College Admissions Counselors in Pennsylvania

College Admissions Counselors in Pennsylvania

By James Barham

Updated: Jul 28, 2023

Find college admissions counselors in Pennsylvania. Getting into a top ranked college requires more than straight A’s. You need expert help; we help you find quality college consultants near your city and state.

According to our college consulting expert, David H. Nguyen, PhD, founder of Next Level Prep, Location is pertinent to finding the best educational consultant agencies because companies based in a region will understand the characteristics that admissions officers look for in students from high schools in that region. There is an edge that consultants gain from having worked with many students in the same region. That’s why our college consulting agencies are broken down state-by-state.

Most high school students have extremely limited access to direct guidance during the college admissions process. According to The New York Times, during the 2012–2016 school year, every public school counselor in the U.S. was assigned an average of 470 students! That doesn’t leave much time for one-on-one support as you figure out how to complete your FAFSA, decide which extracurriculars improve your chances of college admission, and what application strategies can help you stand out in a sea of other excellent students.

College admissions consultants, or college coaches, can help fill that gap, and give you a major advantage in finding the school of your choice.

Find College Admissions Counselors Close to You in Pennsylvania

Agencies are listed alphabetically within their cities.

Location: Abington, PA

Services include:

Comprehensive College Consulting
Career Counseling Assessments
Resume Creation
Mock Interviews
Financial Aid Assistance

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Allentown, PA

Services include:

Collection and Review of Educational and Personal Histories, School Records and Educational Testing Results
Assessment of Interests, Strengths, Skills, Academic and Extracurricular Activities
Prioritizng Important Application Components
Development of To Do List
Review of All Essays and ApplicationMaterials
Advice on College Interviews
Assistance Regarding Admission Decisions

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Allison Park, PA

Services include:

College Search
Develop your art
Application assistance
Essay Prep
Financial aid assistance
Recommend extracurriculars
Graduate school advice
Interview Preparation
Guidance on final choices

Affiliations and Accreditations

NACAC

Location: Allison Park, PA

Services include:

Comprehensive College Counseling
Career/Major Exploration
Student Centered List Development
Standardized Testing Advice
Interview Skills
Professional College Applicaiton and Essay Guidance

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Bala Cynwyd, PA

Services include:

Comprehensive College Consulting
Student Assessments
Curriculum and Testing Advice
College List Formation
College Visit Advice
Essay Coaching
Overall Application Review

Affiliations and Accreditations

HECA

Location: Bensalem, PA

Services include:

Recruiting Chinese Students for US Middle through College Schools

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Berwyn, PA

Services include:

Comprehensive College Planning beginning Sophomore Year
Learning Styles/Interest Inventory
Review of Academics and Extracurriculars
Summer Planning
Career Assessment
Internships
Financial Aid Planning
Application Timeline
Interview Tips
Evaluation of Various Deadlines
Brainstorming and Editing College Essay
Application Review
Review ofAcceptance Letters
Scholarship Application Support
Transition to College

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Blue Bell, PA

Services include:

Building a College List
Applicaiton Review
Writing a Personal Statement
Standardized Test Planning
Financial Aid and Scholarsips
College Networking
Student Athlete Recruiting
Building a Resume

Affiliations and Accreditations

HECA

Location: Bryn Mawr, PA

Services include:

Personal Comprehensive College Planning

Affiliations and Accreditations

AICEP

Location: Bryn Mawr, PA

Services include:

Educational Consulting from Kindergarten Through Graudate School
College Consulting
Making Applications Standout
Essay Editing
Naviance Available
Best Fit College Identification
Navigating the Financial Aid Process
STA/ACT Test Prep
Assistance with Common App
Student Athlete Support

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Carlisle, PA

Services include:

Individualized College Consulting
Appropriate Testing Schedules and Preparation
Visit and Interview Preparation
College List Development
Essay Development
Financial Aid Support
Researching Colleges

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Chadds Ford, PA

Services include:

College lists
FInancial aid and scholarship navigation
college search
application assistance
test prep
decision assistance
essay assistance

Affiliations and Accreditations

NACAC

Location: Clarks Summit, PA

Services include:

Comprehensive College Planning
Admission Support
Financial Aid and Scholarship Search
Career Exploration
Athletic Recruitment
Fine and Performing Arts Students
Recommendation Letter Strategy
Essay and Resume Critique

Affiliations and Accreditations

HECA

Location: Collegeville, PA

Services include:

