Beyond the Test

Academic Approach
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Beyond the Test is the podcast from Academic Approach that asks what it actually takes to prepare a young person — not just for a test, but for college, career, and everything that comes after. Hosted by Academic Approach founder Matthew Pietrafetta, each episode goes deep on the questions that don't fit on a score report: How do young minds really develop? What does human learning look like in an age of AI shortcuts? And is the system we've built to prepare students actually working? With guests ranging from researchers and school leaders to college counselors and AA alumni, Beyond the Test is a show for parents, educators, and anyone who believes that the most important things a student learns can't be standardized.

Episodes

  1. Aug 14

    Introducing "Beyond the Test"

    The conversation covers the evolution of Academic Approach over the past 25 years, the motivation behind starting a test prep company, the impact of mentoring on students, the changing landscape of standardized testing, and the future of test prep and college admissions. Takeaways Mentoring adolescents is a timeless needStandardized tests provide a nationally normed assessment of college readiness skillsGrade inflation and the need for standardized testing as a contextualizing toolThe importance of skill-building and its impact on college success Chapters 00:00 Evolution of Academic Approach01:13 Motivation Behind Starting a Test Prep Company02:08 Impact of Mentoring on Students03:02 Changing Landscape of Standardized Testing05:09 Future of Test Prep and College Admissions

  • 1 Episode

About

Beyond the Test is the podcast from Academic Approach that asks what it actually takes to prepare a young person — not just for a test, but for college, career, and everything that comes after. Hosted by Academic Approach founder Matthew Pietrafetta, each episode goes deep on the questions that don't fit on a score report: How do young minds really develop? What does human learning look like in an age of AI shortcuts? And is the system we've built to prepare students actually working? With guests ranging from researchers and school leaders to college counselors and AA alumni, Beyond the Test is a show for parents, educators, and anyone who believes that the most important things a student learns can't be standardized.

Information

  • Creator
    Academic Approach
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Academic Approach
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Test