Not every option is full-service. If you only buy a single session or a narrowly defined service, you might still need additional help later (essays, final list polishing, activity descriptions, and so on). That’s not bad, but choose with your eyes open.
Overall, I think The Princeton Review college counseling services are a solid choice for all who want structured help without guesswork. The beauty of it is that you can start small with a one-hour strategy session, or you can go all-in with a bigger package that includes repeated feedback and consistent coaching.
FAQ About The Princeton Review
How much do Princeton Review admissions services cost?
It depends on what you buy. Prices on their site range from $99 for AI essay feedback up to $3,499 for the Ultimate Admissions Package and Premier, starting around $14,999.
Is Princeton Review a reputable company?
Yes, they’re an established education company founded in 1981 and widely known for test prep and admissions support.
Can PrincetonReview.com guarantee acceptance?
No, Princeton Review cannot guarantee acceptance into any college or university. They provide expert guidance and resources to maximize your chances, but ultimately, admission decisions are made by the schools.
Is The Princeton Review worth it?
The value is there for students who want structured guidance, expert feedback, and accountability, especially compared to figuring everything out alone.
Is The Princeton Review legit?
Yes, it’s a legitimate company with real counselors, documented services, and transparent pricing.