Access to CollegePlannerPro Software
Comprehensive College Planning
Essay Brainstorming and Editing
Application Assistance
Interview Support
Transfer Package
Graduate School Applications and Essays
Customized Services and Hourly Services

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Conshohocken, PA

Services include:

College list development
Essay/personal statement guidance
Application strategies
Resume development
Interview preparation
Financial aid and scholarship review
Career assessment

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Doylestown, PA

Services include:

Initial consultation to ask and answer questions
ssay prep
College Internship Coaching
Development of extensive and interactive college list with safe, target, selective, highly selective schools included

Affiliations and Accreditations

IECA

Location: Elverson, PA

Services include:

Short-term and long-term academic and activity planning
Guidance on choosing schools
Designing an application strategy
Assistance with application forms and required documents
Monitor and follow up with universities
Interview coaching
Logistical assistance for travel to the US
American culture and etiquette training

Affiliations and Accreditations

NACAC

Location: Erdenheim, PA

Services include:

Recommended List of colleges
Campus Visit
Preparing for the Interview
Application Essay Writing
Standardized Testing
Application Plans

Affiliations and Accreditations

NACAC

Location: Exton, PA

Services include:

College List Development
Curriculum and Standardized Test Planning
Essay Development and Editing
College Visitation Strategies
Interview Preparation
Extracurricular Activities Guidance
Letters of Recommendation Guidance
Application Timing and Completion Assistance
Final College Selection Guidance

Affiliations and Accreditations

IECA

Location: Fort Washington, PA

Services include:

International PK-College Placement Planning
Gap Year Planning
Counseling
Comprehensive College Placement

Affiliations and Accreditations

IECA

Location: Glen Mills, PA

Services include:

Assessment of Student's Interest, Abilities, Values, Personality and Goals
Advice re: High School Academics
Testing Advice
College List Development
Teaching Students how to Research College
Summer Enrichment Programs
How to Work a College Fair
Campus Visit and Interview Support
Final College List Development
Resume Creation
Deadlines for Application Process
Final Decision Making Support

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Hatboro, PA

Services include:

College Admissions Counseling
Candidacy Building and Application Strategy
Best Fit School List
Career Coaching
Job Search Strategy
Career Toolkit Development
Standardized Testing Strategy
Resume and Activities List
Common App Essay Strategy and Critique
Interview Coaching
FAFSA Support
Scholarship Applications
Enrollment Decision Support

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Haverford, PA

Services include:

College search and lists
test prep
curriculum guidance
application assitance
test prep
decision assistance

Affiliations and Accreditations

NACAC

Location: Haverford, PA

Services include:

Comprehensive College Planning
Student Interest Assesement
College List Development
Application Timeline and Support
Decision Making Guidance

Affiliations and Accreditations

IECA

Location: Havertown, PA

Services include:

Individualized College Search
High School Advisement
Extracurricular Guidance
Timeline for Standardized Testing
Best Fit College List
Step by Step Application Guidance
Essay Topic Choice and Proofreading
Application Options- Early Action
Early Decision, Regular or Rolling
Preparation for Visits and Interviews
Final Decision Guidance

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Holland, PA

Services include:

Comprehensive College Services
Personal Assessment
Selection of Institution
College Placement Assistance
Athletic Recruitment
Fine and Performing Arts Applicaitons
Post Placement Follow Up

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Huntingdon Valley, PA

Services include:

Comprehensive College Planning Beginning in Grade 9
Personal, Academic and Career Assessment
Identify Best Fit Colleges
Create College List
Common App Overview and Assistance
Develop Plan to Research, Vist and Apply to Colleges
Essay Development
Summer Enrichment
Review Standardized Test History and Create Testing Plan
Interview Prep and Assistance
Understanding NCAA Eligibility
Identify Colleges with Learning Support Programs
Showcase Special Talents
Understanding Admissing Decisions
Financial Aid Advising

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Huntingdon Valley, PA

Services include:

College Application Consultation
Credential Evaluation
Test Prep Classes
University and Major Selection
Scholarships and Financial Aid

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: King of Prussia, PA

Services include:

Premium Porgram Starting in Middle School
Preparing for High School
Evaluating Strengths and Interests
Positioning for Leadership
Reviewing PSAT/PLAN Results
High School Collge Course Selection
College Essay Support
Completing Common Application
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Decision Time
College Transition

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Lancaster, PA

Services include:

College Search
Application assistance
Essay Prep
Financial aid assistance
Recommend extracurriculars
Graduate school advice
Interview Preparation
Guidance on final choices

