Simply Smarter Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:36:24 -0500 https://getsmarterprep.com/ en-us © 2026 Simply Smarter yes 58305d71-8629-540c-8a13-c0587eb817a1 Caleb & Jill episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) ACT prep, test prep, SAT prep, College Prep, Higher Education, High School, College Admissions, College, Scholarships, ACT test, testing Caleb & Jill https://storage.buzzsprout.com/8lgzuzl2b5ptwl9gv618r8gzpvg4?.jpg Simply Smarter https://getsmarterprep.com/ Caleb Pierce Jill Purcell The One-Point Trick: How to Turn $3,000 in Test Prep Into $24,000 in Scholarships The One-Point Trick: How to Turn $3,000 in Test Prep Into $24,000 in Scholarships 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 tutoring
  • Real 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 investments
  • Why parent-owned 529s have minimal impact on financial aid
  • State tax benefits you can stack on top (up to $10,000 in deductions)
  • Practical timelines for juniors and seniors

Whether 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.

]]> 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 tutoring
  • Real 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 investments
  • Why parent-owned 529s have minimal impact on financial aid
  • State tax benefits you can stack on top (up to $10,000 in deductions)
  • Practical timelines for juniors and seniors

Whether 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.

]]> https://getsmarterprep.com/one-point-trick/ Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-17933077 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0500 777 529 Plan, ACT Prep, Test Prep, Scholarships 6 3 full false ACT FLEX Course ACT FLEX Course 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 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.

]]> https://getsmarterprep.com/act-flex-course/ Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-17432555 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500 850 ACT FLEX Course, ACT Prep, College Prep, Scholarships, Test Prep 6 2 full false Changes to the ACT Changes to the ACT 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.

]]> 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.

]]> https://getsmarterprep.com/changes-to-the-act/ Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-17432354 Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -0500 2017 Changes to the ACT, Scholarships, the Enhanced ACT 5 1 full false Don't Take the ACT if... Don't Take the ACT if... 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.

]]> 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.

]]> https://getsmarterprep.com/dont-take-the-act-sat-if/ Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-13795442 Tue, 17 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0500 1237 ACT, SAT, Placement Tests, Tutors, Scholarships, College Admissions 5 7 full false The Truth with Meredith Vaughn The Truth with Meredith Vaughn 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-13117684 Tue, 27 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0500 1022 College Prep, ACT Prep, Tutor, College Prep Tutor 5 7 full false Do I take the ACT/SAT or not? Do I take the ACT/SAT or not? 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-12823373 Wed, 10 May 2023 12:00:00 -0500 1755 ACT, SAT, Placement Tests, Tutors, Scholarships, College Admissions 5 6 full false Current Trends in College Admissions Current Trends in College Admissions 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-11573380 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 14:00:00 -0500 1970 College Admissions, Trends in college admissions, College, ACT Prep, Test Prep, College Prep, Mental Health, Test Anxiety, Stress Levels, High School Stress 5 5 full false GRE: In Depth Look GRE: In Depth Look 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-11278168 Wed, 07 Sep 2022 12:00:00 -0500 2249 GRE Test, Test Prep, GRE Test Prep, Private Tutoring, General Test 5 4 full false ACT Advice with Audrey Hazzard ACT Advice with Audrey Hazzard 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Jill & Audrey Hazzard Buzzsprout-10472248 Wed, 20 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0500 1439 ACT, Advice, Tutor, ACT Expert, LSAT, High School, College 5 3 full false Keep it Weird Keep it Weird 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-10432593 Wed, 13 Apr 2022 12:00:00 -0500 880 ACT, Austin, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, Algebra II, Free Practice Test, Test Optional 5 2 full false A Decade of Changes with Stephen Heiner: Part Two A Decade of Changes with Stephen Heiner: Part Two 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.

]]> 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.

]]> https://getsmarterprep.com/act/a-decade-of-changes-with-stephen-heiner-part-two/ Caleb & Jill / Stephen Heiner Buzzsprout-9837095 Wed, 12 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0600 1582 5 1 full false A Decade of Changes with Stephen Heiner: Part One A Decade of Changes with Stephen Heiner: Part One 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.

