Simply Smarter

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

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

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 

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

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. 

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.

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.

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

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. 

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. 

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 ...

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 ...

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

Simply Smarter Podcast

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 regard...

Reading the ACT - The Newest Section

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 regard...

Please Welcome Stacey Jacks

On today's episode, Jill gets to know Get Smarter Prep's new Director of Enrollment, Stacey Jacks. We get to know about her background, her favorites, and more about what her role at Get Smarter Prep will be.  If you don't know about her interesting food choices, now is the time to enlighten your senses.  Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. 

Please Welcome Stacey Jacks

On today's episode, Jill gets to know Get Smarter Prep's new Director of Enrollment, Stacey Jacks. We get to know about her background, her favorites, and more about what her role at Get Smarter Prep will be.  If you don't know about her interesting food choices, now is the time to enlighten your senses.  Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. 

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 Initial Consultation Templates & Initial Guidance - email [email protected]  Top 5 ACT Test Podcasts

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 

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 

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!   

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

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

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 Faceb...

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 informa...

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

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

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

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. 

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

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

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

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. 

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

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! 

Building Your Own Brand with Team Cura

Welcome Back to Season Three of Simply Smarter! On today's episode we have a special guest Rob Hughey from Team Cura. Rob is currently the Business Development Manager for Team Cura. We'll be discussing how high school student athletes can gain confidence, develop interpersonal skills, and build their personal brand both on and off the field.  Team Cura www.teamcura.com [email protected]

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!  FREE Practice Tests ACT Standard Courses ACT Advanced Courses Private Tutoring 

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. 

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 

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. 

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. 

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! 

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. 

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. 

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! 

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.

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. 

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.

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.