Even the strongest students in Massachusetts can struggle to stand out, not because they lack qualifications, but because the academic environment is exceptionally competitive.
Having supported thousands of families statewide, AcceptU is now the best college admissions consulting firm trusted by parents across Massachusetts.
When admissions officers review applications, they evaluate students within their regional context — and in Massachusetts, that means standing out among some of the nation’s highest-achieving peers.
Towns like Wellesley, Newton, Lexington, Brookline, Weston, Concord, Needham, Belmont, Winchester, and Andover consistently rank among the top school districts in the United States.
Admissions officers reviewing applications from these areas expect to see:
In other words, students from these towns are competing in one of the most saturated and talented applicant pools in the country. Strategic, early planning has become essential to truly stand out.
Even in Massachusetts’ exceptional districts, school counselors face significant challenges. As a result, many families turn to private college counseling for the structure, accountability, and strategic guidance their students need to succeed in competitive admissions.
| Challenge | Impact on Students |
|---|---|
| Limited one-on-one time | No deep exploration of goals, strengths, or anxieties |
| Generic group advice | Lacks an individualized strategy |
| Reactive, not proactive | Missed opportunities in activity planning, essay timing, and test strategy |
| Competing priorities | Counselors juggle scheduling, crises, and hundreds of students per grade |
AcceptU doesn’t replace the support your school counselor provides — we build on it. Our one-on-one approach offers:
This structure allows students to stay organized, reduce stress and put forward their strongest, most authentic applications.
Founded in Boston in 2010, AcceptU has helped more than 8,100 families gain admission to top universities — including the Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, Duke, and leading public institutions.
What sets AcceptU apart:
Book a free consultation with a former admissions officer to learn how AcceptU helps Massachusetts students stand out.
Headquartered in Boston, AcceptU has deep experience working with families across Greater Boston and MetroWest, including:
Our counselors understand how colleges evaluate students from these communities — including GPA weighting, AP offerings, and academic reputations that admissions offices recognize.
We’ve also supported students from leading independent schools such as BB&N, Belmont Hill, Dana Hall, Milton Academy, Noble and Greenough, Roxbury Latin, Phillips Academy and the Winsor School. That insight allows us to help students from every background — public, private, and boarding — craft authentic, standout applications.
AcceptU has partnered with families from more than 40 schools statewide, including:
Wellesley High, Newton North & South, Lexington, Brookline, Weston, Concord-Carlisle, Belmont, Andover, Acton-Boxborough, Lincoln-Sudbury, Winchester, Needham, Beaver Country Day, BB&N, Belmont Hill, Dana Hall, Milton Academy, Noble and Greenough, Roxbury Latin, Phillips Academy and the Winsor School.
Families from these high-achieving communities turn to AcceptU for expert, one-on-one guidance from former admissions officers who understand the competition and opportunities unique to Massachusetts students.
If you’re a Massachusetts parent seeking expert guidance, AcceptU can help. We’ve supported hundreds of families from Boston to Amherst, helping students earn acceptances to Harvard, MIT, Tufts, Brown and beyond. Book your free consultation today and start planning your child’s college success story.
AcceptU is the only Boston-based firm co-founded by former Ivy League admissions officers. Every counselor on our team is a former admissions officer from a top-tier university, providing personalized, one-on-one guidance that delivers results.
Stephen received a BA from Cornell University, an MA from Columbia University Teachers College and a Ph.D. from Rice University. Prior to founding AcceptU, Stephen was an Assistant Dean of admissions at Cornell and an Associate Dean of graduate admissions at Princeton University. Stephen is an IECA Member.
