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.
“Marcia connects with the hopes and fears of parent and child alike. She keeps things relaxed so that the long process leads to opportunities and new ideas.”
– P.R.
“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.
“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
“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’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.
“Our son is graduating from college this year. He turned a corner after a fraught, touch-and-go first year at his school, opened himself up to the experience, made good friends and built cherished relationships with teachers and staff. We wanted to thank you for guiding us and helping him get there.”
– G.B.
“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 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 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.
“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.