M.G. of Palos Verdes Estates (tutoring & college consulting)

Both my son and daughter were helped immeasurably by the math tutoring they received from Maryan.  My kids always looked forward to their time with her, and each grew to be personally fond of them as mentors. Her kind and patient way of teaching Honors and AP math made challenging concepts much easier to grasp and mastery to be achieved.  Regarding college counseling services, my daughter needed the methodical, knowledgeable, wise, and comforting guidance that Maryan and Sunny provided to her when she was lost at figuring out which majors and schools to consider for her Big List.  Sunny is gifted in helping students discover their true interests, and coaching them through the angst this major life decision can cause.  He helps them simplify their thoughts and focus.  From there, they guided her in selecting the reach and target schools to apply to.  Maryan is truly gifted at coaching students through the application and essay process.  She guided my daughter in crafting truly authentic essays/school specific tailored applications and kept her motivated to finish ahead of all the deadlines.  The proof of their effectiveness was in the outcome … our daughter was direct-admitted into her chosen major at every school she applied to (12!).  Every school, except one, offered her academic scholarships in varying amounts.  Most importantly throughout the months this process goes on, my husband and I could take a step back to give our daughter space, knowing that Maryan and Sunny were on top of it all as a trusted resource for our daughter.

The Warner Family (tutoring & college consulting)

Both of our kids used Vision to Reality for four years of High School tutoring as well as their college prep program. Maryan and Sunny provided a nurturing environment for the kids throughout their experience. They encouraged them to stretch beyond the possible, helping them select the right balance of AP and Honors classes to prepare them for college. The VTR staff keeps up to date with the ever-changing High School curriculum and college admission requirements.

Their college prep program is fantastic. They provide college selection guidance along with assistance throughout the process of essay preparation, applications, and ensure the kids are on track to meet all the rigorous deadlines.

Thank you to the VTR team for all you do! 

Cathy Hill (tutoring & college consulting)

My daughter worked with Maryan and Vision Reality for approximately three years. Grace had been to many tutors and educational centers to support her with dyslexia. She was diagnosed at a young and has always needed support with her reading and math work.

Working with Maryan was a match made in heaven as Maryan really understood how Grace learnt and was best able to tailor the sessions to Grace's needs. She did mostly math tutoring during her high school years as well as getting support with her college applications. Grace always felt that Maryan supported and was invested in her growth as a student and as a person.

I really can not express our gratitude to Vision Reality enough, it was a place that for the first time Grace was acknowledge as a bright student who learnt in a different way and that many were in the same boat.

Thank you so much for all you have done for not only Grace, but also for our family.

Kathy M. (tutoring & college consulting)

I have had two of my daughters work with Maryan Kang over the past 7 years.  Not only is she brilliant in math tutoring, but she is extremely well versed in the entire college prep and application process. What I love about her is the way in which she creates a loving and safe place for her students to get through their academic stressors as she tutors, encourages, and guides them.  I am extremely grateful for all she has done for my girls.

Tracy Kim (tutoring & college consulting)

My son (currently in Grade 10) has been receiving tutoring from Maryan Kang since Grade 6. Not only is Maryan extremely smart, but it is obvious that she has a passion for teaching and guiding young people to reach their full potential. Although the focus for my child is writing and mathematics, he is able to seek help on other related school assignments as needed, thanks to the wide-ranging expertise and flexibility Maryan provides. The school grades for my child have definitely been on a steady upward trajectory. More importantly, I observe consistent maturation in his ownership of his role as a student: how to organize, prioritize, mobilize time and resources to achieve results. I also love the safe, cozy and inviting setting of their house, where it feels like an extension of our own home.

We are fortunate that we can make a seamless transition to receiving comprehensive college consulting, now with the added benefit of Dr. Sunny Kang’s expertise. I think their organically coordinated approach is a strength unique to Vision to Reality. I have no doubt that my son is in very capable hands and am so grateful to be able to rely on their professionalism to see us through this exciting, yet stressful process.

Frank Kline (M.D., PhD.)

I referred a young woman to Maryan Kang several years ago. She was a 3rd year at Peninsula High School who was depressed, academically discouraged, and under considerable pressure. Maryan’s team worked with her, and her mood increased significantly. Happier and more at ease, her grades improved! When it was time for college, Maryan helped her with the search and application process. She was accepted by the University of California Santa Cruz on a full four-year scholarship that included room and board! She is now beginning her 4th successful year there.

Recently I also referred a young man to the Maryan. He was a freshman at Peninsula High School who was also dealing with depression, anxiety, and other discouraging circumstances. He had good grades, but after he started working, once a week for an hour, with the Kangs, his grades further improved. His relationship with teachers improved, and his mental health greatly improved.

In short, based on these two experiences, I would highly recommend Maryan to anyone in need of tutoring. She has proven to be kind, thoughtful, patient, and respecting of difficult lives these youth are faced with.

Karinna Cassidy (tutoring)

“Maryan is so good at what she does!” That’s what Sophia said when she came home today. She is finally starting to consistently test better and gives Maryan all the credit! She was also so happy to have turned Maryan on to Kombucha. So cute! I just wanted to thank Maryan for being herself! She’s impacted both of my girls in such a positive way that I will be forever grateful.

DeDe H. (tutoring & college consulting) 

In 2006, Maryan changed the way my family looked at academics. Both of my sons were in elementary school at the time and needed some help. It is hard to believe that 13 years have passed. As a household, we speak Chinese, and so having a tutor who was able to help my children perfect both speaking and writing in English was an amazing experience. She was endlessly patient and extremely knowledgeable in Math and the Language Arts. With her guidance and support, my children were able to attend Georgetown and USC, and I thank Maryan for her dedication and expertise. She really is a one-stop super tutor!

Whitten Family (tutoring & college consulting)

When our children first needed help in middle school, we found Maryan and she was a savior. Maryan was also critical to their success all through high school. Maryan made our busy lives manageable, and she gave Grace and Jag the assistance they needed to succeed academically.  

Dorris Yamamoto (tutoring & college consulting)

As a mother with many concerns and a feeling of uncertainty of what children in this generation need, the Kang family came to the rescue.  Sunny, Maryan and Taylor are very patient and generous people. They are very knowledgeable about the rigors of high school curriculum and the preparations needed for the college path. I would highly recommend them to my friends and anyone looking for tutoring and or guidance to pursue a college education. 
Mother of four feeling more confident! 

Minette Ramos (tutoring & college consulting)

Highly recommend the Kangs. We were very pleased with our daughter’s results. She just received notice this week of her acceptance into her top choice college Early Decision (Duke University) and was offered a full ride + Honors program at another Early Action school. Maryan and Sunny are very professional and extremely knowledgeable in the college process.

Jane (tutoring & college consulting)

We are the biggest fans!