Affiliations and Accreditations

NACAC

Location: Lebanon, PA

Services include:

GOAL SETTING & EXPLORING STRENGTHS AND CHALLENGES
HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM AND TRANSCRIPT ANALYSIS
ORGANIZING AN ACTIVITIES RESUME
COLLEGE RESEARCH AND COLLEGE LIST BUILDING
STANDARDIZED TESTING GAME PLAN
COLLEGE VISIT AND INTERVIEW PREPARATION
BUILDING AN APPLICATION CALENDAR & COMPLETING APPLICATIONS
FINANCIAL AID STRATEGY AND COMPLETING FORMS
EVALUATING ADMISSIONS OFFERS AND MAKING A FINAL DECISION

Affiliations and Accreditations

NACAC

Location: Media, PA

Services include:

High School Course Selection
Testing Schedules
Essay Strategy and Review
Advising on Major Choices
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Decision Making Process
College Transition

Affiliations and Accreditations

HECA

Location: Mercersburg, PA

Services include:

Ascertain college preferences
Consider special needs and talents
Evaluate financial considerations and their impact
Suggest specific colleges and universities that best fit the student's abilities and interests
Discuss the recommended colleges and universities with the student and family
Schedule college admissions tests
Application assistance
Advice about high school course selection
Assistance in navigating the athletic recruitment process

Affiliations and Accreditations

NACAC

Location: Mifflinburg, PA

Services include:

Comprehensive College Application Support Beginning in Grade 9
Academic and Extracurricular Review and Guidance
Time Management
Summer Programs
Essay Development
Recommendation Letter Strategy
Application Review
Transfer Support
Transition to University for International Students

Affiliations and Accreditations

HECA

Location: Newtown, PA

Services include:

Personalized College Planning
School Curriculum Plans
Admissions Profile Assessment
College Selection
Entrance Exams
Application Support
Essay Development
Interview Preparation

Affiliations and Accreditations

HECA

Location: Paoli, PA

Services include:

Comprehensive Support
Transcript and Test Score Review
Coaching for Future Planning
Personalized Planning and Timeline
College List Development
Essay Preparation
Managing Deadlines
Unlimited Phone/Email Guidance

Affiliations and Accreditations

HECA

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Services include:

Educational Planning for College, Boarding and Day Schools, Therapeutic Placements and Adult Transitions to Independent Living
Gap Year Planning

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Services include:

International PK-College Placement Planning
Gap Year Planning
Counseling
Comprehensive College Placement

Affiliations and Accreditations

IECA

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Services include:

Early High School Planning
College Search
Application Preparation
Decision Making Support

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Services include:

College search
college lists
application assistance
essay prep and review

Affiliations and Accreditations

NACAC

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Services include:

Therapeutic Placements

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Services include:

College Admission Consulting
Special Needs Students
Graudate School Admissins

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Services include:

Comprehensive Planning
Unlimited Meetings, Emails, Texts, Phone Calls
Vocational Interest Assessment
Extracurricular and Summer Suggestions
Course Planning
Campus Visit Suggestions
Standardized Testing Plan
College List Development
Activities Resume
Teacher Recommendation Strategy
Essay Brainstorming, Planning and Editing
Application Review and Submisison
Interview Preparation
Scholarship Advice
Financial Aid Considerations
Organization and Tracking
Continuous Support

Affiliations and Accreditations

HECA

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Services include:

Developing a family’s college admissions strategy
Creating a comprehensive college list
College application assistance
essays
letters of recommendation
résumé assistance
Career assessments

Affiliations and Accreditations

NACAC

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Services include:

Comprehensive Strategic Planning for College Admissions
Student Assessment
Evaluation of Academic and Extracurricular Activities
Planning Course Curriculum
Development of a Personalized List
Timeline for Application
Advise on Planning Visits and Interview Preparation
Finalize List of Best Fit Schools
Essay Feedback
Organizational Support
Overview of Financial Aid and Scholarship Considerations

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Services include:

Counseling for PK-12, College and Graduate School: High School Course Selection
Extracurricular Activity Planning
Understanding Waitlist/Deferred Notice
Highliting Special Talents
Essay Brainstorming and Editing
Standardized Test Planning and Strategizing

Affiliations and Accreditations

IECA

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Services include:

Comprehensive College Counseling
Review of Academic Transcript
Course Selection Guidance
Summer Program Search
SAT/ACT Tutoring
Test Registration Planning
Self Assessment
Activities Resume
College Major/Career Exploration
Extensive College Search
College Visit and Interview Preparation
Essay Assistance
Application Review
Wait-List Assistance

