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Top 1% Tutor on Wyzant's platform (SAT, ACT, PRAXIS, SSAT, GRE...)
Mariana S.

5.0 (3,466 ratings)

9,906 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $290
Contact Mariana
Response time: 10 minutes

About Mariana

Bio

If you want to be tutored by a Top 1% tutor on Wyzant's platform, you're at the right place. As the CEO of this site informed me in an email, my exact percentile is 99.40%. I specialize in test preparation (SAT, ACT, PRAXIS, SSAT, ISEE, GRE...) and editing (college applications, research, dissertation papers).

I tutor ONLINE and IN-PERSON. Let me know if you are interested in SMALL-GROUPS tutoring, with adjusted hourly rates. We can discuss all the details during the FREE INITIAL MEETING....

If you want to be tutored by a Top 1% tutor on Wyzant's platform, you're at the right place. As the CEO of this site informed me in an email, my exact percentile is 99.40%. I specialize in test preparation (SAT, ACT, PRAXIS, SSAT, ISEE, GRE...) and editing (college applications, research, dissertation papers).

I tutor ONLINE and IN-PERSON. Let me know if you are interested in SMALL-GROUPS tutoring, with adjusted hourly rates. We can discuss all the details during the FREE INITIAL MEETING.

I have been full-time tutoring for over two decades. Through this site, I have been tutoring since 2012 and have been keeping the top-tutor position through all this time. The strategies and test-taking techniques that I teach make the difference and boost my students' scores.

I don't promise miracles; I just make them. My students always succeed.
No matter if it is a three-year-old (whom I managed to teach to read before his 4th birthday!) or an adult student who did not have any faith that she could pass her employment tests, everybody reached their (or their parents') goals. So far, I've been working with students of ages ranging from 3 to 70+, so I know that organizational skills and learning speed vary from a person to another person.

Most of my students are native English speakers, but I also work with people from many different countries. My native tongue is Bulgarian. I use Russian, Macedonian, Serbian, and Croatian at different levels, and this helps me teach people of different origins and cultures.
Thank you for visiting my profile. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best,
Mariana

Read more

Education

Technical University Varna
undergrad
Technical University Varna
Masters
UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
Graduate Coursework

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $290
  • Rate details: Cancellation fee will be charged for the time scheduled (2hrs scheduled-2hrs charged).
  • Lesson cancellation: 36 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 11/3/2016

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ACT English

ACT English

The ACT English is where the "easy" points come from, so we don't want any questions missed. Yes, it is possible. You will find out that learning grammar and writing can be fun. I start by assessing the students’ level of knowledge; then I plan accordingly to their needs. I meet everybody at his/her level. I teach grammar, punctuation, organization of sentences, word choice, consideration of the writing style of the passage, usage of reasons and examples, etc. Your ACT writing tests scores WILL improve with my tutoring. You will become more self-confident when expressing yourself in writing, which is a great skill not only when taking tests, but in life in general.
ACT Reading

ACT Reading

You need to get 32-36 in ACT reading, writing, science? The system of reading strategies and test-taking techniques that I teach boosts my students' test scores. Fact. These strategies add objectivity to your choice and, thus, save you precious test time. As you have experienced - at the test, every second counts. The test-taking methods I teach are applied to all subjects - not only to reading but also to science, social studies, and even the word math problems. I always provide a plethora of practice, so you will become proficient. When I start helping you with your ACT preparation, you will change your perception about test taking.
ADHD

ADHD

In my practice of full-time tutoring for over two decades, I have worked with students who have ADD/ADHD, and I know they require special attention and patience. I truly believe that everybody can succeed, and I am known for holding high expectations for all my students. I am dedicated to what I do and never lose faith. Both children and adults who have been tutored by me have seen improvement in their academic skills.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

Algebra may intimidate both adolescents and adults; many may struggle to a point of feeling like closing down to math in general. I have seen the need to rebuild/reshape, restructure and assist in creating successful long-term learners with efficacy and solid retention of skill sets. I have also seen people who profoundly changed their view towards math after being tutored by me.
Bulgarian

Bulgarian

Bulgarian is my native language. Throughout my practice of over two decades of full-time tutoring, I have developed a solid system for teaching a language. Learning Bulgarian will go smoothly, and you may be surprised how fast you would advance. Every language gives us a bit more different perception and expands our horizons. Or as the saying goes, "One lives as many lives, as many languages one speaks."
Dyslexia