]]> https://getsmarterprep.com/act/a-decade-of-changes-with-stephen-heiner-part-one-simply-smarter/ Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-9836358 Wed, 05 Jan 2022 12:00:00 -0600 2406 Enrollment, Education, College Prep, ACT Prep, Test Prep, Students, College, School, ACT, Tutor, ACT Practice, ACT Practice Test, college admissions 5 1 full false Approaching Deadlines Approaching Deadlines 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 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.

]]> https://getsmarterprep.com/general/approaching-deadlines-simply-smarter-podcast/ Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-9645883 Wed, 01 Dec 2021 14:00:00 -0600 1331 Enrollment, Education, College Prep, ACT Prep, Test Prep, Students, College, School, ACT, Tutor, ACT Practice, ACT Practice Test 4 9 full false How Many Times Do I Take the ACT? How Many Times Do I Take the ACT? 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.

]]> 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.

]]> https://getsmarterprep.com/general/how-many-times-should-i-take-the-act-simply-smarter-podcast/ Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-9566519 Wed, 17 Nov 2021 14:00:00 -0600 1365 ACT, Covid-19, Junior Year, College, College Acceptance, Scholarships 4 8 full false Simply Smarter Podcast Simply Smarter Podcast 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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-9317558 Tue, 05 Oct 2021 15:00:00 -0500 34 trailer false Reading on the ACT - The Newest Question Type Reading on the ACT - The Newest Question Type On today's episode, Caleb and Jill break down the newest changes within the reading section of the ACT called "Visual and Quantitative Information" questions.  These new questions were recently released on the July ACT. We talk about how these VQI questions will negatively or positively affect students' scores.

Plus, stay tuned for a new program we will be releasing next summer! As always, sign up for a Free Practice ACT, which we offer every Saturday morning.

For more information regarding the college prep process, visit our website. 

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, Caleb and Jill break down the newest changes within the reading section of the ACT called "Visual and Quantitative Information" questions.  These new questions were recently released on the July ACT. We talk about how these VQI questions will negatively or positively affect students' scores.

Plus, stay tuned for a new program we will be releasing next summer! As always, sign up for a Free Practice ACT, which we offer every Saturday morning.

For more information regarding the college prep process, visit our website. 

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.

]]> https://getsmarterprep.com/general/reading-the-act-the-newest-section/ Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-9242520 Wed, 22 Sep 2021 14:00:00 -0500 1446 Education, ACT Prep, College Prep, ACT Test, 4 7 full false Summer Before Junior Year Summer Before Junior Year Today's Simply Smarter episode will  cover what high school students should be thinking about between their Sophomore Year and Junior Year. What can students start doing now to prepare for college during the summer before their Junior Year? 🌞 Hint, it's not all work!

Free Practice Test

College Handcrafted

Top 5 ACT Test Podcasts


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's Simply Smarter episode will  cover what high school students should be thinking about between their Sophomore Year and Junior Year. What can students start doing now to prepare for college during the summer before their Junior Year? 🌞 Hint, it's not all work!

Free Practice Test

College Handcrafted

Top 5 ACT Test Podcasts


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.

]]> https://getsmarterprep.com/act/summer-before-junior-year-simply-smarter-podcast/ Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-8544263 Wed, 19 May 2021 05:00:00 -0500 1546 Junior Year, Summer, Enrollment, Education, College Prep, ACT Prep, Test Prep, Students, College, School, ACT, Tutor, ACT Practice, ACT Practice Test 4 5 full false What's Going on with College Admissions Right Now? What's Going on with College Admissions Right Now? Do I need to take the ACT or not? Do I really need an ACT score to get into college? On today's episode, Caleb and Jill tackle a few of the questions surrounding college admissions. We seem to be hearing the same questions from different parents and we wanted to clarify what colleges are looking for, specifically for the class of 2022 and beyond.

Get Smarter Prep

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.

]]> Do I need to take the ACT or not? Do I really need an ACT score to get into college? On today's episode, Caleb and Jill tackle a few of the questions surrounding college admissions. We seem to be hearing the same questions from different parents and we wanted to clarify what colleges are looking for, specifically for the class of 2022 and beyond.

