Welcome
College Gateways is committed to lowering the stress, maximizing the fit, and enjoying the journey of preparing for college.
Susan L. Marshall, M.Ed
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Preparing students to embrace their journey while minimizing the stress.
Choosing a college is an expensive and important decision. My goal is to empower students and families in the exploration of options after high school, whether it be going to college, taking a gap year, or perhaps planning an entirely nontraditional pathway.
As a high school counselor for 30+ years, I have extensive knowledge and understanding about the decisions students face and the daunting (but doable) college planning and application process. I recognize the anxiety and pressure that students, parent/guardians, and schools feel. I want to help prepare students to embrace their journey with knowledge, purpose, and a personal perspective rather than feel overwhelmed by the usual push for a long list of accomplishments, perfect grades and test scores, or the cliché find your passion.
I understand that many students feel unsure. They may feel pressure to “do the right thing” when they don’t really know what that is. Perhaps they just want to make sure they’re not going to be lost in the college process. I work hard to get to know each student and I’ll support them as they open their mind, raise their expectations, and grow their options. I offer guidance as they find their own voice and define the path that is right for them. I help students to understand the process, stay organized, and put their best foot forward.
I am a student advocate and I’m confident that together we will lower the stress, enjoy the process, and find an exciting place where your student can learn and grow.
How Can I Help You To Successfully Plan For Your Future?
As a former school counselor, my mission is to provide customized information, support and encouragement to students and parents/guardians throughout the entire college selection and admissions process. From creating college lists to writing personal statement essays, I provide students with strategies to meet the challenge of selecting, and being selected by, the college or university that meets their needs and interests.
For those students who are unsure as to whether college is the next best step, I will provide information, ideas, and strategies to help them figure out a plan that works for both them and their families.
Meet Susan
Susan L. Marshall, M. Ed.
About Susan
As an independent college admissions counselor, former high school counselor, and the parent of two children, I understand that choosing a pathway after high school is an important and often expensive decision that involves the whole family. I will work like a private school counselor by providing customized information and encouragement to both students and families throughout the entire process. Every student will have my personal attention in developing a meaningful and manageable plan that works for them.
- Thirty-four years as a Secondary School Counselor at State College Area School District.
- Seven years as Head Counselor, State College High School, State College Area School District.
- Two years as K-12 Family & Community Engagement Counselor, State College Area School District.
- International Institute of Restorative Practices: Trainer & Practitioner since 2014.
- Frequent workshop presenter at PASAP (Pennsylvania Association of Student Assistance Professionals).
- Frequent Guest Lecturer, PSU (University Park campus) in a myriad of classes such as Rehabilitation Education, Psychology, etc.
CollegeGateways does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression in providing its services.
Professional Affiliations
- Member, National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
- Pennsylvania Association of College Admissions Counselors (PACAC)
- ASCA Grief & Loss Specialist Certification
- IIRP Trainer Certificate
Community Affiliations
- Chair, Centre LGBTQA Support Network (non-profit)
- Board member, Centre County Community Conferencing
- Board member, SCASD Inclusive Excellence LGBT-Gender Equity Work-Group
- Board member, SCASD Equity In Athletics Work-Group
- Secretary, Borough of State College LGBTQ Advisory Committee
- SCASD Girls’ Cross Country Assistant Coach
- Trainer, Centre Helps Crisis Hotline
- Restorative Practices Conferencing & RP Trainer for local groups/institutions.
Education
- M.Ed in Counselor Education, The Pennsylvania State University
- B.S. in Rehabilitation Education, The Pennsylvania State University
Don’t just take my word for it
What Clients Say
“Sue was the most helpful person in my college application experience! Her dedication and expertise on the college application process is apparent within the first few minutes of talking with her. I was very daunted by the challenge of applying for colleges but Sue made sure everything went smoothly and wasn’t too overwhelming.
What sets Sue apart from others is her kindness and dedication towards you as an individual. When I would talk with her about what I was looking for in a school she always gave me her full attention and took time to understand what I was saying. Sue not only is dedicated to helping you through the application process, but she is extremely encouraging as well. It is easy to get defeated while trying to write essays, fill out applications, and continue to do your school work, but Sue understands how to be an encouraging voice when you need it the most!”
“Our family was privileged to work with Sue Marshall during our daughter’s college exploration. Ms. Marshall’s extensive training in counseling and decades of experience in high school aged school counseling proved to be the perfect skill set to match our daughter’s needs. In our circumstance, our intelligent and successful daughter’s anxiety proved to be too great a barrier to allow us to effectively manage this process. So while our daughter had a highly competent and helpful school counselor, her caseload simply didn’t allow the time for a student with anxiety who needed additional coaching and support
This is where Susan Marshall was a true stand-out. Sue went above and beyond, extending her services to our student.. As a result of Sue’s support and guidance, our child successfully got her applications completed, resulting in admission at her number one choice. Even better, she did so with a new sense of competence and confidence. With sincere gratitude.”
“The only word I can think of to describe Sue is extraordinary. Her impact on my life trajectory and education is immeasurable. She has a lifetime of experience as a high school guidance counselor – Sue guided me and individually tailored her advice to help me discover my potential. Her expertise, experience, and deep knowledge of the college admission process ultimately led me to attend the University of Pennsylvania which set me on the path to Harvard Medical School. Sue – thank you!”
“Sue is the best! I genuinely don’t know how I would have applied to, gotten into, or chosen a college without her. She very patiently talked through all of my confusion and anxieties about my future, and she asked all the right questions to prompt me to make the best decisions for myself. On top of her help with the more concrete parts of the college admission process, like applications and test preparation, she was emotionally supportive. She is a great listener who never judges and is always focused on her client’s happiness and success. I would definitely recommend going to Sue for help with this process.”
“Sue completely saved me from weeks and months of stress and anxiety. I would go into her office ready to have a meltdown about where/how/what and when to apply for colleges, and she would calmly and comfortingly walk me through my options, and all the associated processes. She really took the time to understand where I was coming from, and helped me figure out what I wanted from college. She also was great at balancing the logistical side of things with my less practical feelings and pulls towards different options and colleges. She’s a lifesaver!”
“Sue has been a godsend in the college application process. I am not a dumb person, but this exercise is so confusing at times that it is nice to have someone as knowledgeable as Sue to assist. She helped answer our questions during the whole affair (applications, essays, aid, etc.) and also helped with all the anxiety…my daughter’s and mine! She puts everything in perspective, and has such a logical, sensible nature that you can’t help but feel everything is going to be okay.”
“I am so grateful for your help! You were able to clear up any confusion I had going into the college application process. Your help made me more confident in my application. Thank you so much!”
“Sue Marshall has been extremely helpful in both my transition into a new high school and college. She was there for me for all my needs; whether it be questions about the application process, help deciding what would set me up for the best future, or a simple conversation. With Sue’s support, I have been able to find community in every new environment.”
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Clients
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Different Colleges & Universities That Accepted CollegeGateways Clients
134
Colleges & Universities Personally Toured
