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.
Arts & Humanities
The arts are about creative expression – through visual art, music, theater, dance, and design – while the humanities focus more on ideas: history,…
Read moreCommunication & Marketing
Many students are drawn to creative careers but don’t quite know which academic path will get them there. Communication and Marketing are both strong…
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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.
“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.
“It really has been such a pleasure working with Plan the Path. We appreciate all of Marcia’s efforts encouraging, supporting, and understanding our son – and her very wise advice each step of the way. We were so happy with the process and, of course, the results! Working with Plan the Path made this a much less stressful experience than it absolutely would have been. Thank you, thank you! ”
– G.K.
“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
“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
“Thank you for everything you have done for the past six months. You have been an incredible support system for me, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without your advice, care, generosity, and assistance.”
– S.M.
“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.
“Plan the Path has been absolutely crucial to our kid’s success throughout the college application process. Marcia’s extensive knowledge about admissions and help in crafting a good mix of schools was invaluable, and Brook’s guidance on the essays was thoughtful and thorough. Having other adults help keep our kid on track throughout the process, with its confusing mix of deadlines, paperwork, and decisions, was a huge load off our minds and certainly helped avoid conflict during a stressful time.”
– M.S.
“Marcia’s calm and focused manner allowed our son to take ownership of his applications. He worked with Marcia and her team on them for many months. I was confident that he was on task and getting things accomplished, which made our house a calmer place. No nagging from Mom! In the end, he was accepted to his #1 school!”
– N.V.
“Marcia is an expert in the educational consulting field. Her wealth of knowledge regarding hundreds of colleges across the country is invaluable and makes the entire college application process less daunting. Using a holistic approach in assessing each student individually, she is able to successfully recommend the best-fit college for each and every student. I can wholeheartedly say I trust her 100%. Her very first suggestion turned out to be the college our daughter will be attending in the fall… and she was right!”
– S.G.
“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.