Academic Approach’s student-centric approach emphasizes skill mastery, critical thinking, and adaptability to prepare students for future challenges and achievements.
Academic Approach achieves remarkable results, boosting scores, scholarships, and college admissions, while fostering critical thinking and academic excellence.
While standardized tests are optional at many universities and colleges, many top schools are still taking test scores into consideration.
Check out our analysis of some top universities from the 2024-25 Common Data Set for college admissions.
Dive into our blog at Academic Approach. We’ve got your back with all the insider tips on nailing those standardized tests, smart strategies for acing your academics, and handy guides for your college prep. Plus, we’re keeping you in the loop with all the latest education updates.
Last week, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced a major change ahead of this fall’s selective enrollment admissions cycle…
ACT is holding back some spring in-school scores after discovering a scaling error. Affected 11th graders can expect corrected scores by June 2, and ACT has confirmed no scores will decrease.
Everything You Need to Know About Score Variation on the ACT By far, the most…
Above all else, studying French give me the confidence and adaptability that kickstarted my career.
Long-term success—whether in college, a career, or something less traditional—depends on a broader set of skills that often get less attention.
Denmark gets less winter daylight than most of the U.S.—yet they’ve mastered a simple “coziness mindset” that can help your student stay focused, calmer, and mentally steadier all season.

Do you have the ACT/SAT facts?
Discover how puzzles develop critical thinking, memory, and problem-solving skills that translate directly to academic success and lifelong learning.
Skip the tourist traps and discover America’s hidden treasures—from pirate islands and six-toed cats to underground playgrounds and atomic history—on your next road trip.
Matthew Pietrafetta founded Academic Approach in 2001 and currently serves as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. He earned his M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. in English Language and Literature at Columbia University in New York City.
Middle School Families: HSAT is out, PreACT 9 Secure is in starting this October. Join Carla Pedersen live on July 15 at 3:30 p.m. CT to break down exactly what’s changed and what to do next.
That tells us you’re serious about your student’s future.
So are we. Let’s stop circling and start a real conversation.