Get Smarter Prep

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.

]]> https://getsmarterprep.com/act/whats-going-on-with-college-admissions-right-now/ Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-8421450 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0500 1631 Enrollment, Education, College Prep, ACT Prep, Test Prep, Students, College, School, ACT, Tutor, ACT Practice, ACT Practice Test, college admissions 4 4 full false Can I Get A Scholarship for that? Can I Get A Scholarship for that? On today's episode, Caleb and Jill discuss the difference between Academic Scholarships and Athletic Scholarships as well as the divisions among athletic scholarships. They also point out different scholarships that may not be very common, but are available.  

If you're ready to find scholarships for college, make sure to listen to today's show! 

 

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, Caleb and Jill discuss the difference between Academic Scholarships and Athletic Scholarships as well as the divisions among athletic scholarships. They also point out different scholarships that may not be very common, but are available.  

If you're ready to find scholarships for college, make sure to listen to today's show! 

 

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.

]]> http:// https://getsmarterprep.com/general/can-i-get-a-scholarship-for-that/ Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-8378528 Wed, 21 Apr 2021 13:00:00 -0500 1754 Education, College, Scholarships, Academic, Athletic, College Scholarships, Students, student athlete, Athletes, Athletic Scholarship, 4 3 full false Happy Anniversary Get Smarter Prep Happy Anniversary Get Smarter Prep This month, Get Smarter Prep celebrates our 15-Year Anniversary! To commemorate this milestone, Caleb and Jill look back over the last fifteen years to where Get Smarter Prep started. They walk through the history of Get Smarter Prep from the founder, the tutors, the partners, and to the future.


15 Year Anniversary blog

Caleb Pierce & Jill Purcell

ACT Prep Services

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.

]]> This month, Get Smarter Prep celebrates our 15-Year Anniversary! To commemorate this milestone, Caleb and Jill look back over the last fifteen years to where Get Smarter Prep started. They walk through the history of Get Smarter Prep from the founder, the tutors, the partners, and to the future.


15 Year Anniversary blog

Caleb Pierce & Jill Purcell

ACT Prep Services

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.

]]> https://getsmarterprep.com/podcast/happy-anniversary-get-smarter-prep/ Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-8241893 Tue, 30 Mar 2021 14:00:00 -0500 1868 15 -Year Anniversary, Anniversary, Founded, Kansas City, Students, Education, Tutor, College, ACT Prep, College Prep, Scholarships 4 2 full false The Future of Us The Future of Us On today's episode, we have two very special guests from The Future of Us joining us, Brenan Latimer and Precious Awopetu.  The two of them identified a disparity in the amount of college opportunities as well as support for students from more affluent communities than their own.  Caleb and Jill dive into what their experiences were and discuss how they are now helping high school students achieve college success.

The Future of Us website

The Future of Us Instagram

The Future of Us Facebook

Donate to The Future of Us


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 have two very special guests from The Future of Us joining us, Brenan Latimer and Precious Awopetu.  The two of them identified a disparity in the amount of college opportunities as well as support for students from more affluent communities than their own.  Caleb and Jill dive into what their experiences were and discuss how they are now helping high school students achieve college success.

The Future of Us website

The Future of Us Instagram

The Future of Us Facebook

Donate to The Future of Us


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.

]]> https://getsmarterprep.com/partnership/the-future-of-us-podcast/ Buzzsprout-7503670 Wed, 27 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0600 2511 Enrollment, Education, College Prep, ACT Prep, Test Prep, Students, College, School, ACT, Tutor, ACT Practice, ACT Practice Test, college admissions, diversity, scholarships 4 1 full false What We're Looking Forward To What We're Looking Forward To On today's episode, Caleb and Jill wrap up what's left of 2020's school year and move onto 2021. They also talk about potential ACT dates that are fitting for students, creating realistic goals, and ending the year on a positive note.

If you know of a well-deserving student who would benefit from an ACT Scholarship through Get Smarter Prep, please nominate them! Moving into 2021, GSP will be awarding a student a scholarship for each ACT test date.  Contact Get Smarter Prep for more information.