Dyslexia

In my practice of over two decades of full-time tutoring, I have worked with both children and adults who have dyslexia. My experience has helped me develop techniques and tools that assist dyslexic students in the way they process written information. I use materials based on Orton-Gillingham principles, and I apply multi-sensory activities in my lessons. I plan individually because every student has a different learning style. I focus on working with syllables and morphemes. I have the faith that everybody can learn and am known for my genuine motivational feedback that empowers my students. I know that each and every one of my students can enjoy the freedom and power that literacy gives, and I do my best to help them become confident and eager readers.
Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary (K-6th)

I can help students in K-6th grade who struggle academically. I have been full-time tutoring for over 19 years. I can assist kids in every subject, so they can improve their grades, their study skills, and also their organizational habits. This school level is the foundation for children's success and very often determines their self-confidence for many years to come. I am known for holding high expectations for all my students and for being very patient. I have the strong faith that with individual approach and the right teaching techniques every child can succeed!
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

Math will not allow any gaps in children's knowledge. Students need to know the material for their grade level in order to be able to proceed to the higher one. That is why I pay special attention to the individual details and make sure that kids have mastered what we have been working on. It boosts their self-confidence and makes them eager to move on to new challenges. Children see that learning math can be fun! I know that students’ attitude towards math at this school level is extremely important to their academical future, and I always go the extra mile to build up the necessary positive viewpoint.
English

English

For over two decades, I have been tutoring English. I work with K-12 students, college students, and adults. I am patient, creative, and productive. In my career, I have been tutoring both native speakers and foreigners. I enjoy helping people learn this beautiful language and master using it to their full potential. No matter if it is a little child learning to read, or a college student needing assistance with an assignment, I find the right approach, so our work together is prolific.
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

In my practice of over two decades, I have been working with many ESL students - both children and adults. I have been tutoring English to people from many countries: China, Indonesia, India, Haiti, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Italy, Greece, Brazil, Argentina, Panama, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Colombia... I have helped them with reading, writing and speaking, so kids can have better grades at school, and adults can find better jobs. Being a native Bulgarian speaker, I personally know the challenges on the way of learning a foreign language. I apply educational techniques that are designated specifically for ESL learners and help them become successful.
GED

GED

I applaud everybody who is willing to redirect his/her life. I support my students to have a bright future by empowering them to become independent and successful long-term learners and to take control of their future pool of choices. Making a change and starting a career is a must when feeling limited, stuck, and unfulfilled in a job. Knowledge is power, and I am passionate about helping my students earn it.
Grammar

Grammar

Believe or not, learning grammar can be fun. I have been changing people's attitude towards grammar for over two decades. My full-time tutoring has helped many become more confident in their grammar knowledge and succeed at their English tests. Having solid grammar skills is important in both professional and personal aspects.
GRE

GRE

My GRE students say that my help was instrumental in getting their scores increased. I prepare for the verbal reasoning and analytical writing sections. I have been full-time tutoring for over two decades and have helped many, many students reach their goals and get enrolled in their Ph.D. or Master's degree programs.
Handwriting

Handwriting

In my career of over two decades, I have helped many students learn handwriting. No matter if it is a three-year old who is learning to write his first loops and lines, or an adult who is an ESL learner, I patiently explain, model and help everybody. Writing and reading go hand in hand and I have opened a literacy window in the lives of many. The first student I taught how to read and write was 7 year-old … when I was 9 year-old.
ISEE

ISEE

ISEE is a demanding test formatted quite differently from the school tests and, thus, it challenges even straight-A students. Throughout over two decades of full-time tutoring, I have developed a system of reading strategies and test-taking techniques that boosts my students' scores. I help my students tackle the verbal, writing, and reading sections. You will see that the pressing test time will feel less stressful with my guidance and assistance. I advance my students above their level of ISEE, so acing the test IS achievable with my help. Contact me to find out more about my practice.
Phonics

Phonics

The phonics teaching method enhances the ability to hear, distinguish, and operate with phonemes (the basic units of a language’s phenology). It assists the reader in sounding out written words and realizing how the sounds blend together in spelling patterns. In my work, I use this method to help the student develop phonemic awareness of the special English phonemes. The fact that the letter names and the letter sounds are different in English makes reading challenging for both children and adults – far not only for ESL students. I have worked with elementary school students who are native English speakers but struggle with reading, and if they don’t get help on time, later we see high school students who have troubles comprehending the material they read.
Photography

