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 moreSTEM Majors
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…
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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.
“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
“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 is the bomb! She is just the right mix of personal and professional, as both are required when it comes to planning for your child’s education and future. Her intuitiveness allowed us to consider higher learning options we may have otherwise been unaware of. Thank you, Marcia, for being an instrumental part of a life-impacting journey!”
– O.M.
“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.
“A true advocate for her clients, Marcia brings her smarts, vast knowledge of educational programs, intuitive sense about students, down-to-earth approach, generous nature, and strong work ethic to her work with families. She’s a strong communicator with a quick wit and disarming way that makes her accessible to both students and adults. If I needed to hire an educational consultant for my own child, Marcia would be the first person I would call. I recommend her without reservation.”
– Jane Hoffman, College Advice 101
“From start to finish, Marcia was not only a pleasure to work with but she exceeded all our expectations in a college consultant. She did not take a ‘cookie-cutter’ approach by any means, but took the time to get to know and understand my son, and his learning differences, in order to guide and help him through the college process—ultimately finding the best fit for him. Her kindness, intelligence, responsiveness, and patience make her a pleasure to work with.”
– B.B.
“Plan the Path was an incredible support throughout my college application process. The resources they provided, along with Marcia’s guidance, helped me not only craft strong applications but also figure out what I truly wanted in a college. Thanks to her insight and encouragement, I got into my top-choice school! I couldn’t have done it without her expertise and the amazing tools from Plan the Path.”
– N.K.
“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.
“Just wanted to let you know I finally received the last of my transfer decisions today. I’ve now been accepted by Fordham, Boulder, UMD, Northeastern, and USC (Marshall)!!! I plan on attending USC in the fall, but it is close between UMD and NEU. Thank you for all of your invaluable help in the process. I could not have done it without you.”
– W.R.
“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.