ACT Course Prep

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, Caleb and Jill wrap up what's left of 2020's school year and move onto 2021. They also talk about potential ACT dates that are fitting for students, creating realistic goals, and ending the year on a positive note.

If you know of a well-deserving student who would benefit from an ACT Scholarship through Get Smarter Prep, please nominate them! Moving into 2021, GSP will be awarding a student a scholarship for each ACT test date.  Contact Get Smarter Prep for more information.

ACT Course Prep

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.

]]> https://getsmarterprep.com/podcast/what-were-looking-forward-to/ Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-6538051 Tue, 24 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -0600 1150 Education, ACT Prep, College Prep, Scholarships 3 13 full false Moving Forward Moving Forward What happens next? What does moving forward look like for the Class of 2021 or the Class of 2022? On today's episode, Caleb and Jill discuss tangible steps for High School Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores to take within the next few months.  They also talk more in depth about Academic Tutoring Pods and how they can have a big impact on students who are falling behind in school due to online learning.

Academic Tutoring Pods

ACT Test Dates

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.

]]> What happens next? What does moving forward look like for the Class of 2021 or the Class of 2022? On today's episode, Caleb and Jill discuss tangible steps for High School Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores to take within the next few months.  They also talk more in depth about Academic Tutoring Pods and how they can have a big impact on students who are falling behind in school due to online learning.

Academic Tutoring Pods

ACT Test Dates

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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-6108796 Wed, 28 Oct 2020 12:00:00 -0500 1746 3 12 full false Top Ten Current Trends in College Admissions Top Ten Current Trends in College Admissions College Expert, Caleb Pierce discusses the top ten current trends in college admissions for high school students. So much has changed for students in the past 6 months, what does applying for college look like right now? What are colleges looking for? Caleb answers those questions and more on today's podcast.

Free ACT Practice Test

College Counseling

Academic Tutoring Pods

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.

]]> College Expert, Caleb Pierce discusses the top ten current trends in college admissions for high school students. So much has changed for students in the past 6 months, what does applying for college look like right now? What are colleges looking for? Caleb answers those questions and more on today's podcast.

Free ACT Practice Test

College Counseling

Academic Tutoring Pods

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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-5879473 Tue, 13 Oct 2020 14:00:00 -0500 3649 3 10 full false School & COVID-19 School & COVID-19 On today’s episode, Caleb and Jill discuss how schools are reopening this year due to COVID-19 and what that looks like. They will also cover the many changes the Class of 2021 has to endure and the next steps moving forward.


Added National ACT Dates

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, Caleb and Jill discuss how schools are reopening this year due to COVID-19 and what that looks like. They will also cover the many changes the Class of 2021 has to endure and the next steps moving forward.


Added National ACT Dates

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.

]]> https://getsmarterprep.com/blog/ Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-5147884 Wed, 26 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0500 2302 ACT, ACT test, High School, College, Class of 2021, COVID-19 3 8 full false COVID-19 COVID-19 Welcome back to the Simply Smarter Podcast! On today’s episode, Caleb and I will talk about the past several months and how the novel coronavirus has affected students, parents, and life in general. 

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.

]]> Welcome back to the Simply Smarter Podcast! On today’s episode, Caleb and I will talk about the past several months and how the novel coronavirus has affected students, parents, and life in general. 

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.

]]> https://getsmarterprep.com/blog/ Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-3926450 Wed, 27 May 2020 05:00:00 -0500 1645 COVID-19, Coronavirus, ACT, Students, High School, Test Prep, College Prep 3 7 full false The Law School Admission Test The Law School Admission Test On today's Simply Smarter podcast, Caleb and Jill talk about the Law School Admission Test, or what most people refer to as the LSAT. They break down what the test consists of, how the test is scored, upcoming test dates, and how best to prepare for the test.

LSAT Course Prep

LSAT Tutors:
Ashley Brennan
Audrey Hazzard

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 Simply Smarter podcast, Caleb and Jill talk about the Law School Admission Test, or what most people refer to as the LSAT. They break down what the test consists of, how the test is scored, upcoming test dates, and how best to prepare for the test.

