Academic Approach®

Student Testimonials 

“I have worked with Academic Approach since its inception. For me, the program not only improved my standardized test scores dramatically, but also inspired me to be a more passionate student with the critical thinking necessary to conquer my academics. Along with this critical thinking also came a certain confidence. I always left a session feeling better about my academic abilities, for I did not feel like a mere participant of the program. At Academic Approach, it was not just about my test scores, it was about me as a whole person.”

Julia Dimon, Student, Duke University

“I probably learned more about critical thinking and test taking from Academic Approach than I could have from any other institution, even high school. If you are looking for a tutoring service that is capable of improving test scores, calming nerves on test days, and enhancing critical thinking ability inside the classroom, then Academic Approach is the place for you. The focused yet gregarious nature of the company’s instructors allows students to grow academically in ways they never knew they could, and gives students a strong sense of accomplishment when the testing process is finished. I highly recommend Academic Approach!”

Alex Wolf, Student, Yale

"The tutors at Academic Approach helped me to learn in a way that was easy for me. I much improved my test scores and had a great time doing it."

Alexis Linn, Student, University of Michigan

“Academic Approach is an extraordinary organization, accompanied by wonderful, smart, helpful, engaging, devoted instructors. The staff inspires their students to achieve much more than just a high test grade, but also cultivates in the student critical thinking skills, and instills a willingness to do well in other academic areas. The one-to-one, comfortable setting is extremely helpful and efficacious; I look forward to my session every week.”

SL, Student

“Matthew and his staff are the best kind of tutors because you don’t even know you are learning and still see great results. Thanks!”

June Gordon, Student, Williams College

“I feel that Academic Approach is hugely beneficial. I would never have done as well as I did on my tests had it not been for the tutoring I received. Beyond the testing, I feel that I was provided with the tools to make me a better student entirely. I now write more comprehensively, study more efficiently, and am more successful in school overall. I would absolutely recommend the program to people interested in this type of tutoring experience.”

A. G., Student, Middlebury College

“Through practice tests and one-on-one tutoring, I was able to raise my ACT scores from a 23 to a 31. My tutor was very flexible and sincerely wanted to see me succeed. Because of his encouragement and support, I became determined to master the ACT, and I did. My parents and I both agree that Academic Approach was worth all the time and money we put into the program.”

Student

“Academic Approach has not only helped me to raise my test scores but also has taught me a great deal of information that has helped me in many of my current classes and will continue to help me in the future.”

AS, Student

“The time I spent at Academic Approach will always be remembered in the most positive way and has played a great role in my becoming the kind of student/person I strive to be.”

Jonathan Handrup, Student

“Too many compliments and praises for this little box. Academic Approach made my ACT score jump 10 points. I was definitely eating brain food during my college prep time, but I’m sure that was not the cause of my leap. The staff is personal, quirky, compassionate, unique, and damn smart. I became confident from the praise I received about my writings and improvements. While in the program, I looked forward to my sessions. Now out of the program, I look forward to when I can visit the staff.”

Lauren McKeaney, Student, Pitzer College

“I am a student at the University of Chicago Laboratory schools and found that tutoring at Academic Approach was extremely helpful in test-taking and in school.”

Student

“Academic Approach has been more helpful than I would have ever imagined. My tutor not only helped me improve my standardize test scores—so much that I was able to apply to very competitive colleges—but he also inspired me to work hard in school and enjoy learning. My experience with Academic Approach has been life-changing, and I will forever be indebted to them. I know that I will be recommending this program to many students and that I will probably use Academic Approach sometime in the future (whether it is for LSATs or MCATs). Thanks so much!”

Samantha Tsang, Student, Georgetown University

“I don’t only appreciate what Academic Approach did for my test scores. The staff is fun, knowledgeable, and thoughtful; I always looked forward to my tutoring sessions.”

Mia Guajardo, Student, Skidmore College

“Academic Approach is an organization that clearly aims to satisfy its customers. I was so impressed with my tutor, the office and my improvement as I worked with Academic Approach. I would highly recommend this program to anyone seeking to raise their test scores.”

Student

Parent Testimonials 

“Our experience with Academic Approach was absolutely outstanding in every respect. After administering our son’s practice tests, Matthew provided us with detailed diagnostic reports, fully explaining to us the results and their implications for customizing a highly targeted preparation program. Our son’s tutor was a perfect match in his approach, the workload he assigned, and in personality. In fact, our son so enjoyed working with Academic Approach that his test prep experience was actually fun—AND he achieved superior results on both his SAT and ACT tests first time around.”

SLM, Parent

“Thank you so much! You turned me into a believer that test preparation can make a difference. One of the most important lessons that you shared…was the imperative of being confident…I know that helped [my son] almost as much as the content of the instruction and the test taking strategies.”

