In this special holiday edition of Ol’ College Try, hosts Matt Carpenter and Peggy Keough tackle listener-submitted Q&A questions just in time for the end of the year. From financial aid appeals at state schools to common FAFSA and CSS Profile misconceptions, Matt and Peggy break down what families really need to know—without getting lost in the weeds.
This episode covers:
How student and parent assets impact financial aid
Whether retirement accounts affect FAFSA and the CSS Profile
When and why it’s worth appealing a financial aid offer (even at state schools)
How colleges think about full-pay families versus discounted offers
When families should start working with College Aid Pro—and why earlier is better
Plus, the episode wouldn’t be complete without some holiday fun. Matt’s daughter, Emma Claire Carpenter, joins as a very special guest to answer the toughest Christmas questions of all—what’s on her wish list and what she loves most about the holidays.
Whether you’re navigating senior-year stress or just starting to think about college planning, this festive Q&A episode offers practical insights, reassurance, and a reminder to enjoy the season. Happy holidays from the Ol’ College Try team!
Connect with Us! Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ Email: support@collegeaidpro.com PLUS Get 15% OFF site wide with coupon code COLLEGETRY15 💸
Early Decision and Early Action results are rolling in — and for many families, emotions are running high. In this episode of Old College Try, Matt Carpenter and Peggy Keough, the Fair Godmother of Financial Aid, break down what families should do when early college decisions arrive… especially when the answer isn’t what you hoped for.
They walk through the key differences between Early Decision, Early Action, deferrals, waitlists, and rejections, and share practical next steps for each scenario. Most importantly, Matt and Peggy dive deep into the emotional side of the college admissions process — how parents can support their students through disappointment, manage expectations, and keep perspective when a “dream school” says no.
Drawing from personal stories, professional experience, and years of working with families, this conversation reframes college rejection as a life lesson, not a life sentence. If your family is navigating early admissions decisions — or preparing for them — this episode offers reassurance, strategy, and much-needed clarity.
Topics covered include:
What to do after an Early Decision acceptance
How to respond to deferrals and waitlists
Why college admissions decisions are business decisions, not personal judgments
How parents can model healthy mindset and resilience
Why where you go to college is not who you become
Whether your student was accepted, deferred, waitlisted, or denied, this episode will help you move forward with confidence and perspective.
Connect with Us! Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ Email: support@collegeaidpro.com PLUS Get 15% OFF site wide with coupon code COLLEGETRY15 💸
Got into your dream school Early Decision…but not loving the price tag? In this episode of Old College Try, Matt Carpenter and “fairy godmother of financial aid” Peg Keough break down how to appeal an Early Decision financial aid offer without breaking your ED agreement—or your budget.
They cover:
What Early Decision really means (and why that contract is a big deal for parents, students, and counselors)
Why “negotiate” is a dirty word in financial aid—and what language to use instead
How to know if your offer is fair, low, or wildly under-awarded
When merit aid appeals make sense (and when they really don’t)
Real family case studies, including big wins from smart appeals
Matt and Peg also unveil College Aid Pro’s Net Price Calculator Challenge: run the college’s NPC, compare it to your myCAP projection, and if the college is more accurate than we are, we’ll send you $100.
If Early Decision decisions are landing at your house, this is your playbook.
Connect with Us!
Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/
Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ Email: support@collegeaidpro.com
PLUS Get 15% OFF site wide with coupon code COLLEGETRY15 💸
What is demonstrated interest—and can it really change a student’s chances of getting accepted? In this episode of The Ol’ College Try, host Peg Keough sits down with Mark Stucker, producer of Your College Bound Kid, to break down how colleges measure interest and why it matters for admissions and financial outcomes. You’ll learn how schools use demonstrated interest to predict yield (who’s likely to enroll), avoid “unlikely to enroll” applicants, and protect admit rates. Mark explains the most important ways students can show real interest—campus visits (in-person or virtual), college fairs, optional interviews, strong “Why Us?” essays, email engagement, and even website traffic colleges track through their CRMs. Peg and Mark also discuss which colleges care most about DI, common myths, and practical, low-stress strategies families can use to help students stand out and make better college decisions. If you’re building a college list or applying this year, this is a must-listen.
