College Admissions Consultant in Lake Forest, Illinois
Many families in Lake Forest, Illinois, want more than basic advice. They want an advisor who knows the area’s schools and competitive culture.
CollegeCommit works 100% remotely with students nationwide and globally, but also understands local schools, such as Lake Forest Academy and Lake Forest High School.
This helps us guide students in selecting courses, designing activities, and preparing for competitive college admissions.
Understanding the Role and Value
What Is a College Admissions Consultant
A college admissions consultant assists students and their families in planning and navigating the college admissions process.
At CollegeCommit, this includes reviewing grades, activities, and goals to create a strong profile.
We guide students through deadlines, essays, and materials for the Common App. The personal statement must be under 650 words, and we coach students to make every word count.
Are College Admissions Consultants Worth It
For families aiming at selective schools, an expert can make a big difference. A consultant can highlight scholarships, programs, and opportunities a student may miss.
At CollegeCommit, though we cannot guarantee results, we focus on better planning and developing stronger applications for our clients.
With over 20 years of experience, our team includes former admissions officers, Ivy League graduates, and top mentors.. As a leading consulting firm, we are trusted by families nationwide for our tailored approach.
Services from a Lake Forest, IL College Admissions Consultant
Tailored Strategy and Application Support
A Lake Forest, IL, college admissions consultant builds a plan around each student’s strengths, goals, and target schools.
At CollegeCommit, we match the plan to the best application type – Early Decision, Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, or Regular Decision. We help with essays, recommendations, and test planning, guiding the process while students write their own work.
Proven Outcomes for Top University Admissions
We do not guarantee results, but our students have been admitted to Top 20 schools and other highly selective programs.
This success comes from a clear process that builds strong academics and standout activities – following our motto: Where Preparation Becomes Placement.
Phased Overview: Milestones for Success
Our process follows clear steps to guide students:
Phase 1: Early Planning
(8th Grade–Sophomore Year)
We begin as early as 8th grade by reviewing academic records and early interests. As students progress into their freshman and sophomore years, we identify their strengths, refine their activity choices, and recommend enrichment and summer programs that support their long-term admissions goals.
Phase 2: Profile Development
(Junior Year)
Students focus on key activities and leadership roles, and prepare for testing within targeted timelines.
Phase 3: Application Execution
(Senior Year)
We refine essays, prepare for interviews, and finalize college lists with precision and accuracy. Parents gain clarity on deadlines and final deliverables.
This step-by-step approach keeps students on track and confident.
Selecting the Best College Admissions Consultant in Lake Forest, IL
What Sets Top Consultants Apart
The best admissions consultants match strategies to each student. CollegeCommit advisors have experience in selective admissions and have worked with both U.S. and international students, combining academics, testing, and activities into a single, cohesive plan.
How to Identify the Right Fit
Families should review a consultant’s process, style, and results. At CollegeCommit, the first call outlines our approach so everyone knows how we’ll work together. Agreement on work, timing, and goals is key – especially when working online.
College Admissions Consultant Cost: What to Expect
Families see CollegeCommit as an investment in their child’s future. Our fees reflect the caliber of our expert guidance, the strategic depth behind every service, and our proven track record helping students earn admission to Top 20 universities and beyond nationwide.
We offer flexible hourly packages in 10, 20, or 30-hour blocks – designed to support your family at every stage of the college admissions process, from early planning to enrollment. Hours can be applied across all services at a consistent rate and replenished at any time, allowing families to scale support as priorities evolve. From application strategy and essay coaching to tutoring, interview preparation, and more, our model adapts to each applicant’s goals.
Top-tier consulting commands a higher price because it delivers access to elite advisors and fully customized strategies – precisely what competitive admissions demand.
Because each student’s journey is unique, investment varies by grade level and the depth of support required.
What Families Say About Us
Behind every acceptance letter is a story. Meet the families who trusted us to help write theirs.
These testimonials showcase how personalized strategy, expert guidance, and dedicated mentorship turned goals into dream school admissions.
Cecilia | New York, NY
MIT!!!! OMG!!! Thank you for everything this past year, from building my resume to helping me with the Columbia summer app at 1am, and guiding me through every step of my applications. More than anything, you made me feel understood in a time of chaos. I’ll never be able to thank you enough.
Felix | San Francisco, CA
We’re stunned, grateful, and thrilled. Thank you for being the steady hand and sharp eye through every draft and doubt.
