One Goal: The Best Match.

Expert Guidance for a Life-Changing Choice

You aren’t just looking for an acceptance letter; you are looking for the right launchpad for your child’s future. At Gemsight, we replace the stress of the unknown with a board-certified roadmap, ensuring your student doesn't just "get in," but lands exactly where they will thrive.

Members of:

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Led by Certified Educational Planners
with Decades of Insight.

The Minds Behind the Method

Gemsight is led by consultants who hold the highest professional designation in the field. We spend 25% of our year on college campuses—meeting with admissions officers, faculty, and students—to bring you current, "insider" reality, not outdated data.

Mary Harkins, Board-Certified Educational Planner and Expert College Admissions Consultant at Gemsight stands outside, wearing a dark brown buttoned blouse, under tree branches with green leaves.

Mary Harkins

M.Ed, CEP
Co-Founder

With a background in Secondary Mathematics and Risk Management, Mary brings a disciplined, bird’s-eye view to the admissions process. She specializes in helping students navigate the complexities of college planning with a focus on long-term value, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully aligned with the student's unique goals and the family's investment.

Credentials:
  • M.Ed. in Secondary Education, Arcadia University.
  • B.B.A. in Risk Management, Temple University.
  • Certified Educational Planner (CEP).
  • Co-Founder of Marveliz Heart (CHD Research & Advocacy).
Geri Perkal, Board-Certified Educational Planner and Expert College Admissions Consultant at Gemsight is wearing a blue V-neck top standing outdoors near a tree with dried leaves.

Geri Perkal

M.A., CEP
Co-Founder

Drawing on over 20 years of experience, including her tenure as a Director of College Guidance, Geri has a deep understanding of what makes a student stand out to admissions committees. Her personalized, student-centered approach helps families navigate the Early Decision landscape with confidence, resulting in a remarkable 80% acceptance rate for students’ top-choice schools.

Credentials:
  • M.A. in Education (Psychoeducational Disabilities), New York University.
  • B.S. in Elementary Education, Syracuse University.
  • UCLA Certificate in College Counseling; Harvard Summer Institute on College Admissions.
  • Certified Educational Planner (CEP).
Jessica Sharkey, Expert College Essay Editor and Admissions Consultant at Gemsight is wearing a green top and hoop earrings against a brick wall background.

Jessica Sharkey

M.Ed.
Essay Specialist

With over 20 years of experience in higher education and college admissions, Jessica ensures every student finds their "hook." As a former Regional Director of Admissions, she understands exactly how to guide students in writing authentic, compelling essays that resonate with admissions committees while maintaining their unique, individual voice.

Credentials:
  • M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration, The University of Texas at Austin.
  • B.S. in Finance, University of Arizona (Magna Cum Laude).
  • Former California Regional Director of Admissions.
  • Volunteer: For Goodness Cakes (200+ cakes delivered to youth overcoming adversity).
Meet The Team

A Letter From Our Founders.

Dear Families,

When we started this work, what struck us was how many students were approaching one of the biggest decisions of their lives without stopping to ask themselves some simple questions: Why am I going to college? How do I learn best? What kind of place do I actually want to spend the next four years? How much is this actually going to cost, and will I be paying off loans forever? Many students were picking colleges based on popularity, based on what they heard in their social circles.

There is no single college that is right for every student. Some students thrive in a rigorous, competitive academic environment. Others come alive in a studio, on a stage, or in a lab. They should also think about what they can afford, as the best-fit college is one that won't leave them buried in debt before their life really gets started. Students should take the time to find the college that is right for them.

Our practice is built on that conviction. Our process begins not with a college list, but with real conversations. We spend time getting to know each student: what excites them, what they’re still figuring out, and what kind of environment will help them grow. In our experience, this exploration itself often yields clarity. A student who thinks they want pre-med discovers a passion for environmental policy. Another who planned to study business finds their way to international relations. You don’t always know what you’re looking for until you start looking.

The higher education landscape has changed significantly since we started practicing in 2007. Admissions policies shift, acceptance rates fluctuate, and the definition of a "good school" keeps evolving. The way students learn is changing too — online programs, hybrid classrooms, and AI-powered tools are reshaping what a college education can look like and where it can happen. What hasn't changed is our approach: deeply personal, unhurried, and built around each student's individual story.

Over the years, we’ve watched students discover schools they’d never heard of and fall in love with them. We've seen kids who came to us anxious and uncertain graduate confident and purposeful. We've witnessed parents exhale when they realized their student is truly seen and supported.

That’s our work. That’s always been our work.

As we look ahead, Gemsight’s commitment is to continue meeting the student with care and intentionality. Whatever changes impact higher education, there will always be a student who needs someone in their corner. One who looks to truly get to know them and guide them through their college process. We plan to be that for every family we’re privileged to work with.

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Spreading Knowledge

Empower your community with expert college planning insights. We bring strategic clarity to PTAs, corporate events, and podcasts.

Professional Insight. Personal Attention.

Navigating the Most Competitive
Admissions Landscape in History.

In today’s environment, a "good" transcript is only the baseline. We provide the strategic layer that moves a student from a face in the crowd to a top-tier candidate. By limiting our caseloads, we offer a level of individualized strategy that goes far beyond the capacity of a traditional school setting.

The Gemsight Advantage

School-Based Counseling

Caseloads

Strictly limited to ensure personal, weekly attention.
Often 300-500+ students per counselor.

Scope of Work

Exclusively focused on the college narrative, list building, and merit-aid strategy.
Academic scheduling, crisis management, and graduation requirements.

Campus Intel

25% of the year spent on campuses nationwide meeting with admissions officers.
Limited travel due to school budgets and time constraints.

Availability

Flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends, to meet student timelines.
Restricted to school hours and the academic calendar.

Timeline

Strategic planning begins as early as 8th grade to build a high-impact profile.
Typically begins late junior year or early senior year.

Expert Guidance, Nationwide.

Sophisticated Strategy,
Regardless of Your Zip Code.

While our team is based in major metros like New York, Philadelphia, Scottsdale, and Charleston, Gemsight is a remote-first practice. We utilize a dedicated company portal and virtual meeting platforms to provide seamless, high-touch support to students in every time zone.

Explore Proven Outcomes

Begin the Conversation

To ensure we can give every family the thoughtful partnership they deserve, we work with a limited number of students each year. We're currently welcoming inquiries from families with students in the classes of 2027 - 2030 who value a strategic, personalized approach to college planning.

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