CHICAGO, IL (February 11, 2008) – Academic Approach®, an elite and highly successful test preparation and academic tutoring company headquartered in Chicago, today announced the opening of a new office on Chicago’s North Shore – its second Chicago-area location. The office, located at 778 Frontage Road, Suite 122, in Northfield, allows the company to bring its highly regarded methodology and academically advanced, proprietary curriculum to students across Chicago’s northern suburbs. A team of veteran educators comes armed with a curriculum and process that promises more than short-term gains in scores.
Unique among test-preparation course providers, the company’s rigorous Teaching Beyond the Test™ content not only raises standardized test scores but also prepares students for the demands of college-level work by focusing on critical thinking and problem solving, rather than gimmicks and tricks.
Their customized approach starts with an introductory consultation and a diagnostic practice test which measures a student's level of performance. Student and parent(s) then meet with a program administrator to discuss the diagnostic results, set goals, and design a customized program.
In addition, an innovative partnership with The Economist – the weekly news magazine known for exceptional-quality writing and analysis of world business and current affairs – allows Academic Approach to incorporate the magazine’s content into weekly lessons. No other test preparation company can match the sophisticated level of content, learning and analysis as provided through The Economist.
Exceptional Results
Academic Approach has delivered significant results over the past six years. Specifically, students see an average increase of 386 points on the SAT (2,400 points possible) and 5.4 points on the ACT (36 points possible). On average, students gain 45-50% of their Approach Points – the numerical difference between the student's initial diagnostic test score and a perfect score.
SAT Score Projections |
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Initial Diagnostic Score |
“Approach Points” Available |
Average increase (45-50%) |
Projected Final SAT Score |
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1200 (15%)* |
1200 |
600 |
1800 (81%)* |
1600 (61%)* |
800 |
400 |
2000 (93%)* |
2000 (93%)* |
400 |
200 |
2200 (99%)* |
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|
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(SAT=2400 Points) |
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*ranking percentile |
“We are thrilled to bring our more substantive approach to test preparation to a wider audience in Chicago,” said Matthew Pietrafetta, Founder and CEO of Academic Approach. “We train our students on academic principles of reading, grammar, mathematics, and logic that not only improve their test scores but also prepare them for success on the college level.”
Academic Approach also recently announced a suite of online test prep courses for SAT, ACT, and SSAT/ISEE, test prep. Online convenience makes the courses especially suited for busy students and can be combined with a customized program of face-to-face tutoring.
Educators and Students Alike Offer High Praise
“While other agencies have focused on tricks to beat the test, Academic Approach focuses on problem solving and learning grammatical rules or reading strategies to assist with multiple choice tests,” said Susan Weingartner, director of college counseling at the Francis Parker School in Chicago. “The results have been nothing short of remarkable across the board; our students have qualified for more scholarships because of Matthew Pietrafetta, and have definitely been admitted to more colleges because of his good work.”
“Academic Approach was fabulous,” said Mia Guajardo, now a sophomore at Skidmore College. “I was surprised at how much I didn’t know -- especially grammar! I was always really excited to go and see my instructor. He’d send emails to my mom with my progress. I still keep in touch with him and have a lot of friends there. All my friends love it, too.”
About Academic Approach - Teaching Beyond the Test™
Academic Approach is dedicated to enriching the academic skills of students as they prepare for the rigors of standardized test taking and academic life beyond. With offices in Chicago, Boston, and New York City, their experienced educators assess the learning needs of students and devise a customized, flexible plan for helping students reach their potential. They educate through one-on-one instruction, online courses, or a combination of both. They’re best known for “Teaching Beyond the Test™”. Visit www.academicapproach.com to learn more.