College Counseling in Walnut Creek, CA
Academic Planning, College Admissions & Student Success Coaching
The college process rewards students who start with a clear direction. StrivePath helps families build that direction early and stick with it.
Trusted by hundreds of families across the Bay Area
Voted Best College Advisor
A Smarter Approach to College Prep for Walnut Creek Families
StrivePath provides in-person academic planning, college admissions guidance, and holistic student success coaching for middle school and high school students in Walnut Creek. Our advisors work directly with your student in person, fostering a consistent and personalized approach that helps them stay on track and succeed.
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
Ideal for students in 7th and 8th grade who want to start building strong habits now. We work on the skills, course choices, and mindset that make high school feel less overwhelming from the start.
Academic Strategies for High School Students
For 9th and 10th graders who want to be intentional about their high school years. We help students build a transcript they are proud of, find activities that fit their interests, and start thinking seriously about college before the pressure of junior year sets in.
College Planning for Seniors
For students who are ready to take on applications and need a clear process to follow. We cover everything from building a college list and writing essays to submitting on time and making a final decision.
Career and Interest Exploration
A good fit for sophomores who want to get clear on their direction while there is still time to act on it. We help students understand what genuinely interests them and connect those interests to real experiences and opportunities.
Extracurricular Strategy for Juniors
For 11th graders who want their activities to say something meaningful about who they are. We help students find the right programs, competitions, and roles that strengthen their profile in an authentic way.
Athletic Recruit Add-On for Student-Athletes
For student-athletes serious about playing at the college level. We develop a recruiting timeline, support coach outreach, and keep the rest of the application process running smoothly.
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.
College Is the Goal. Confidence Is the Outcome.
At StrivePath, we measure success by more than acceptances. We work to help students become more self-aware, more organized, and more capable of advocating for themselves. Families tell us they feel genuinely in control of the process, often for the first time.
Students leave knowing their strengths and where they are headed. That kind of clarity does not just help with applications. It carries them through everything that comes next.
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:
StrivePath Resources:
Serving Walnut Creek and Nearby Communities
We work with students and families across Walnut Creek and the surrounding area, including Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Danville, and Orinda. Sessions are available in person or online, and many families mix both depending on the time of year.
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 Walnut Creek 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 grade should my student start?
We work with students starting in 7th grade. The earlier a student has a clear plan, the more choices they have down the road. Families who start in 9th or 10th grade still see great results and have plenty of time to build a strong application.
How much does it cost?
Pricing depends on your student's grade level and what they need. The easiest way to get a clear picture is to book a free intro call and we will walk you through the options that make sense.
Do you help with college essays?
Yes. Essay support is part of our college admissions prep packages. We help students find a real story to tell, develop their voice across drafts, and keep revising until the essay sounds like them and no one else.
What if my student plays a sport?
We offer a dedicated athletic recruiting program for student-athletes managing the recruiting process alongside their academics and applications. It works as a standalone track or alongside our regular college planning work.
Do you support transfer students?
Yes. Our transfer advising program is designed for students moving from community college to a four-year school or switching between universities. The process has its own set of rules and timelines, and we know how to work through both.
How is StrivePath different from other advisors?
Our counselors have real admissions experience. They have been inside the process and know how applications are actually evaluated. Every student works with the same counselor from start to finish, so the plan stays focused and nothing falls through.
Get In Touch
Get Started with StrivePath in Walnut Creek
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.
