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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.
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By Caleb & Jill
5
1515 ratings
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.