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…
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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.
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.
“As a fellow college counselor, I can confidently say that Marcia Kramer is one of the most thoughtful, knowledgeable, and student-centered professionals in the field. Her team’s ability to connect with students, understand their unique strengths, and guide them with clarity and care is truly exceptional. I’ve seen firsthand how their expertise opens doors and empowers students to approach the process with confidence. It’s a privilege to collaborate with a team so deeply committed to ethical, impactful counseling.”
– Shelley Levine, College Bound
“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.
“The first university I attended was far from my preferences, so I wanted to transfer. I am so happy that I found Marcia at that time. Thanks to Plan the Path, I transferred to a top finance school! Marcia was always honest and did everything to help me reach my goals. I came to the US with nothing (a crisis happened in my country, so I left), and the fact that I made it into a top school speaks very loudly of the miracles that Marcia can do!”
– D.C.
“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.
“From start to finish, Marcia was not only a pleasure to work with but she exceeded all our expectations in a college consultant. She did not take a ‘cookie-cutter’ approach by any means, but took the time to get to know and understand my son, and his learning differences, in order to guide and help him through the college process—ultimately finding the best fit for him. Her kindness, intelligence, responsiveness, and patience make her a pleasure to work with.”
– B.B.
“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
“Thank you for helping me get into Ithaca. It’s been a long journey and you’ve stuck with me and supported me the whole time. I’ve been so nervous, but with your help I got into my dream school with a scholarship! I can never thank you enough.”
– A.N.
“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.
“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.
“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.