LSAT Course Prep

LSAT Tutors:
Ashley Brennan
Audrey Hazzard

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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-2842774 Wed, 26 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 1297 LSAT, Student, Course Prep, Law School, Law School Entrance Exam, Law School Admission Test, 3 6 full false The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) & What You Need to Know The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) & What You Need to Know On today’s podcast, Caleb and I are going to step away from the ACT and talk about another standardized test, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). We’ll discuss what the test covers, who needs to take it, how it’s scored, and how best to prepare for the test. 

GRE Test Prep

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]]> On today’s podcast, Caleb and I are going to step away from the ACT and talk about another standardized test, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). We’ll discuss what the test covers, who needs to take it, how it’s scored, and how best to prepare for the test. 

GRE Test Prep

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]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-2780134 Wed, 19 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600 1824 GRE, Students, Graduate Exams, MBA, Exams, graduate programs 3 5 full false Does My Student Need A Mentor? Does My Student Need A Mentor? Caleb and Jill discuss what exactly an academic mentor is, how it will affect your student, and what to expect from both the mentor and the mentee (the student). We unpack what sets students up for success within the program, time management, organizational skills, and how to build a student's confidence level. 

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.

]]> Caleb and Jill discuss what exactly an academic mentor is, how it will affect your student, and what to expect from both the mentor and the mentee (the student). We unpack what sets students up for success within the program, time management, organizational skills, and how to build a student's confidence level. 

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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-2729623 Wed, 12 Feb 2020 16:00:00 -0600 1444 ACT, College, Mentor, Academic Mentor, Role Model, High School 3 4 full false What You Need to Know About ACT State Testing What You Need to Know About ACT State Testing On today's episode, Caleb and Jill will discuss what every parent and student need to know when it comes to state/district wide ACT testing. The state of Kansas will have Juniors take the test online and we walk through what that looks like, the pros and cons, and how students can achieve their best score. We also cheer on our Kansas City Chiefs as the 2020 Superbowl Champions! #RedKingdom #ChiefsKingdom



TestNav 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 today's episode, Caleb and Jill will discuss what every parent and student need to know when it comes to state/district wide ACT testing. The state of Kansas will have Juniors take the test online and we walk through what that looks like, the pros and cons, and how students can achieve their best score. We also cheer on our Kansas City Chiefs as the 2020 Superbowl Champions! #RedKingdom #ChiefsKingdom



TestNav 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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-2667904 Wed, 05 Feb 2020 14:00:00 -0600 2259 ACT test, online test, scholarships, test prep, college prep, college, high school testing, standardized testing 3 3 full false Three Changes to the ACT Three Changes to the ACT On today’s episode, Caleb and I are discussing three different changes that have been made to the ACT and how that will affect students. And, since we are Kansas City local, we give a little love to our Kansas City Chiefs in preparation for the Superbowl LIV! 

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, Caleb and I are discussing three different changes that have been made to the ACT and how that will affect students. And, since we are Kansas City local, we give a little love to our Kansas City Chiefs in preparation for the Superbowl LIV! 

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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-2603716 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600 1235 ACT prep, ACT, High School, Online Testing, Superscore, Scholarships, College, Test Prep 3 2 full false Five Secret Strategies for a Better ACT Score Five Secret Strategies for a Better ACT Score On today's episode, Caleb and Jill sit down to discuss five smart strategies Caleb and our tutors use throughout different sections of the ACT.  They also talk about the delayed ACT scores for the September 14th test, pumpkin spice lattes, throw in a few Napoleon Dynamite quotes and Jill even squeezes a sixth strategy out of Caleb for the win! 




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, Caleb and Jill sit down to discuss five smart strategies Caleb and our tutors use throughout different sections of the ACT.  They also talk about the delayed ACT scores for the September 14th test, pumpkin spice lattes, throw in a few Napoleon Dynamite quotes and Jill even squeezes a sixth strategy out of Caleb for the win! 




