College Counseling in Oakland, CA
Academic Planning, College Admissions & Student Success Coaching
We help students build the confidence and clarity they need to succeed. Our team supports Oakland families through every stage of the academic and admissions process.
Trusted by hundreds of families across the Bay Area
Voted Best College Advisor
Academic Advising and College Prep for Oakland Families
StrivePath provides in-person academic planning, college admissions guidance, and holistic student success coaching for middle school and high school students in Oakland. Through in-person support, our advisors create meaningful connections that help students grow academically and personally.
Complimentary introductory consultation. No obligation.
How It Works
Step 1
Assess
We take time to get to know your student's goals, grade level, and timeline. This gives us a clear starting point before we do anything else.
Step 2
Plan
We build a clear academic and college roadmap that works for your student. No two students are the same, so no two plans look alike.
Step 3
Guide
Our team supports your family at every stage of the process. We stay with your student from middle school all the way through senior year.
Class of 2025 Results
6-7 admits per student
Average scholarship of $35,000
100% Accepted to a Top-Choice College
Where Some of Our Students Have Been Accepted
Fashion Magazine
City skyline
Our Services
Academic Planning for Middle Schoolers
Best for 7th and 8th-grade students who want to get ahead before high school. We cover course selection, goal setting, and the study habits that set students up for a strong start.
Academic Strategies for High School Students
A solid fit for freshmen and sophomores looking to get organized and build strong habits. We focus on time management, study tools, and the skills that drive real academic progress.
College Planning for Seniors
Ideal for students ready to build their college list and start working on applications. We cover school research, application strategy, essay writing, and interview prep.
Career and Interest Exploration
A strong fit for sophomores who want to get clear on their interests and goals. We help students identify what excites them, build a resume, and plan experiences that matter.
Extracurricular Strategy for Juniors
For students who want to build a stronger application profile before senior year. We help them find clubs, competitions, and programs that are both personally meaningful and strategic.
Athletic Recruit Add-On for Student-Athletes
Built for student-athletes at any grade level who want to play college sports. We create a clear recruiting timeline and coach outreach plan while keeping academics on track.
Strive Path - Guiding Your Academic Journey
Meet Our Expert Team
Our team at Strive Path is dedicated to providing top-notch academic and college advising services to help you reach your full potential. Get to know the professionals behind our success.
Success Goes Beyond the Acceptance Letter
At StrivePath, getting into college is one part of a much bigger picture. We focus on developing students who are self-aware, organized, and ready for life after graduation. Our work helps families feel less reactive and more in control throughout the process.
Students leave with a clear sense of who they are and where they are headed. That confidence makes a real difference on applications and in the years that follow.
Happier students. Less stressed families. Better outcomes.
How we help students like you
Discover who you are and what drives you. Let’s turn your goals into achievements while staying balanced and confident.
From hobbies to career dreams, uncover what excites you most and build a plan that reflects who you are.
We tailor every academic plan to your strengths and future goals so you can excel with clarity and purpose.
Say goodbye to last-minute cramming. Learn the skills that will keep you organized and on top of your game.
It’s not about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters most while taking care of yourself.
How we help parents like you
Leave the planning to us so you can focus on supporting your child’s happiness and growth.
We simplify the process so you can enjoy this time without the overwhelm.
Let us handle the logistics and motivation, so your relationship with your child can stay positive.
Whether you’re familiar with the U.S. education system or completely new, our tailored support ensures your child gets the best opportunities.
Our deep knowledge of Bay Area schools and opportunities ensures your child stands out where it matters most.
See What Our Students & Parents Are Saying
* Student images and testimonials posted with permission.
StrivePath helps students achieve their best, both academically and personally.
Not only are we great at driving strong college admission outcomes, but we also impact students and parents in meaningful ways.
"We have been working with them for the past year and are very satisfied with the level of service and results. The technology they have is unmatched and I strongly encourage anyone that is interested to discuss this specifically with them. Very happy with the decision we made and happy to recommend them!"
Jon E.
Walnut Creek, CA
"We've worked with several college counselors for our son who is in college and our daughter who is a senior applying to college. We felt that Sunny and his team provided the most clear, concrete, and actionable advice. We feel that the input and advice we got will make a big difference."
Jill S.
Lafayette, CA
Thank you, StrivePath! As a mom navigating our first college process, I can’t say enough about Saumya—she was patient, supportive, reassuring, and kind from start to finish. She built a realistic summer plan for my son that helped us complete the college research and essay work early, so when October 1 arrived, our applications were already submitted. The organization and calm she brought to the process were a huge relief. She reassured my son that he would have many options and celebrated each college admittance with him. We felt guided every step of the way. Get ready for Kid #2!
Kerry J.
Walnut Creek, CA
Strivepath really does strive for excellence. My daughter is with Strivepath for sometime now. Their counselors are very empathetic, resourceful and knowledgeable. They focus on kids mental health a lot while guiding the path for college admissions. I will highly recommend their service for anyone looking for college counseling. We are very happy with their service.
Sudipta K.
Oakland, CA
Community Organizations We Partner With:
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Serving Oakland and Surrounding Communities
We offer in-person and virtual sessions to fit your family's schedule. Our team works with students across the East Bay, including Piedmont, Alameda, San Leandro, and Berkeley.
FAQs
Get answers to the top questions about our academic and college planning services.
How do sessions work?
We meet with students in person at our local Oakland office. Virtual sessions are also available for families who prefer flexibility, but our default is face-to-face — it's one of the things that sets us apart from online-only services.
What grades do you work with?
We support students from 7th grade through senior year, plus college transfer students. No matter where your student is in their path, we have a plan that fits.
Is test prep included?
Yes. SAT and ACT strategy is built into our full academic and college prep process. We help students put together a testing timeline and prepare without unnecessary stress.
Do you support student-athletes?
Yes. Our athletic recruiting add-on is built for student-athletes at any grade level. We help them build a recruiting timeline, connect with coaches, and stay academically on track throughout the process.
How much does it cost?
Packages are based on your student's grade level and specific goals. Book a free intro call to get a clear picture of what makes sense for your family.
Do you help with college essays?
Yes, essay support is included in our college advising packages. We help students find a genuine angle, develop their voice, and revise until the essay actually sounds like them.
How is StrivePath different from other college advisors?
Our counselors are former admissions readers and educators. They know what schools are actually looking for, not just what sounds good on paper. Students work with the same counselor throughout, so nothing gets lost in handoffs.
Get In Touch
Get Started with StrivePath in Oakland
Your student's path forward starts with a single conversation. Our team will help you build a plan that fits their goals and your family's timeline.