Photography

Photography means "to write with light". I've always been fascinated by this art, and I took a photography class while I was in high school. Later, as a part of my additional major in Journalism, I took a Photo-Journalism class at the Technical University Varna.
Praxis

Praxis

I have helped many, many teachers get certified. The last several years, most of my students have been PRAXIS students. For over two decades of full-time tutoring, I have prepared many students for tests in versatile fields but my favorite test to work with is PRAXIS. I find it very rewarding to receive a text from a teacher-to-be saying, "I PASSED! After a year trying and failing, you helped me pass. Thank you for inspiring me to be a great teacher like you!" I have helped my students pass their PRAXIS 5001, PRAXIS 5002, PRAXIS, 5003, PRAXIS 5004, PRAXIS 5005, PRAXIS 5203, PRAXIS 5622, PRAXIS 5018, PRAXIS 5019, PRAXIS 5722, PRAXIS 5435, PRAXIS 5712, PRAXIS 5732, PRAXIS 5751, PRAXIS 5624, PRAXIS 5038, PRAXIS 5047, etc.
Prealgebra

Prealgebra

Prealgebra is the fundamental part of math that lays the basis for a strong understanding of the next academical level. It is a very delicate moment when children take their first steps into more in-depth math, and this time must be used wisely in order to insure success. I have been supporting students through their mathematical journeys for over 16 years and have brought forth tremendous growth in both skills and attitude.
Proofreading

Proofreading

I have been full-time tutoring for over two decades. I specialize in reading and writing test preparation, and also in editing and proofreading of college/application/research/dissertation papers. It doesn't matter if it is LA homework of a 3rd grader or a college assignment, I apply the same dedication and perfectionism that are typical for me. I will help you refine your writing, so you feel confident that minor errors will not be in the way of your success. My extensive educational background and professional experience produce successful students. I have a Master’s degree in Journalism and am a published author. I am also the author of a stipend winning essay (in 2009).
Reading

Reading

Reading opens doors that bring us into new worlds. Regardless if it is a little child or an adult student, I help them learn to read with comprehension and intrigue them in reading, so they become lifetime readers. I model for my students how to find the essence of each paragraph and then help them summarize the whole information we can get from the page/chapter. This way, they learn how to study, and it helps them become more successful in school. It also helps them appreciate books better. I taught my youngest student to read before his 4th birthday, and my own daughter could read and write by the age of five. I have opened a literacy window in the lives of many. The first student I taught how to read was seven years old...when I was nine.
SAT Reading

SAT Reading

Your SAT reading-writing scores can increase w/200+. The system of reading strategies and test-taking techniques that I teach boosts my students' test scores. Fact. These strategies add objectivity to your choice and, thus, save you precious test time. As you have experienced - at the test, every second counts. The test-taking methods I teach are applied to all subjects - not only to reading but also to science, social studies, and even the word math problems. I always provide a plethora of practice, so you will become proficient. When I start helping you with your SAT preparation, you will change your perception about test taking.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

The SAT English is where the "easy" points come from, so we don't want any questions missed. Yes, it is possible. You will find out that learning grammar and writing can be fun. I start by assessing the students’ level of knowledge; then I plan accordingly to their needs. I meet everybody at his/her level. During my writing workshop, I model for my students how to critically read the writing prompt and how to brainstorm ideas in order to create a strong persuasive essay. I teach writing strategies, essay structure, grammar, punctuation, organization of sentences, word choice, consideration of the audience, usage of reasons and examples, etc. Your SAT writing tests scores WILL improve with my tutoring. You will become more self-confident when expressing yourself in writing, which is a great skill not only when taking tests, but in life in general.
SSAT

SSAT

SSAT is a demanding test formatted quite differently from the school tests and, thus, it challenges even straight-A students. Yet, my students feel comfortable with the SSAT because I prepare them to succeed. Some of my SSAT students get accepted in ALL THE SCHOOLS they apply AND get scholarships. Throughout over two decades of full-time tutoring, I have developed a system of reading strategies and test-taking techniques, and this is what boosts my students' SSAT scores. I advance my students above their level of SSAT, so 96-99 percentile IS achievable with my help. Contact me to find out more about my practice.
Study Skills