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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-1762807 Wed, 25 Sep 2019 05:00:00 -0500 2002 ACT Test Prep, ACT score, Scholarships, College Acceptance, High School, Parents, Students, Strategies 2 8 full false Adventures with Scout Adventures with Scout On today's episode, we have a super special guest, one of our online students, Scout Webb. Jill babysat Scout while she was in college in Oklahoma and now Scout needs a little extra help studying for the September 14th ACT. We are going to get Scout's point of view about her experience with online tutoring as well as what her goals are for the test. Plus, Jill shares a couple of adventures of when she watched Scout nearly 17 years ago. 

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 have a super special guest, one of our online students, Scout Webb. Jill babysat Scout while she was in college in Oklahoma and now Scout needs a little extra help studying for the September 14th ACT. We are going to get Scout's point of view about her experience with online tutoring as well as what her goals are for the test. Plus, Jill shares a couple of adventures of when she watched Scout nearly 17 years ago. 

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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-1688008 Wed, 11 Sep 2019 05:00:00 -0500 1356 Student, ACT, Test Prep, College Prep, Online Tutoring, High School 2 7 full false Adversity Score..."That Was A Mistake" Adversity Score..."That Was A Mistake" On this episode, Caleb and Jill talk about The College Board's "Adversity Score" and how changes have already been made to the tool that reduced a student's background to a single number. They break down what's included in the new "Landscape" tool and how it's different than the original "Adversity Score", how this effects students and parents, and does it even matter since some colleges and universities are going "test optional."


Website: Get Smarter Prep 

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 talk about The College Board's "Adversity Score" and how changes have already been made to the tool that reduced a student's background to a single number. They break down what's included in the new "Landscape" tool and how it's different than the original "Adversity Score", how this effects students and parents, and does it even matter since some colleges and universities are going "test optional."


Website: Get Smarter Prep 

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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-1611955 Wed, 28 Aug 2019 05:00:00 -0500 1466 SAT, The College Board, Adversity Score, Landscape, Adversity, ACT, College 2 6 full false Kilts, Kids & Keeping It All In Perspective Kilts, Kids & Keeping It All In Perspective On the show today we have a very special guest. One of our Master-Level Tutors, Gina Claypool is with us! Gina has been a tutor with us for over 5 years and has seen quite a few changes within standardized testing. We’re going to have a chat with her and hear her true feelings about the ACT. 

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 the show today we have a very special guest. One of our Master-Level Tutors, Gina Claypool is with us! Gina has been a tutor with us for over 5 years and has seen quite a few changes within standardized testing. We’re going to have a chat with her and hear her true feelings about the ACT. 

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.

]]> Caleb, Jill & Gina Buzzsprout-1579621 Wed, 21 Aug 2019 05:00:00 -0500 1139 ACT, High School, SAT, ACT sections, Test, English, Math, Reading, Science, Tutor, College, Kilts 2 5 full false That Was A Horrible Essay! That Was A Horrible Essay! Today we have a special guest joining us. Our very own expert College Counselor and Standard Level Tutor, Ilana Garon. Ilana’s going to share what it takes to make a great college essay, give us some tips for preparing college lists, and how she can help with the overall college admissions process. Plus, she's going to share a couple examples of good essays as well as bad essays. You don't want to miss this episode. 

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 have a special guest joining us. Our very own expert College Counselor and Standard Level Tutor, Ilana Garon. Ilana’s going to share what it takes to make a great college essay, give us some tips for preparing college lists, and how she can help with the overall college admissions process. Plus, she's going to share a couple examples of good essays as well as bad essays. You don't want to miss this episode. 

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.

]]> Jill & Ilana Buzzsprout-1546285 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 05:00:00 -0500 2116 college counseling, college, test prep, college list, college essay, essay, college admissions 2 4 full false How Early Is Too Early? How Early Is Too Early? The episode today applies mainly to parents of 8th, 9th, and 10th graders. This is one question we get from them all the time! When should we start studying for the SAT/ACT? Today, we’re going to breakdown when students should start preparing for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, start putting together a high school resume, and when they should start building college lists! 

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 episode today applies mainly to parents of 8th, 9th, and 10th graders. This is one question we get from them all the time! When should we start studying for the SAT/ACT? Today, we’re going to breakdown when students should start preparing for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, start putting together a high school resume, and when they should start building college lists! 

