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 their comprehensive process—incorporating tools like the Highlands Ability Battery, interest inventories, values assessments, and more—helps teens confidently choose college majors and career paths aligned with their innate strengths.

Whether you're a parent guiding your high schooler or a young professional seeking clarity, this episode offers practical advice on moving past "what ifs" toward a fulfilling future. Tune in for real insights on career discovery without bias or guesswork! (Perfect for families navigating college prep and career decisions.)

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

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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.

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.