Short Hills, NJ College Admissions Consultant
Families seeking elite college outcomes often turn to trusted experts for support. If you’re looking for a college admissions consultant in Short Hills, NJ, CollegeCommit offers tailored, results-focused guidance built for high-achieving students and discerning parents.
Our approach is strategic, structured, and informed by over 20 years of admissions expertise.
We 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
Why Hire a College Admissions Consultant?
When to Hire and Why Timing Matters
Starting early gives families time to make strategic decisions. Ideally, families begin by 8th or 9th grade. For 11th and 12th graders, the focus shifts to developing the school list strategy and executing the application process.
The college admissions process is highly competitive. Early support helps students avoid common pitfalls that weaken a submission.
What Happens Without Expert Guidance
Without guidance, families risk missed deadlines, weak narratives, or misaligned college lists. Many high school students rely on school counselors, who often manage hundreds of others.
Last-minute decisions can impact test scores, personal statement or supplemental essay quality, and interview confidence. A consultant offers steady support at every stage.
Our Process: From Planning to Decision
CollegeCommit follows a phased approach to help families navigate the admissions journey.
1. Discovery & Planning
We begin by understanding your student’s background, interests, and goals. We create a strategy focused on course selection, testing timelines, and activities.
2. Application Execution
We guide essay development, school list creation, and submission planning across Early Decision, Restrictive Early Action, Early Action, and Regular Decision.
3. Decision Support
We help families evaluate offers, navigate waitlists, and finalize choices until enrollment.
What Makes CollegeCommit the Best in Short Hills, NJ
Personalized Strategy from Ivy League Experts
CollegeCommit pairs families with expert advisors and former Ivy League graduates. We build strategies tailored to each student’s strengths and timeline, aligned with the priorities of elite committees.
Whether a student excels in STEM, the humanities, the arts, or leadership, we develop a compelling angle for the college admissions consulting process.
Discreet, Start-to-Finish Support for Families
Families trust CollegeCommit for its discreet, detail-driven approach. From summer program planning to leadership activities, every element is guided by one-on-one support.
Our clients include professionals, public figures, and global families who value structure, access, and deliverables.
What Your Admissions Plan Includes
Course Selection and Testing Timeline
Academic rigor matters. We help students select the right classes and develop testing plans to achieve top SAT or ACT scores.
We monitor test scores to determine retake needs and test-optional decisions.
The Common App essay has a 650-word limit. We show students how to say something powerful within that space.
Application Narrative and Essay Development
CollegeCommit helps students develop structured, compelling college essays and a cohesive college application story across the Common App and school-specific supplements.
Early Decision, Interview Prep, and Submission Strategy
We guide families through the Early Decision, Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, and Regular Decision processes and help them submit polished applications.
For interviews, we provide practice sessions with experienced mentors.
How We Help You Stand Out in Competitive Admissions
We help students identify what makes them unique and ensure that their strengths, such as research or leadership, are effectively integrated into their college application. Admissions officers seek purpose and depth. We help students communicate both.
College Admissions Consultant Cost in Short Hills, NJ
What Influences Pricing
The cost of a college admissions consultant depends on the grade level, the number of applications, and the complexity of the process.
Private counseling packages vary based on extracurricular development, school list generation, essay support, and interview prep needs.
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 & services: inquire for pricing.
For transfer or gap year student pricing, speak with your admissions expert during your upcoming consultation.
Investment may vary based on the scope of services – more complex needs can increase the cost, while simpler needs may lower it.
Early planning creates stronger outcomes – and our availability fills quickly. Secure your family’s spot and start building your student’s admissions edge today.

Popular Target Schools for Short Hills Families
Families in Short Hills often aim for:
- Princeton University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Columbia University
- New York University
- Georgetown University
- University of Michigan
- Cornell University
- Other Top 20 schools
We tailor plans to each student’s goals.
Want to understand what level of support your student needs?
At CollegeCommit, we offer a free 30-minute consultation to assess your family’s needs. This session includes a full readiness review and a snapshot of the student’s potential college admissions strategy.
Schedule your free private call today.
Long-Term Value and What’s Included
CollegeCommit offers long-term strategic support. We focus on course load, summer activities, and the development of the college admissions process narrative.

How to Choose a Trustworthy Consultant
Key Traits of a High-End Advisor
Not all admissions counseling services are the same. A high-end advisor possesses elite experience, maintains small caseloads, and has a reputation for strategic planning.
Families should look for structure and depth. Real strategy means managing the full process with foresight.

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!
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
- Will we work directly with the expert advisor or a junior team member?
- How many students do you work with per year?
- Do you offer insight on school list strategy and admissions probabilities?
- What support do you provide beyond essays?
Do you have more questions about working with CollegeCommit?
Our advisors are available to guide you through the process and outline the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grade should we start college admissions planning?
We recommend 8th or 9th grade for planning and growth. We also help 11th- and 12th-graders who need focused support.
Do you help students choose colleges?
Yes. We build school lists based on academic profile, goals, and competitiveness.
How are you different from a school counselor?
School counselors work with hundreds of students. We provide one-on-one strategic guidance and mentorship.
Can you help if my student doesn’t know what to write in their essay?
Yes. We guide students with every aspect of the college essays, from brainstorming to outlining, editing, and polishing. The writing is 100% the student’s work.
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.