Founded in 1999, Collegewise is on a mission to help students access the transformative power of higher education. As the largest private college counseling company in the United States, Collegewise leverages the power of more than 130 admissions experts to help students identify the best possible fit of a university they can flourish in while also bringing fun into the college application process. Over the last 25 years, Collegewise experts have studied the changing landscape, identified the stressors and pain points of the whole process, and designed an approach to give more than 36,000 students the right information and tools to help guide them toward college. Collegewise prides itself on how much experience its counselors have (they hire and train the top talent in the space) and the tools they offer students, and this approach has brought incredibly happy successes with their students, which is why 9 out of 10 families recommend Collegewise to their friends.
Collegewise (collegewise.com) has 606 customer reviews on Five Star Index, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.
Also known as
collegewise.com
Website
collegewise.com
Category
HR & Recruiting
Listed on Five Star Index
2026
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The company replied to 99% of reviews.
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Most recent review: October 2026.
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Rebecca did a really great job of helping me build my college list and resume, write my essays, and make a decision from the 11 colleges I got accepted into with her help!
Response from CollegewiseMay 16, 2025
Thanks so much for the kind words. We’re thrilled to hear that Rebecca’s guidance helped you through such a successful admissions journey - congrats on all those acceptances!
JS
Jesse S.
Very Helpful
I worked with Amy McGinniss during my college application season and she was beyond helpful during the entire process. She helped me with research, deadlines, essays, and most importantly she took the time to actually get to know me. Beyond just being my college counselor, she was someone I could rely on whenever I felt stressed or overwhelmed. I highly recommend working with her because she will help you with your applications, but also with other aspects in life!
Response from CollegewiseMay 16, 2025
That is amazing to hear and Amy will be so happy to hear your kind words! Thank you for sharing your experience!
XU
Xue
We had a wonderful experience working with Jessica Strange
We had a wonderful experience working with Jessica Strange during my daughter’s college application journey. Thanks to her expert guidance and support, my daughter was accepted into her dream school!
What stood out most was her ability to communicate effectively with teenagers—she built a strong rapport with my daughter, making the process much less stressful and more engaging. She is incredibly well-organized, always on top of deadlines and requirements, and provided clear, actionable advice at every step.
As a parent, I also appreciated how well she understood our expectations and concerns. She kept us informed throughout the process and made sure our voices were heard while still empowering our daughter to take ownership of her applications.
We were so impressed that I’ve already recommended her to one of my closest friends. I highly recommend Jessica Strange to any family navigating the college admissions process!
Response from CollegewiseMay 16, 2025
Thank you so much for this thoughtful review! We’re thrilled your daughter found such a supportive and effective guide in Jessica—she has a real gift for connecting with teens and making the process feel manageable. Congrats to your daughter for getting into her dream school!
HB
Haleh B.
Kate Strzelecki is a compassionate…
Kate Strzelecki is a compassionate counselor and cares for her students. She did a great job guiding my daughter through the college process. She puts her energy for the students and helping with their independency.
Response from CollegewiseMay 16, 2025
Kate’s care and commitment to her students shine through in everything she does, and we’re so glad your daughter felt empowered and supported throughout her journey. We'll pass your compliments along!
BY
Byong
Mary Finn has been wonderful
Mary Finn has been wonderful. She really helped focus our son's story to be personal and impactful. Very knowledgeable about what each college is looking for and what to emphasize in the applications.
Response from CollegewiseMay 16, 2025
We're so happy to hear that Mary was able to help your son! Thank you for your feedback on your family's experience!
MS
Mary S.
Working with college wise has made my…
Working with college wise has made my college admissions journey so much easier! Kaila Brown, my advisor has been so kind and helpful through the stress and i am so grateful for her!! I definitely recommend College Wise (and Kaila) if anyone was considering it!!!
Response from CollegewiseMay 16, 2025
We’re so happy to hear Kaila helped make a stressful process for you feel a little easier. Thanks for the recommendation!
CK
Christopher K.
Amazing Experience
I was a senior in high school and found Collegewise very helpful in writing my college applications. My counselor Mary Finn was phenomenal and she really helped me feel confident in my applications. Her friendly and encouraging manner helped ease my anxiety while completing my applications. I cannot thank her enough in helping me get accepted to all of my dream Universities of California. My only problem now is finding which UC I should choose! Highly recommend her and the program for those who are scared about the application process like I was.
Response from CollegewiseMay 16, 2025
Yay!! Congratulations on getting into your dream schools - you've worked so hard for it! Mary will be very pleased to hear your kind words!
IV
Ivette
Christopher Made All the Difference in Our College Journey
We had been working with a different counselor for most of my daughter Nadia’s high school years, but a few months before the summer leading into senior year, that counselor unfortunately left the company. We were pretty stressed, it’s such a crucial time, and I wasn’t sure how a new counselor would be able to step in. But from the moment we met Christopher Logan, everything changed for the better.
Christopher took the time to truly get to know Nadia, not just her accomplishments on paper, but who she is as a person. From the start, Christopher tapped into her strengths and values, and helped her reflect that authentically in her applications.
What stood out to me most was how Christopher guided Nadia in a way that helped her take full ownership of her process. Nadia wasn’t just completing tasks, she was proud of the work she was doing and truly understood how to tell her story. I watched her grow more confident and independent throughout the process, which was so special to witness as a parent.
The college application process is stressful for any family, but Christopher brought consistency, encouragement, and a sense of calm to it all. Thanks to Christopher’s guidance, Nadia was accepted to most of the schools she applied to, including her top choices.
I’m so grateful for the role Christopher played during such an important time in Nadia’s life. Their dedication and care made all the difference.
Response from CollegewiseMay 16, 2025
This is exactly what we love to hear!! We're so happy to hear that Christopher was able to play such an impactful role in Nadia's journey. Congratulations to her and her big achievements!! We wish her the best of luck at college!