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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-1488271 Wed, 07 Aug 2019 05:00:00 -0500 1505 ACT Test, ACT score, Scholarships, College Acceptance, High School, PSAT, SAT, Duke TIP 2 3 full false Scholarships or Part Time Job? Scholarships or Part Time Job? On today’s episode Caleb and I are discussing whether it’s smarter to focus on a part time job or attain academic scholarships for college. We’re going to break down what it takes to make the most money with the least amount of work. 

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 Caleb and I are discussing whether it’s smarter to focus on a part time job or attain academic scholarships for college. We’re going to break down what it takes to make the most money with the least amount of work. 

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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-1482334 Wed, 31 Jul 2019 05:00:00 -0500 1261 ACT Test, ACT score, Scholarships, College Acceptance, High School, Part Time Job, Test Prep, College Prep 2 2 full false Debunking ACT/SAT Myths Debunking ACT/SAT Myths Welcome back to Season Two of the Simply Smarter Podcast! We are excited to be back to inform students and parents about all things ACT related. On today’s episode Caleb and Jill are going to debunk several common myths associated with the ACT/SAT. They may even through in a few extra myths and see if they are true or false.  It’s going to be fun! 

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.

]]> Welcome back to Season Two of the Simply Smarter Podcast! We are excited to be back to inform students and parents about all things ACT related. On today’s episode Caleb and Jill are going to debunk several common myths associated with the ACT/SAT. They may even through in a few extra myths and see if they are true or false.  It’s going to be fun! 

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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-1449271 Wed, 24 Jul 2019 05:00:00 -0500 1531 ACT Test Prep. ACT, Test Prep, Myths about ACT, College Prep, College Test Prep, College, Scholarships, SAT 2 1 full false A Parent's Thoughts About ACT Prep A Parent's Thoughts About ACT Prep On this week's episode, we are chatting with Liz Ferrigno, a parent of one of our students who just recently took the April 13th ACT. Her daughter, Danielle, is a Junior at Blue Valley West and is thinking about attending college at either University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Kansas State University, or Washburn University. We breakdown Danielle's ACT scores and discuss how our Standard Course helped her feel more confident and knowledgeable about the ACT.

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 week's episode, we are chatting with Liz Ferrigno, a parent of one of our students who just recently took the April 13th ACT. Her daughter, Danielle, is a Junior at Blue Valley West and is thinking about attending college at either University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Kansas State University, or Washburn University. We breakdown Danielle's ACT scores and discuss how our Standard Course helped her feel more confident and knowledgeable about the ACT.

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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-1071395 Wed, 01 May 2019 05:00:00 -0500 863 ACT Test Prep, ACT score, Scholarships, College Acceptance, High School, Parents 1 7 full false Measuring Success Measuring Success Success looks different for everyone. For some students, success may be getting accepted into their dream college, for others it may equate to a significant scholarship, and for others it may be increasing their ACT score 3 points. Everybody has a different measure of success.  On today’s episode we’re talking about what success looks like for three of our students and how they chose to reach their goals. 

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.

]]> Success looks different for everyone. For some students, success may be getting accepted into their dream college, for others it may equate to a significant scholarship, and for others it may be increasing their ACT score 3 points. Everybody has a different measure of success.  On today’s episode we’re talking about what success looks like for three of our students and how they chose to reach their goals. 

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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-1052083 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 05:00:00 -0500 1496 ACT, High School, Goals, Success, Students, Case Studies, College, Tests 1 6 full false Managing Expectations Managing Expectations Setting realistic expectations when it comes to the ACT is important. Why? Just like any other scenario in life, such as a big test, a speech, a business meeting, or an interview, you have to prepare.  Being prepared gives you confidence and confidence allows you to do your best given the situation.  On today’s episode we discuss how you can properly manage expectations when it comes to the ACT.

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.

]]> Setting realistic expectations when it comes to the ACT is important. Why? Just like any other scenario in life, such as a big test, a speech, a business meeting, or an interview, you have to prepare.  Being prepared gives you confidence and confidence allows you to do your best given the situation.  On today’s episode we discuss how you can properly manage expectations when it comes to the ACT.

