Plan the Path

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Marcia Kramer, M.A., Educational Consultant, guides students through the hectic world of college adm

If you want to make sure that your child gets into the best possible school they can, Marcia can help them Plan the Path to a bright future! Marcia Kramer has been helping students get into the best-choice colleges and universities for over 20 years. She has worked with students from all backgrounds, and by getting to know the student and their family members, Marcia has been able to help students find -- and get into -- the best schools for them! In order to know what is best for students eagerly anticipating college, Marcia regularly tours college campuses, speaks with college admissions staffs, keeps up to date on college press releases, and, most importantly, regularly meets with students and their families to fully understand the student's talents, wants, and needs. Marcia received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and a master's from SUNY Buffalo, She is member to multiple educational associations, including the Independent Educational Consultants Association, National Association of College Admissions Counselors, and the Higher Education Consultants Association, among others.

10/13/2026

Friendly reminder: Non-binding EARLY ACTION (as well as binding early decision) deadlines are right around the corner. Applying early typically gives applicants a slightly higher likelihood of acceptance.

If you’re planning to apply early, make sure your applications are polished and submitted on time. And be sure to check the deadlines for your specific schools.

There's still time -- but not much -- to reach out to us for assistance with your application. Please see link in bio for our contact information.

09/18/2026

For those of us who need a little background music to study by, the right soundtrack can make all the difference between flow-state focus and downright distraction. When music pairs well with the task-at-hand—whether cramming, reading assigned literature, or writing a paper—it serves to not only make the studying experience more enjoyable, but research shows that it can increase concentration and productivity. Find Plan the Path's custom guide "Music to Study By" available for free on our site or see the "Resource Guides" link in bio.

09/01/2026

Reed College in Portland, OR is a niche institution, well known within academic circles but under the radar broadly speaking. One defining feature is that this academically rigorous school (with a highly selective admissions profile) does not issue grades for student work, opting instead for professors to provide extensive written feedback. This paradigm of intellectual curiosity and self-motivation extends beyond the classroom: Reed students are known for being socially conscious and politically engaged. While certainly not for everyone, Reed offers a unique alternative for high achievers seeking a nontraditional college experience.

08/17/2026

Stories about students struggling with mental health are now part of our cultural currency. Thanks to brave and outspoken students, what was once seen as private or shameful now occupies the front pages of school newspapers, specialty journals, and various online publications aimed at college students.

Plan the Path Founder and CEO Marcia Kramer shares her experience working with students and their mental health considerations in a new blog on our site. See link in bio.

08/04/2026

Attention applicants: the Common App is now open. Be sure to check the deadlines for each school you're applying to. And if any of them offer rolling admission, send in your materials as soon as possible.

At Plan the Path, students work one-on-one with an application specialist to complete and strengthen their Common App. If you need help navigating the application process, contact us at the link in our bio.

07/01/2026

Book Launch! We are thrilled to share that our very own Kyle Lopez, writing coach for PTP students, is publishing a new book of poetry: PARTY LINE. The collection considers three interconnected forces: social life, US-Cuba relations, and the lives of Black people in the United States and Cuba. His poems challenge assumptions that party spaces are apolitical or purely escapist, revealing unexpected connections between individuals’ actions and those of the state.

Please join us in celebrating this momentous occasion -- and please join Kyle at the launch party on July 7 at The People's Forum: 320 W. 37th St in NYC. For more info, see link in bio.
Graywolf Press

05/25/2026

Today we observe Memorial Day and honor the lives lost in service to our country. At college campuses across the country, classes are canceled and administrative offices are closed in remembrance. Student groups, many associated with the Student Veterans of America , an organization with chapters at over 1600 schools nationwide, gather to remember the sacrifices of alums by laying wreaths and leading memorial services. We wish you a meaningful and reflective day.

05/21/2026

From hands-on research opportunities to a close-knit campus community in the heart of Indianapolis, Butler University stands out for its commitment to student success. With a strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching, students benefit from direct access to professors, hands-on research experiences, and personalized mentorship throughout their academic journey.

Butler’s nationally recognized programs in Pharmacy, Business, and the Performing Arts, combined with the excitement of Division I athletics, create a well-rounded college experience. Located just minutes from downtown, students also gain access to valuable internships, professional networks, and real-world opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Butler has a ton to offer and the cutest mascot.

At Butler University, students don’t just learn, they lead.

Interested in Butler but unsure if it’s the right fit? Reach out to us through the link in our bio.

05/18/2026

Writing the personal statement can inspire some anxiety in even the most grounded of high school students. This 650 word essay offers the student the opportunity to define themselves on their own terms, but so much leeway can be hard to navigate. We recommend working backwards: what take away impression do you want to give the admissions officers after reading your essay, and in fact your whole application? Considering the essay from the reader's perspective tends to invite fresh thinking about what the most valuable personal reflections may be. Please scroll back through past posts for more essay advice, or better yet: contact us to work with one of our expert essay coaches -- link in bio.

Address

732 Valley Road, Ste 101
Montclair, NJ
07043

Telephone

+19735090304

Website

http://www.planthepath.com/, https://linktr.ee/planthepathtocollege

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