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Services include:

Comprehensive College Planning
Student Interest Assesement
Building a Resume
Mastering Standardized Test
Creating the College List
Telling the Student Story
Application Support
Financial Aid Guidance
Final Choice Support

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Pottstown, PA

Services include:

College Search
Develop your art
Application assistance
Essay Prep
Financial aid assistance
Recommend extracurriculars
Graduate school advice
Interview Preparation
Guidance on final choices

Affiliations and Accreditations

NACAC

Location: Reading, PA

Services include:

Personal Assessment
Understanding Financial Aid
Career Exploration
Build a College List/Timeline
Application Process
Completion of the Application
Writing the College Essay and Shorts
Completion of Financial Aid Forms
Guided College Visits
Evaluate Final Choices

Affiliations and Accreditations

NACAC

Location: S. Abington Twp, PA

Services include:

Comprehensive College Planning
Admission Support
Financial Aid and Scholarship Search
Career Exploration
Athletic Recruitment
Fine and Performing Arts Students
Recommendation Letter Strategy
Essay and Resume Critique

Affiliations and Accreditations

HECA

Location: Sinking Spring, PA

Services include:

Utilization of GuidedPath Software for Managing the College Admissions Process
Academic Review
Career/Major Assessment
Financial Affordability
Learning Style Needs
Athletic and Special Interests

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: State College, PA

Services include:

High School academic planning and course selection
Personal strengths and interests inventory
College search & college list-building with a good fit
resume assisatnce
Planning for standardized tests
Counsel in preparing for athletic recruiting
application asssiatnce
interview prep
college visits
Assistance with financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Assistance on early decision and early action

Affiliations and Accreditations

NACAC

Location: State College, PA

Services include:

Comprehensive College Planning
High School Academic and Extracurricular Review
College Search and List Development
Counseling for Academic Majors and Career Goals
Resume Creation Assistance
Planning for Standardized Tests
Counsel for Athletes
Essay Brainstorming and Editing
Planning Meaningful Summer Experiences
Resume Development
Managing Application Deadliens
Application Review
Interview Preparation
Final Decision Support

Affiliations and Accreditations

PACAC

Location: Upper Gwynedd, PA

Services include:

Therapeutic Placements

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Washington Crossing, PA

Services include:

Comprehensive College Planning beginning in Grade 9: Academic and Interest Review
Standardized Testing Review and Plan
College Visit Plan
College List Development
International Student US Document Requirements
References for Financial Aid and Scholarships
Essay Topic Development and Editing
Monitoring Application Process
Deadline Reminders
Mock Interviews
Post Application Follow up
Transfer Student Support

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: West Chester, PA

Services include:

Test Prep and tutoring
College Counseling
Essay Development
Best Fit College List
Application Assistance

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: West Chester, PA

Services include:

Educational Counseling and Placement for School, College, Graduate and Professional Programs
Academic and Personal Inventory Review
Suggestions for Further Testing
Financial Review
Essay Editing
Final Decision Strategies
Transition Support

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Wexford, PA

Services include:

College Preparation and Selection
Resume Building Activities
High School Course Selection
Summer Programs
Career Assessments
Standardized Test Recommenations
Develop College List
Access to Keystone Custom College Plan Online Platform
Advice on College Visits and Interviews
Support for the College Application and Resume
Teacher Recommendation Strategy
Essay Brainstorming
Final College List
Proofreading All Materials
Financial Need Process
Guidance Through Wait List

Affiliations and Accreditations

HECA

Location: Williamsport, PA

Services include:

College Major and Career Planning
College Search and Evaluation
Admission Applications
Financial Aid Planning

Affiliations and Accreditations

Location: Wynnewood, PA

Services include:

College search
college lists
application assistance
essay prep and review

Affiliations and Accreditations

NACAC

Location: Wynnewood, PA

Services include:

Placement Counseling in Independent Schools Grades 7-12
Colleges and Universities

Affiliations and Accreditations

IECA

Location: Wynnewood, PA

Services include:

Building the College List
Lessons on How to Distinguish Your Application
Essay brainstorming and editing
Preparing and assembling applications

Affiliations and Accreditations

NACAC

Location: Wyomissing, PA

Services include:

College search
college lists
application assistance
essay prep and review

Affiliations and Accreditations

NACAC

Location: Yardley, PA

Services include:

Early College Planning
High School Course Recommendations and Review
Analysis of Extracurricular Activities
Testing Recommendations
Discussion of any Learning Differences
College Visit Success Strategies
College List Development
Financial Aid Information
College Matching
Essay Editing
Transfer Student Support

Affiliations and Accreditations

What is an admissions consultant?

