S2E283: The Truth About the SAT: Mindset Matters More Than IQ (Part 2)

In Part 2 of this SAT strategy series, MacKenzie and Alpha student cohost Elle return to break down Alpha's approach to the SAT, particularly the importance of mindset. Elle, who recently scored a 790 in math, shares the mindset framework she used to drastically increase her score over time, emphasizing how the test isn’t an intelligence measure but instead a reflection of preparation. No matter what tests your kids or students have coming up, this mindset work is an invaluable tool in their toolkit for success.

We’re diving into one of the most misunderstood parts of college admissions: the SAT. MacKenzie is joined by student cohost Elle, an Alpha veteran who recently scored a 790 in math. Elle breaks down Alpha’s approach to the SAT and explains why the test isn’t an intelligence measure but a reflection of how well students can study, prepare, and perform under pressure. We talk through why and how Alpha believes any student can score in the top 10% with the right preparation. If you’ve ever wondered whether the SAT is beatable, Elle’s going to change your mind.

In Part 2 of this mini series all about feedback, MacKenzie and Alpha Guide Emily share actionable strategies that teach kids the art of giving and receiving feedback with clarity and kindness. This one simple skill can transform the way kids and adults alike learn, grow, and communicate. Expect real-world examples and tangible advice you can use right away, no matter your age or role.

What if one simple skill had the power to transform the way kids learn, grow, and communicate? We believe it does. In this episode, MacKenzie and Guide Emily dive into how kids at Alpha learn to give and receive feedback with clarity and kindness, sharing actionable strategies that work for students, parents, and adults alike. Expect real-world examples and actionable advice you can use right away, no matter your age or role.

In Part 2 of this lively debate, MacKenzie and producer Jay address the real concerns you've voiced- turning kids into entrepreneurs at the expense of childhood, whether paying students kills motivation, Alpha’s cost, and skepticism born from past EdTech failures. Jay plays the skeptic, MacKenzie defends the vision, and if you’ve ever had reservations about our philosophy, you won’t want to miss this series.

We’ve heard the critiques... and we’re responding! In this lively two-part debate, MacKenzie and producer Jay tackle Alpha’s biggest criticisms head-on. Jay plays the skeptic, MacKenzie defends the vision, and if you’ve ever had reservations about our philosophy, you won’t want to miss this series.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Alpha student Geetesh, he opens up about the beginnings of his entrepreneurial journey and his remarkable school project in a refugee camp in Malawi, where he helped children build confidence, learn life skills, and navigate the challenges of mental health. What started as a school initiative turned into a transformative experience that shaped his outlook on leadership, service, and what it really means to make an impact.

Geetesh was thriving in his public school- top 2% of his class, active in DECA, and on track for the conventional definition of success. But when he discovered Alpha, he realized school could look completely different. In this episode, he shares how and why he convinced his traditional parents to let him take the leap and how redefining learning has changed everything.

In the final part of this two-part series, psychotherapist and wellness expert Leah Marone joins us to unpack parent and educator burnout, decision fatigue, and the relentless pressure of choosing the “right” path for your children. Leah shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing stress, and reclaiming balance, helping parents feel more resilient and confident in both life and education decisions.Leah's new book, Serial Fixer: www.serial-fixer.com

Parenting and educating in today’s world can feel like running a marathon without a finish line. In this episode, psychotherapist and wellness expert Leah Marone joins us to unpack parent and educator burnout, decision fatigue, and the relentless pressure of choosing the “right” path for your children. Leah shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing stress, and reclaiming balance, helping parents feel more resilient and confident in both life and education decisions.Leah's new book, Serial Fixer: www.serial-fixer.com