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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-1042838 Wed, 17 Apr 2019 05:00:00 -0500 1870 ACT, High School, SAT, College, College Prep, Goals, Setting Goals, Prepare for the ACT 1 5 full false What Makes Up the ACT/SAT? What Makes Up the ACT/SAT? The ACT is very different from all other tests in high school. Students tend to feel overwhelmed with the way test makers phrase the questions and run out of time in different sections. On today's episode we discuss in detail every section of the ACT, what it covers, what students tend to struggle with in specific sections, different tips for each portion of the test and then we compare the ACT to the SAT.

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 is very different from all other tests in high school. Students tend to feel overwhelmed with the way test makers phrase the questions and run out of time in different sections. On today's episode we discuss in detail every section of the ACT, what it covers, what students tend to struggle with in specific sections, different tips for each portion of the test and then we compare the ACT to the SAT.

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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-1032438 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 05:00:00 -0500 2594 ACT, High School, SAT, ACT sections, Test, English, Math, Reading, Science 1 4 full false Choosing the Correct ACT Test Date Choosing the Correct ACT Test Date Every high school student's Junior year is hectic and their schedules are full! In today's episode, Caleb and Jill breakdown how to choose the correct ACT test date. It may sound simple, but there are a number of pieces to identify before choosing a test date that works for students and their schedules. They discuss academic load, sports, extracurricular activities, and of course college deadlines & scholarships. How does a student fit studying for 8-10 weeks for the ACT into their busy life? Get Smarter Prep will help every student navigate which ACT test date is right for them.  

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.

]]> Every high school student's Junior year is hectic and their schedules are full! In today's episode, Caleb and Jill breakdown how to choose the correct ACT test date. It may sound simple, but there are a number of pieces to identify before choosing a test date that works for students and their schedules. They discuss academic load, sports, extracurricular activities, and of course college deadlines & scholarships. How does a student fit studying for 8-10 weeks for the ACT into their busy life? Get Smarter Prep will help every student navigate which ACT test date is right for them.  

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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-1024266 Wed, 03 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0500 1486 ACT Test, ACT score, Scholarships, College Acceptance, High School, ACT Test Date 1 3 full false What is a "Good" ACT Score? What is a "Good" ACT Score? On this week's episode of Simply Smarter we talk about what a "good" ACT score really means, how each student should have different ACT goals, and how to establish a baseline ACT score. We also break down the admittance rate for several colleges as well as discuss how your ACT score impacts different scholarships levels. As as added bonus, our listeners get to hear Caleb's southern accent even though he is from Colorado! 

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 week's episode of Simply Smarter we talk about what a "good" ACT score really means, how each student should have different ACT goals, and how to establish a baseline ACT score. We also break down the admittance rate for several colleges as well as discuss how your ACT score impacts different scholarships levels. As as added bonus, our listeners get to hear Caleb's southern accent even though he is from Colorado! 

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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-1012750 Wed, 27 Mar 2019 09:00:00 -0500 1488 ACT Test, ACT score, Scholarships, College Acceptance, High School 1 2 full false Varsity Blues Admissions Scandal Varsity Blues Admissions Scandal Today on the Simply Smarter Podcast Caleb and Jill are discussing the Varsity Blues College Admission Scandal, who was involved, the colleges that were a part of the scandal, as well as students' lives that are affected by this. We also touch on how parent's within our community are feeling anxiety surrounding test prep and what they can do about it. We discuss how our currently enrolled students are feeling, what they can do to obtain a legitimate ACT score, and the steps to admittance into their dream college. 

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 on the Simply Smarter Podcast Caleb and Jill are discussing the Varsity Blues College Admission Scandal, who was involved, the colleges that were a part of the scandal, as well as students' lives that are affected by this. We also touch on how parent's within our community are feeling anxiety surrounding test prep and what they can do about it. We discuss how our currently enrolled students are feeling, what they can do to obtain a legitimate ACT score, and the steps to admittance into their dream college. 

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.

]]> Caleb & Jill Buzzsprout-1003981 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 00:00:00 -0500 1374 College Admissions Scandal, ACT Test, Scholarships, College Admissions, High School 1 1 full false