Jake | Boston, MA
We just got the Columbia news, and my hands are still shaking. Thank you for believing in Jake, challenging him, and guiding him through every turn!
Olivia | Chicago, IL
Thank you to the whole CollegeCommit team! Under so much pressure, you helped Olivia bring her essays to their best state… even when she nearly gave up. Without you, Olivia may not have been able to get into Cornell.
Matthew | New York, NY
Thank you for your incredible feedback on my Stanford app. I honestly don’t think I would have gotten in without it. Still doesn’t feel real!
Maya | Greenwich, CT
I GOT INTO BROWN!!! THANK YOU for all the help. I’m so grateful. I feel like I’m dreaming 🙂
Bobby | Dallas, TX
I got into Berkeley, UCLA, Santa Barbara, and San Diego. Berkeley was my top choice, so the process has already been a total success! Thank you for guiding me through all of it.
Lena | Long Island, NY
I keep thinking back to that first call when I had no idea how this worked. Thank you for helping me find my story, and for helping me land at Penn. Still doesn’t feel real!
Margaux | Pittsburgh, PA
Thank you for the dedication and support you gave Margaux. You helped her pull everything together in such a short time – and she learned so much about hard work. Thrilled she’ll be attending USC in the fall! We’re deeply grateful.
Stella | Charlotte, NC
Outstanding help. You held such a high standard and supported us every step of the way – even after hours. Stella can’t even believe she’s into Princeton. What a rock star team surrounding her from the start!
Magdalena | Washington, D.C.
Thank you for everything during the college process. It all felt so much less stressful with your help. I got into USC, NYU, and Emory! Visiting all three this spring, I’ll let you know where I end up!
Henry | Seattle, WA
Henry is off to Vandy! CollegeCommit gave him purpose and direction. We had no idea we’d end up with counselors like this – insightful, thorough, and just magical. Henry looks up to his mentors, respects them deeply, and uses what they taught him all the time. You guys have made a lifelong impression on our family.
Rya | Scarsdale, NY
Yeah!!! Excellent news today from UNC!!! We are so excited for Rya!!!! Perfect timing! Awesome way to start the new year!!! Big thanks to you and your whole team!! Rooting for more of this great news in the coming months!
Average Cost Per Year, Grades 8–12:
8th grade
$5,000–$12,000
9th grade
(Freshman)
$8,000–$16,000
10th grade
(Sophomore)
$12,000–$22,000
11th grade
(Junior)
$18,000–$30,000
12th grade
(Senior)
$15,000–$28,000
Specialized programs and services are also available – please inquire for details.
For transfer or gap-year students, we review investment estimates together during your consultation.
Investment may vary based on the scope of services – more complex needs can increase the cost, while simpler needs may lower it.
We offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation that includes a readiness review and a snapshot of the student’s potential college admissions strategy, helping your family determine the best starting package.
Why Local Expertise Matters
School Connections and Community Insight
We understand Lake Forest Academy and other area schools. Even though we work remotely, we stay informed about local activities, courses, and trends that can help an application.
Many Lake Forest students excel in sports, debate, STEM research, and community service, for example. We help them present these activities to highlight leadership and commitment.
Local School Connections and Proven Success
We have helped students from Lake Forest, Illinois, earn admission to competitive schools nationwide. Our approach combines national strategies with local strengths, giving students a strong position without “local-only” limits.
Next Step: Book Your Free Private Consultation
If your family is ready to begin, the first step is to speak with a CollegeCommit advisor to discuss your goals, timing, and target schools. We create a plan based on the student’s history, activities, and ambitions.
Our experienced advisors guide students through every step – from academic support to college strategy – with clarity and care.
We help ambitious students gain admission to top colleges through thoughtful, personalized mentorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is CollegeCommit different from my school counselor?
School counselors often have a large number of students and limited time. CollegeCommit offers one-on-one help and develops a comprehensive plan tailored to each student’s profile and goals.
When should my student start working with a consultant?
We recommend starting as early as 8th grade for optimal planning options, although we also work with students who begin later.
Do you work only with students in Lake Forest?
No. We work online with families across the U.S. and internationally. Our knowledge of Lake Forest schools is a plus for local students, but our process works anywhere.
In The Press
Book Your Private Consultation
The sooner you start, the more options your child will have. Let CollegeCommit help you plan your child’s path with confidence.
Book your free private consultation today and move forward with clarity.