Study Skills

I have been full-time tutoring for over two decades, and I know that study skills are as important as knowledge. In my practice, I always coach on daily routines, too, since learning is a process, not an occurrence. Together with the student, we map out the way to achieve our goals and at this point, I take an individual approach with everyone. So far, I have been working with students of ages ranging from 3 to 70+, so am sensitive to the individual's organizational skills, comprehending, learning speed, and simply habits which vary from a person to another person. I don't promise miracles, I just make them. My students always succeed!
TOEFL

TOEFL

For over two decades, I have been full-time tutoring English to both children and adults from many different countries: China, Indonesia, India, Haiti, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Italy, Greece, Brazil, Argentina, Panama, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Colombia... I have worked with individuals from various professional fields (doctors, lawyers, nurses, etc...) who had built their careers in their countries and needed to pass the TOEFL test in order to do the same here. They also became more self-confident in their daily lives. I apply educational techniques that are designated specifically for ESL learners and help them become successful. I speak several languages, and it helps me work with people of different cultures and all walks of life.
Writing

Writing

My extensive educational background and professional experience of 19+ years produce successful students. I have a Master’s degree in Journalism and am a published author. I am also the author of a stipend winning essay (in 2009). I have prepared students for the standardized tests in different states - for both the reading and writing sections of the tests. I help my students develop a way with words. Your writing skills WILL improve with my help. Being able to express feelings and opinions in writing is an important skill in all prospects of life, and especially if you are preparing for a test. I specialize in reading/writing test preparation - SAT, ACT, PRAXIS, SSAT, GED, GRE, etc. - and also in proofreading and editing of college/application/research/dissertation papers.
Ecology
Elementary Science
Vocabulary

Examples of Expertise

Mariana has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 2 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Mariana ’s answers ›
Mariana S.'s Photo

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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (3,466 ratings)
5 star
(3,460)
4 star
(6)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

The best SAT tutor

Mariana is organized, systematic and very knowledgeable. She has been helping my son over the last month and we have seen tremendous progress. Highly recommend.

Norm, 7 lessons with Mariana

individualized plan!

Mariana is working with my son. She discussed with us his concerns with the SAT, prior study strategies and developed an individualized plan to meet him where he is and take him to the next level!

Tara, 4 lessons with Mariana

SAT English

Mariana taught my daughter totally diferent way of learning which does not only help her with English but also with other subjects too. We are excited we found Mariana as her tutor and wish we could have had her way earlier!

Ping, 5 lessons with Mariana

Mariana is the BEST English tutor

Mariana is an incredible teacher. She is able to diagnose and perceive how my son thinks and processes the questions and readings. She has a process of training the student to analyze and come up with the correct answers for standardized exams. Mariana seems to understand my son's thought processes and is able to correct or retrain him. I wish I had such a skilled tutor like her when I was a student. Do not hesitate to book a session with her.

Mike, 4 lessons with Mariana

very detailed

Our soon to be 11th grader is finding the instruction incredibly helpful. We will continue with the lessons. His confidence is also increasing as he is mastering the techniques.

Roxana, 11 lessons with Mariana

Improving every day

Mariana is such a passionnant tutor and works so well with my daughter. I see her improving after every lesson as she prepares for the SSAT. Mariana provides valuable strategies for the exam and pushes students to leverage these reading strategies.

Ryan, 22 lessons with Mariana

Amazing teacher

I really like learning the act reading section with you. The strategies you are teaching are really interesting and helpful!

Mark, 4 lessons with Mariana

Excellent, methodical, and super organized

Mariana is just a profound professional with crystal clear directions and an approach to solidifying techniques and the proper mindset for test taking. Could not recommend any higher!

Renee, 5 lessons with Mariana

so helpful

Mariana knew exactly how to help my daughter understand what she was being tested in, strategies and also boosted her confidence. She is terrific at really assessing the student’s needs and supporting that. She is super dedicated and communicative. Thanks Mariana!

Abby, 4 lessons with Mariana

Top tutor!

Mariana is working with my son for a couple of weeks and he is very happy to have classes with her. She is extremely knowledgeable in SAT section prep, but the most important to me is the fact that she truly cares for her students, and she is not afraid to commit with results. My son feels confident that he can succeed and it’s already a great achievement. Thank you Mariana for your dedication and patience.

Agnes, 11 lessons with Mariana
Hourly Rate: $290
Response time: 10 minutes
Contact Mariana