Arts & Humanities
The arts are about creative expression – through visual art, music, theater, dance, and design – while the humanities focus more on ideas: history,…
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Our Core Services
College Counseling & Essay Coaching
- Traditional Students
- Students with Learning Differences
- Students in Therapeutic Programs
From traditional college-bound students to students with learning differences or specific circumstances, we specialize in finding each student’s best-fit college, school, or program. We love getting to know each student as a unique individual, listening to their excitement, apprehension, needs, and desires. From a place of empathy and trust, we partner with them to submit the strongest application possible that showcases their character, strengths, and potential. Learn more about our services.
Applying to college is a multi-step process that involves many decisions, both emotional and logistical.
With backgrounds in journalism, publishing, teaching, and more, Plan the Path experts help your application to tell your story as strongly as possible.
College Admissions Insights
As educational consultants, we have a unique perspective on the college admissions landscape and how the field continues to evolve. Read on for important news, insights, and opinions on topics central to the application process.
What Should I Study In College?
Our Finding Your Fit essay series explores popular and perennial fields of study, as well as emerging areas of research. Read on for our…
Read moreSTEM Majors
These days, STEM is all around us. From new, high-profile projects within universities to cutting-edge breakthroughs in medicine and technology, we increasingly see the…
Read moreContact Us
At Plan the Path, our educational consultants provide strategic advice for your college admissions and postsecondary search. When considering schools, we are concerned with “best fit” rather than the notion of “the best.”
Through our work, we teach students self-advocacy, autonomy, and responsibility. In turn, they rely on our depth of knowledge and experience to guide them through this difficult but exciting process.
“Marcia connects with the hopes and fears of parent and child alike. She keeps things relaxed so that the long process leads to opportunities and new ideas.”
– P.R.
“Plan the Path was an incredible support throughout my college application process. The resources they provided, along with Marcia’s guidance, helped me not only craft strong applications but also figure out what I truly wanted in a college. Thanks to her insight and encouragement, I got into my top-choice school! I couldn’t have done it without her expertise and the amazing tools from Plan the Path.”
– N.K.
“A true advocate for her clients, Marcia brings her smarts, vast knowledge of educational programs, intuitive sense about students, down-to-earth approach, generous nature, and strong work ethic to her work with families. She’s a strong communicator with a quick wit and disarming way that makes her accessible to both students and adults. If I needed to hire an educational consultant for my own child, Marcia would be the first person I would call. I recommend her without reservation.”
– Jane Hoffman, College Advice 101
“Marcia’s calm and focused manner allowed our son to take ownership of his applications. He worked with Marcia and her team on them for many months. I was confident that he was on task and getting things accomplished, which made our house a calmer place. No nagging from Mom! In the end, he was accepted to his #1 school!”
– N.V.
“Marcia Kramer did outstanding work with our son and our family helping us find a good residential transitional program. Our son graduated from a rigorous academic college in four years—and was cum laude to boot! He was quickly employed in his field of interest. Marcia has been with us every step of the way. She’s the best!”
– K.V.
“Although our son is opinionated and strong-willed, Marcia found a way to guide him positively in revising his colleges list, application strategy, and timelines. She provided excellent review and guidance on the Common App, supplemental essays, and each college application. Our son got accepted to his first-choice college and even some reach schools. We can’t say enough great things about the tremendous personalized assistance Plan the Path provided to our son.”
– Y.E.
“Marcia stands out for her deep devotion to families as she guides them through their college admissions journey. Her strength and passion is in sharing her hard-earned knowledge, and she has a way of making everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Quick-witted, intelligent, and well read, she leads by walking next to people. Marcia is an invaluable asset to any family that she and her team guide through their journey.”
– Elizabeth Levine, Signature College Counseling
“Our son is graduating from college this year. He turned a corner after a fraught, touch-and-go first year at his school, opened himself up to the experience, made good friends and built cherished relationships with teachers and staff. We wanted to thank you for guiding us and helping him get there.”
– G.B.
“Marcia is the bomb! She is just the right mix of personal and professional, as both are required when it comes to planning for your child’s education and future. Her intuitiveness allowed us to consider higher learning options we may have otherwise been unaware of. Thank you, Marcia, for being an instrumental part of a life-impacting journey!”
– O.M.
“My son just graduated from college, and I still remember our first conversation. You were so direct with me: “If he says he is drinking X amount, he is doing more.” I connected with your frank and clear manner. It was what was needed, it is what I understand best, and I knew that my son would find it grounding. This is all to say, again, thank you so much. You scooped us up and told us it would be okay. We will always be grateful.”
– L.M.