Diane Kaneb, Parent

“Our two daughters have completely different learning styles and their lack of interest or commitment to standardized testing was their only commonality. They each grudgingly agreed to several months of tutoring. I can only describe Academic Approach as brilliant. Our tutor tailored the materials to suit our daughters’ individual needs, kept their interest piqued, and raised their motivation levels. The results were significant score increases in both the SAT and ACT.”

Linda B. Coleman, Parent

“Academic Approach first conducted a careful evaluation of my child’s intellectual strengths and challenges. This was a key step which helped them develop an appropriate tutoring program. We are very happy with our tutor and with the educational materials that are used at Academic Approach.”

JS, Parent

“When my daughter started her tutoring with Academic Approach, I thought I’d have to spend a fortune. They honored my budget; my daughter honored her time commitment. The two tutors were fabulous and her scores rose to a very high standard. We sure got our money’s worth. Thanks.”

CSS, Parent

“Academic Approach has been a positive experience for my Chicago family. With both children in prep schools on the East Coast, they met every need by customizing programs to meet the specific child’s needs, scheduling as much times as needed during school breaks, allotting phone time before tests, and providing positive reinforcement. My nieces from Atlanta spent several weeks studying with Academic Approach. My children and my nieces always were enthused and positive about the time spent with Matthew Pietrafetta and his staff! Confidence abounds at Academic Approach!!!!”

Parent

“Academic Approach tutors not only helped our daughter achieve a high score on the SSAT, but they served as role models and encouragers. It is important for a 15-year-old to relate to a young adult who is fun, as well as being intelligent and academically-oriented.”

VP, Parent

“My son’s college acceptance successes were very much due to his high ACT score; his score was very much due to Academic Approach tutoring. He now attends his ‘stretch school’”.

JS, Parent

“Our son was fortunate to work with two highly qualified tutors in preparation for the SAT test. I told the tutors our timeline and financial perimeters. Our son’s test scores increased dramatically. He was able to take the results from his first SAT and submit them to colleges.”

Parent

“Academic Approach recognized our daughter’s strengths and weaknesses in her academic abilities as well as her abilities in test taking. By working in both of theses areas she was able to achieve a superb ACT score which I am sure would not have otherwise occurred.”

GJS, Parent

“Academic Approach provided my child with a warm and supportive atmosphere in which she enhanced her skills, performance levels and confidence. I would highly recommend Academic Approach.”

ABH, Parent

“While my child had a great private school education, Academic Approach was able to discern and address gaps in his understanding of the mechanics of grammar and math. The resulting improvement in test scores assured him entrance into the college of his choice.”

Parent

“My daughter definitely got a lot out of working with Academic Approach, and I was tremendously impressed with the quality and the responsiveness of their staff.”

Jennifer Bowker, Parent

“When I started with Academic Approach I felt the standardized tests were no more than a challenge to be overcome. After having one child work with the company, I have come to see that the entire experience has been an educational positive—he not only tests better, he thinks and writes better.”

Parent

“Very high quality tutors, personalized interaction, excellent results.”

BD, Parent

“My child improved his SAT score by almost 200 points—we could not have been more pleased! Academic Approach is terrific!”

BKM, Parent

“Our experience with Academic Approach has been very positive. Our son not only significantly improved his performance on the ACT, his study habits and writing skills also improved. Our daughter, a high school sophomore, is now attending tutoring sessions. Both children were enthusiastic about attending and respected their tutor. They were motivated to work harder. They both value the experience. As parents, we were extremely satisfied with the results and found the tutor to be responsive and communicative. We would strongly recommend Academic Approach for tutoring and test preparation.”

Sheri and Ron Spielman, Parents

Educator Testimonials 

“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. The results have been nothing short of remarkable across the board; our students have qualified for more scholarships because of Matthew and have definitely been admitted to more colleges because of Matthew's good work.

The students also love going to Academic Approach. They feel as if their time is well-spent, they gain confidence and they see the results. I have even received unsolicited letters from parents complimenting Matthew and Academic Approach.”

Susan Weingartner
Director of College Counseling
Francis Parker School, Chicago, IL

“We are enormously fortunate to be working again this year with Academic Approach. We were long dissatisfied with the on-campus SAT preparation offered by national companies. As I contemplated a change, I dreamt of a company capable of working efficiently, flexibly, and effectively with our students, and Academic Approach quickly moved to the top of the list for these reasons. From day one, Cary and his team worked within the context of our busy schedule, catered their approach to the particular strengths and needs of our students, and contributed deeply to the broader education of our students. Their curricular materials are the best in the business, and their teachers are quite extraordinary. Though students scores rose quickly to the levels one would hope to see, the greatest testament to their effectiveness was the respect and gratitude our students showed them. They are educators of the finest sort and have my highest recommendation.”

Craig Gemmell
Assistant Director of College Counseling
The Groton School, Groton, MA