We recommend College and Career Counselor, Marie Occhiogrosso, M.Ed.,
for your college planning needs

Meet Marie Occhiogrosso, College Admissions Counselor

Accelerated Academics is proud to partner with Marie Occhiogrosso, an experienced college and career counselor and educator whose dynamic background brings both depth and clarity to the college planning process.

With over 20 years of experience across public, private, and higher education settings, Marie’s work spans teaching, leadership, and personalized student support. She holds degrees in English literature and education, a master’s in curriculum and instruction, a graduate certificate in leadership from Cornell’s School of Business, College Admissions Counseling credentials from UCLA and admiinstration and supervision credentials from Johns Hopkins University. Her life-long learning and commitment to education equip her to lead students and families with both strategic insight and grounded perspective.

Marie began her career teaching college-level writing and still brings that lens to her approach—prioritizing narrative clarity, voice, and personal authenticity in student essays. She has taught both domestically and abroad, and has served as a department chair and school principal helping students understand not only how to succeed in high school, but how to position themselves for the full college experience ahead.

She also brings an insider perspective, having served on the admissions side as a reader for selective institutions, helping students better understand what holistic admissions looks like in practice. She works closely with students on course planning, standardized test timelines, dual enrollment, building balanced college lists, and finding the right fit across academic, financial, and personal values.

Marie has spent the last decade directing college counseling at a private school in  Philadelphia and Memphis, she is active in the the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), which brings data and best practice in the field to the conversation. Her work reflects deep respect for families navigating unique post-high school journeys, including gap years, international admissions, learning differences, and religious/identity considerations.

In addition to her work with Accelerated Academics, Marie oversees Temple University’s Bridge to Doctorate program, coaching scholars applying to PhD and graduate programs in neuroscience and psychology—offering an extended view into academic pathways that stretch well beyond undergraduate.

Marie brings a rare combination of warmth, expertise, and results. Her approach is thoughtful, strategic, and always student-centered. We are thrilled to have her as part of the Accelerated Academics network.

“If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”

—Maya Angelou

For more information on college and career counseling, please access Marie Occhiogrosso at https://mcollegecounseling.wordpress.com/about/.

You may also contact Ms. Occhiogrosso by email at marieocch@gmail.com to make an appointment for a complimentary 45 minute zoom consulation.