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 more
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.
STEM 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 morePre-Med and Nursing
The previous essay in our series explored the expansive world of STEM in higher education, breaking down its subfields and taking a closer look…
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.
“Leading up to making my college decision, Marcia and her team helped me put together a vision board to weigh which schools were the best fit for my passions, my field of study, and the type of experience I wanted. She helped me think through what was most important to me, what my goals were, and how (and which) college fits into my future career path. I love Boston University and am so grateful for the support Plan the Path gave me.”
– E.P.
“We’re so grateful we found you and for the support you provided our son. He took ownership of his transfer applications, and we’re sure your guidance played a big role. It’s unbelievable to think about where he was two years ago, and to see that he’s heading to USC in the Fall. As you know, he had several great options, but the East Coast schools couldn’t really compete with Southern California.”
– K.R.
“I have to say thank you for helping my child pursue his dreams. He is extremely happy and proud of himself. You dealt with a special situation and gave him the opportunity to succeed. Without you, this would not have been possible, as we didn’t have a clue how to navigate what his path was going to be. People like you help kids like my son to feel empowered and to believe in themselves. I can’t thank you enough!”
– M.R.
“Plan the Path has been absolutely crucial to our kid’s success throughout the college application process. Marcia’s extensive knowledge about admissions and help in crafting a good mix of schools was invaluable, and Brook’s guidance on the essays was thoughtful and thorough. Having other adults help keep our kid on track throughout the process, with its confusing mix of deadlines, paperwork, and decisions, was a huge load off our minds and certainly helped avoid conflict during a stressful time.”
– M.S.
“I’m sending you this email with immense gratitude. Without your guidance, I would’ve never even considered anything other than New Jersey Institute of Technology. Not long after our meeting, I went to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for a campus visit, and I absolutely fell in love. I’ve just received my acceptance letter, and I’m ecstatic. I can’t wait to go to RPI, and I owe it all to you. Thank you.”
– K.S.
“Marcia’s patience and knowledge of the application process has been invaluable to our family and saved us from late-night stress and many squabbles. She cares about your child’s best interests and takes the work seriously. Marcia is a godsend and we are looking forward to working with her again with our son.”
– J.D.
“Marcia has that special something that enables her to really get to know your child. She maximized our son’s admission chances with her advice on which schools to visit given the limited time we had, and about how to present his “mixed” record in his application. Marcia went far above and beyond what we expected. She is one of a kind. Truly exceptional!!”
– C.F.
“Marcia has now helped each of our three children find their ‘just right’ college. Her ongoing encouragement and direction during the high school years smoothed the way for the application process, and she effectively shepherded the college-essay writing.
Her focus on each child’s specific needs, interests, and passions resulted in spectacular college choices—we are deeply grateful to her, and appreciative of her persistence!”
– L.W.
“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.