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.
STEM Fields
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…
Read morePre-Med & Nursing
The previous essay in our series explored the expansive world of STEM in higher education, breaking down its subfields and taking a closer look…
Read moreContact Us
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 Kramer did outstanding work with our son and our family helping us find a good residential transitional program. Our son graduated from a rigorous academic college in four years—and was cum laude to boot! He was quickly employed in his field of interest. Marcia has been with us every step of the way. She’s the best!”
– K.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.
“I have to say thank you for helping my child pursue his dreams. He is extremely happy and proud of himself. You dealt with a special situation and gave him the opportunity to succeed. Without you, this would not have been possible, as we didn’t have a clue how to navigate what his path was going to be. People like you help kids like my son to feel empowered and to believe in themselves. I can’t thank you enough!”
– M.R.
“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
“My son just graduated from college, and I still remember our first conversation. You were so direct with me: “If he says he is drinking X amount, he is doing more.” I connected with your frank and clear manner. It was what was needed, it is what I understand best, and I knew that my son would find it grounding. This is all to say, again, thank you so much. You scooped us up and told us it would be okay. We will always be grateful.”
– L.M.
“Marcia has that special something that enables her to really get to know your child. She maximized our son’s admission chances with her advice on which schools to visit given the limited time we had, and about how to present his “mixed” record in his application. Marcia went far above and beyond what we expected. She is one of a kind. Truly exceptional!!”
– C.F.
“Thank you for helping me get into Ithaca. It’s been a long journey and you’ve stuck with me and supported me the whole time. I’ve been so nervous, but with your help I got into my dream school with a scholarship! I can never thank you enough.”
– A.N.
“Marcia stands out for her deep devotion to families as she guides them through their college admissions journey. Her strength and passion is in sharing her hard-earned knowledge, and she has a way of making everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Quick-witted, intelligent, and well read, she leads by walking next to people. Marcia is an invaluable asset to any family that she and her team guide through their journey.”
– Elizabeth Levine, Signature College Counseling
“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.