Simply Smarter

In this episode of the Simply Smarter Podcast, hosts Caleb and Jill welcome Kristi Windish from True Compass for an insightful conversation on aptitude assessments. True Compass specializes in objective, timed aptitude testing that goes beyond interests and personality quizzes to reveal how students and young adults naturally think, solve problems, learn, and approach challenges.  Discover how the...

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 pe...

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 recogniz...

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 st...

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 Pod...

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 chang...

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 un...

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....

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 busin...

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 he...

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 yo...

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 &...

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 ch...

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 Ac...

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 ch...

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...

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 Initial Consultation Templates & Initial Guidance - email enrollment@getsmarte...

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  Subsc...

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 ep...

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 t...

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 ac...

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, GS...

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 l...

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 & Rev...