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.
Arts & Humanities
The arts are about creative expression – through visual art, music, theater, dance, and design – while the humanities focus more on ideas: history,…
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…
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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 provided truly excellent counsel of our son and us through the college application process. From the start, Marcia’s understanding of the situation and clarity of thought were paramount. Her guidance through discovering potential colleges that would be a good fit and her writing team’s patient and constructive writing advice were stellar. Marcia and her team turned what could have been a challenging process into a journey of self discovery and definition for our son!”
– L.S.
“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
“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
“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 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“Exciting news! I got into NYU’s, Emerson’s, and Chapman’s BFA programs! I wanted to thank you and Jeremy for all the help! Without you two placing me in the right direction and getting me through this entire application process I don’t know where I’d be!”
– Z.G.