An admissions consultant is a hired professional who can guide you through the complex landscape of college admissions. Admissions consultant companies vary greatly in size and service offerings, and operate either locally, or as part of a nationwide network.

Learn more about how to select a college admissions counselor that is right for you in our conversation with NextLevelPrep college consultant and admissions expert David Nguyen, who explains how to choose a college admissions counselor.

What does a college admissions consultant do?

College admission consultants help guide families and students through the often complex college admissions process. Services typically include counseling on how to improve your chances of getting into your chosen schools, coaching on writing college essays and personal statements, SAT and ACT test preparation, and assistance in the scholarship process, among others.

Why hire a college admissions consulting company?

One of the primary benefits of hiring a college admissions consultant is their experience: an expert consultant will have up-to-date insight on what colleges are looking for in terms of grades, extracurricular activities, test scores, and personal statements. This knowledge can help you make a favorable impression on the schools of your choice.

Plus, college admissions consultants who also provide test preparation can significantly improve your performance on SAT/ACT exams — improving your odds of both earning scholarships and getting into the higher-tiered schools on your list.

When is the best time to start working with a college admissions consultant?

This depends on your goals. If you simply need support during the test-prep and application process, you can begin your relationship with a consultant during your junior year of high school — just as the college search process really heats up. However, some college consultants begin working with families as early as 8th or 9th grade, guiding students in their academic focus, electdive course selection, extracurriculars, community service, and more.

This type of full-service consultation is generally very costly, but the goal is to provide students and families with a complete road map leading directly to a top college.

How much do college admissions consultants charge?

The price for college admissions consultation can vary widely depending on the type of company and the nature of services you seek. From one-time seminars to weekly consultation, to hands-on guidance for the entirety of your high school education, you have a lot of options. The higher the level of service you seek, the more you’ll spend.

For an overview of the pricing landscape, check out college consultant and admissions expert David Nguyen’s ranking of The Best College Admissions Consulting Agencies.

Are college admissions consultants worth it?

Yes! If you have access, this extra level of support can genuinely provide you with insight into the admissions process and enhance your odds of admission. More importantly: you won’t be alone during the arduous process of applying to colleges.

While your high school guidance counselor can literally spend no more than a few minutes a semester on your admissions process, a professional college admissions consultant will be directly and professionally invested in your success. This can make a major difference in where you end up earning your undergraduate degree.

Can I trust college admissions consultants?

Yes, you can trust the recognized college admissions consulting groups. That’s why we list only companies that are recognized by agencies and associations such as Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), and National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC).

These independent agencies provide oversight and certification, ensuring that members adhere to all appropriate legal, ethical, and commercial standards both on behalf of consumers and within the higher education infrastructure. Consulting companies listed in their directories may be considered trustworthy and legitimate.

For more on how you can safely and effectively navigate the college admissions consulting landscape, check out college consultant and admissions expert David Nguyen’s Confessions of a College Prep Consultant.

Find College Admissions Consultants Near You

Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania

Prospective students hoping to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree have over 100 higher learning institutions to choose from. The largest public university is Pennsylvania State University, or Penn State, with a tuition of $18,000, and a student population of over 95,000 across its campuses. As a private institution, the University of Pennsylvania, or simply Penn, is known for its medical, nursing, social work, and business fields. Tuition is $56,000, and the school boasts a 95% graduation rate.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Students can also attend one of the more than 60 religiously affiliated schools, such as Villanova University or Lafayette College, each with a tuition of about $53,000. Some of the most affordable colleges in the state include the Curtis Institute of Music and the Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia, with tuitions set at $3,000 and $9,000, respectively. Though the average tuition for college in Pennsylvania comes in above the national average, those who practice medicine in underserved areas may qualify for up to $100,000 in loan forgiveness through the Pennsylvania Primary Care Loan Repayment Program.

As the nation’s second state, Pennsylvania’s history runs deep. It’s here where Betsy Ross made the first American flag and where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Keystone State is also home to some culinary delights, including whoopie pies, soft pretzels, and the famous Philly cheesesteak. Students looking to earn their degree in Pennsylvania will undoubtedly enjoy what the state has to offer.

Check out the state’s top programs and learn more about earning your degree in Pennsylvania.

What are Pennsylvania’s Colleges & Universities?

Pennsylvania’s Best Overall