A Little About Me

I am Sonya Petkova — Stanford BA, Columbia PhD, and college admissions consultant with over 10 years of experience. I have guided students from more than 20 countries into top US universities, including Columbia, Duke, Cornell, UPenn, Brown, Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt, UCLA, and NYU.

My approach is not a formula. It is a relationship — built around your specific story, your strengths, and the schools where you can truly thrive. Explore my personalized admissions approach HERE.

How I Can Help

College Admissions Consulting

Application strategy, school selection, and guidance through the admissions process.

College Essay Coaching

Personal statements, supplemental essays, and individual feedback.

SAT & Test Preparation

Targeted preparation and personalized instruction.

Academic Writing

Substantive editing for research papers, publications, and graduate application materials.

Who I Help

I intentionally work with a small number of students each year so that every student receives my full attention, from initial strategy to final submission.

I work with three kinds of families:

  • International students applying to US universities — navigating a system that is unfamiliar, high-stakes, and deeply competitive.
  • Families with European roots who want their children in Ivy League or top-tier schools, and need a consultant who understands both worlds.
  • US domestic students who know that good grades are not enough — and are ready to build an application that truly stands out.

If any of this sounds like you, let’s talk. 

Proven Results

My students have been admitted to top US universities, including Ivy League, such as Columbia, Cornell, UPenn (for Business), Brown, Duke, NYU, UC Berkeley and USC (for Computer Science) at a rate 5 times higher than the US average.

Individual Approach

Every student has a unique personality and learning style. Test Prep is based on careful analysis of each student’s individual needs. Psychological guidance when students  Struggle with pressure, exam anxiety, and fear of failure. I teach mental toughness and the art of staying calm and focused.

Laser-Focused Test Prep

Laser-focused preparation of the SAT, TOEFL/IELTS, GRE exams that allows for maximum results in the shortest period of time. Mastery of strategies and the mental aspect of the exam. Many students increased their SAT Verbal score by over 100 points in a matter of 3 meetings. 

Essay Mastery

Write the most authentic, vibrant, and persuasive essay that showcases your unique personality and academic potential. Carefully crafted essays have been at the core of all of my IVY LEAGUE students’ admission.

Strategic Positioning

Craft targeted, concrete, and intelligent Supplementary Essays that reflect the Spirit and Mission of each university and best complement your Personal Statement. Mold your essays and application according to the unique profile of each university that would give YOU the greatest chance to stand out and get in.

Winning Mindset

Psychological strategies that drive you to succeed. Overcome:

  • Fear of Failure
  • Expectations Anxiety
  • Exam Day Anxiety
  • Self Doubt

My students have been admitted to top universities — including Ivy League schools

Student Outcomes

In their own words

"

Sonya is an amazing person who made my way to UC Berkeley. She was the person to help me with editing the essay, preparing for the SAT and TOEFL. I wouldn't get in one of the best computer science universities without Sonya's help. I believe she is the best writer in this world because the way she expresses her emotions on a piece of paper is enchanting!! I honestly wish her luck in all her endeavors. 6/5!!!!!!!

Daniil S. UC Berkeley · Computer Science · Class of 2024
"

Sonya is an amazing teacher! She has helped me tremendously with my college essays and I am confident I have been accepted to my dream school largely because of her.
Moreover, Sonya is a unique individual. Hearing her story was incredibly inspirational. She took my story and my goals very seriously. I'm forever grateful that I got a chance to work with her!

Varvara K. Purdue University · Class of 2023
"

After 3 months with Sonia, I scored 1590 on my second sitting and was admitted to Columbia University — my dream school.

Dmitry Zakharov Columbia University · Class of 2023
"

After several lessons with Sonya, I improved my TOEFL iBT score to 107 — making me eligible for the Fulbright scholarship and the top 10 law schools I was targeting.

Galina Nikolova Boston University LLM · Columbia University LLM · Fulbright Scholar
"

Sonya just didn't do what was requested — she went above and beyond to give us a manuscript that readers would want to finish reading. You cannot go wrong by going to Sonya for your editing needs.

Krishna Savani, PhD Professor · Nanyang Technological University · Stanford PhD
"

Thanks to her, I got into both highly competitive summer programs in the USA. Her energy and optimism gave me confidence in myself. She always works at the highest level, without missing a single detail.

Varvara A. Emerson College

Ready to build an application that stands out?

Every student I work with gets a personalized strategy — not a template. Book a free consultation and let’s talk about your goals, your story, and the schools that are right for you. 

Book Your Free Consultation

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