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In July 2025, everything changed for families planning for college. New legislation now allows you to use 529 College Savings Plans for ACT and SAT test prep—completely tax-free. But here's what makes this really exciting: quality test prep typically improves scores by 3-5 points, and at most universities, even a single point can mean the difference between no scholarship and $6,000-11,000 per year. In this episode, we break down: How tax-free 529 withdrawals create an automatic 22-24% discount on tutoringReal scholarship thresholds at major universities (one point = $8,000-16,000 over four years)The "529 Multiplier Effect" showing 14-21x returns on test prep investmentsWhy parent-owned 529s have minimal impact on financial aidState tax benefits you can stack on top (up to $10,000 in deductions)Practical timelines for juniors and seniorsWhether you're just starting to think about college or your student is taking the ACT next month, this episode reveals how to maximize every educational dollar while accessing premium tutoring that was previously out of reach. Explore the 529 Multiplier Effect Tool Take a Free Practice Test Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you understand the ACT changes, please subscribe to Simply Smarter Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us reach more students and families navigating the college admissions process.

The ACT changed—and so did we. Following our deep dive into the new ACT format (catch that episode if you missed it!), we're excited to unveil something revolutionary: the ACT FLEX Course, designed specifically for students who need maximum results with maximum flexibility. In this episode, join hosts Caleb and Jill as they walk through GSP's innovative approach to ACT prep that recognizes one simple truth: every student's schedule and goals are different. Whether you're juggling AP classes, sports, part-time jobs, or college applications, ACT FLEX adapts to YOUR life, not the other way around. ACT FLEX Course Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you understand the ACT changes, please subscribe to Simply Smarter Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us reach more students and families navigating the college admissions process.

The ACT just underwent its most significant transformation in decades, and the changes are game-changing for college-bound students. With July 12th marking the last chance to take the old format, it's time to understand what's coming this September.  The new ACT isn't just shorter—it's smarter. With more time per question and the ability to skip science if it's not your strength, students now have unprecedented flexibility in how they approach this important test.  Whether you're a rising junior just starting your test prep journey or a senior planning one final attempt, this episode will help you navigate the transition and make strategic decisions that could impact your college admissions success. Don't let these major changes catch you off guard—tune in to stay ahead of the curve. ACT CHANGES FREE ACT Practice Test Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you understand the ACT changes, please subscribe to Simply Smarter Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us reach more students and families navigating the college admissions process.

On this episode, Caleb and Jill dive into the controversial topic of whether you should take the ACT/SAT, or if you might be better off without it? They'll explore scenarios in which taking a standardized test is beneficial for you or not. Free Practice Test College Counseling Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you understand the ACT changes, please subscribe to Simply Smarter Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us reach more students and families navigating the college admissions process.

In today's episode, Jill has the pleasure of interviewing one of our Standard-Level Tutors, Meredith Vaughn.  Meredith opens up about her high school experience, her college prep process, and the honest truth about trusting yourself. Listen to Meredith's interview to learn more. Meredith Vaughn Free Practice Test Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you understand the ACT changes, please subscribe to Simply Smarter Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us reach more students and families navigating the college admissions process.

It's a question we hear often and there is a lot of talk surrounding the topic. Should students take the ACT or SAT? Caleb and Jill chat about which schools require it, which schools are test optional and which schools are test blind. Plus, within colleges which programs require an ACT/SAT. Free ACT/SAT Practice Test ACT Private Tutoring  Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you understand the ACT changes, please subscribe to Simply Smarter Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us reach more students and families navigating the college admissions process.

What are the current trends in college admissions? Caleb and Jill tackle some of the effects Covid-19 has had on students and learning as well as their mental well-being, stress level and test anxiety. Free ACT/SAT Practice Test Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you understand the ACT changes, please subscribe to Simply Smarter Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us reach more students and families navigating the college admissions process.

The GRE General Test is a computer-delivered test that features question types that features question types that closely reflect the kind of thinking you'll do in today's graduate school programs. Caleb and Jill break down who takes the GRE, the timing of the test, where and when to take the test, and what the test covers. For GRE Test Prep visit our website. To check out the 1,300 business schools that accept the GRE click HERE.  Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you understand the ACT changes, please subscribe to Simply Smarter Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us reach more students and families navigating the college admissions process.

Today we sit down with one of our Premier-Level Tutors, Audrey Hazzard, who has been a tutor with Get Smarter Prep for over ten years. Audrey talks about the changes she has seen in the tutoring industry over the past ten years and offers advice to high school students who are taking on more than they can handle. Free Practice Test every Saturday morning. Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you understand the ACT changes, please subscribe to Simply Smarter Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us reach more students and families navigating the college admissions process.

We're back! After taking a few months off, Caleb and Jill are back to talk about a few updates surrounding Get Smarter Prep as well as what current Juniors should be focusing on right now. Of course, we don't want to leave out Sophomores or Seniors, so we have some guidance as to what those students can do as well. Also, Caleb is traveling to Austin for a big birthday celebration! Can you guess how old he is turning? Roadmap to College Free Practice Test Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you understand the ACT changes, please subscribe to Simply Smarter Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us reach more students and families navigating the college admissions process.

A Decade of Changes with Stephen Heiner: Part Two continues.  Season Five of the Simply Smarter Podcast kicks off with a look back at all of the changes within the past 10 years, featuring Stephen Heiner.  Stephen was the President of Get Smarter Prep from 2006-2012. He turns the tables on Caleb and Jill and asks them questions about how Get Smarter Prep has adapted within the decade.  Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you understand the ACT changes, please subscribe to Simply Smarter Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us reach more students and families navigating the college admissions process.

Season Five of the Simply Smarter Podcast kicks off with a look back at all of the changes within the past 10 years, featuring Stephen Heiner.  Stephen was the President of Get Smarter Prep from 2006-2012. He turns the tables on Caleb and Jill and asks them questions about how  Get Smarter Prep has adapted within the decade.  Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you understand the ACT changes, please subscribe to Simply Smarter Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us reach more students and families navigating the college admissions process.

On this episode, we take a look at the approaching deadlines students need to look at in the next few months. Caleb and Jill break down what students and parents will need to accomplish in December, January, and February including essays, FAFSA, letters of recommendation and more. We've also teamed up with Tamara Day of HGTV's Bargain Mansions! We are currently helping her family with Academic Tutoring and ACT Prep and we are thrilled to be working with her and her family. FREE Practice Tests ACT Private Tutoring College Counseling Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you understand the ACT changes, please subscribe to Simply Smarter Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us reach more students and families navigating the college admissions process.

On today's episode, we break down just how many times students need to take the ACT. Here's a hint...it's different for everyone. From scholarships to Honors Programs to college admittance, your ACT will have an impact. Listen to find out how many times you should take the ACT.  ACT Prep  Free Practice ACT Test Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you understand the ACT changes, please subscribe to Simply Smarter Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us reach more students and families navigating the college admissions process.

Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you understand the ACT changes, please subscribe to Simply Smarter Podcast on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us reach more students and families navigating the college admissions process.