Connect with Us! Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ Email: support@collegeaidpro.com PLUS Get 15% OFF site wide with coupon code COLLEGETRY15 💸
Connect with Mark Stucker!
Podcast: Your College Bound Kid
Website: https://schoolmatch4u.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-stucker-b59b5012/
It’s a special Thanksgiving mailbag episode of The Ol’ College Try podcast! Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough go in totally unprepared and answer your toughest, most common college-planning questions on the fly. They tackle what happens when you have two, three, or even more kids in college at once (and why some schools give a break while others don’t), how FAFSA and CSS Profile work for divorced or separated families, and the truth about your Student Aid Index (SAI)—including why it’s not what you’ll automatically pay.
You’ll also learn how rental or investment properties are treated on the FAFSA vs. CSS Profile, why most colleges’ net price calculators are outdated (and how to double-check affordability the smart way), and whether appealing a financial aid offer can backfire (spoiler: it won’t—if you do it right).
Perfect for parents trying to make sense of financial aid rules, tuition reality, and how to advocate for more aid without hurting admissions. Happy Thanksgiving—and don’t forget to send your next burning question for a future mailbag!
Connect with Us! Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ Email: support@collegeaidpro.com PLUS Get 15% OFF site wide with coupon code COLLEGETRY15
Private scholarships are the biggest distraction in the college affordability world — and today, we’re setting the record straight.
In this episode of Old College Try, hosts Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough break down what families think they know about scholarships versus how the system actually works. From the myth of private scholarship riches to the colleges where every admitted student gets a discount, Matt and Peg unpack the real strategies that lead to meaningful savings.
You’ll learn:
Why private scholarships account for only 3–5% of all financial aid—and why they shouldn’t be your starting point
How scholarship displacement works (and why that $2,000 award may not lower your bill at all)
The 95% of aid families SHOULD be focused on—merit scholarships from the colleges themselves
What kinds of colleges don’t offer any merit aid at all (yes, it’s more common than you think)
When appealing for more merit actually works—and how senior year performance can help
The truth about full-ride scholarships vs partial awards
A proven step-by-step system for deciding which scholarships are worth your time
Plus, the hosts preview next week’s listener mailbag episode and invite your questions!
If you want to build a smart, financially sound college list, this episode is a must-listen.
Connect with Us! Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ Email: support@collegeaidpro.com
PLUS Get 15% OFF site wide with coupon code COLLEGETRY15
Learn why many college net price calculators are inaccurate—and how misinformation can cost families tens of thousands of dollars. In this episode, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough break down the flaws in NPCs, reveal real case studies from Northwestern and Duke, discuss CAP’s partnership with Niche featured in The New York Times, and explain how to get the most accurate college cost projections.
Connect with Us! Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ Email: support@collegeaidpro.com
In this episode of The Old College Try, host Matt Carpenter sits down with Rob Franek, Editor-in-Chief of The Princeton Review, to reveal the top colleges that give the most financial aid in 2025. They break down how schools like Washington & Lee, Princeton, Vanderbilt, and BYU make college more affordable — and why the sticker price rarely reflects the real cost.
Learn the difference between need-based and merit-based aid, discover hidden scholarships, and get insider advice on how families can maximize financial aid and lower college costs. Whether you’re a parent, student, or counselor, this conversation is packed with practical college affordability insights you can use right now.
Episode Highlights:
How The Princeton Review ranks the best colleges for financial aid
Why a $90,000 sticker price might actually cost $20,000
The truth about need-based vs. merit aid
How elite schools like Princeton and Amherst handle financial need
Connect with Us!
Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/
Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/
Email: support@collegeaidpro.com
Connect with Rob Franek and The Princeton Review! Website: https://www.princetonreview.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprincetonreview/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-princeton-review/
In this episode of The Ol’ College Try, hosts Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough dive deep into one of the trickiest financial aid topics—how divorce, separation, and split households affect college costs and aid eligibility. From defining what “separated” actually means to explaining which parent should file the FAFSA (and what happens if you’ve remarried), Matt and Peg break down the rules, the exceptions, and the planning opportunities families often miss.
They also cover:
The difference between FAFSA-only and CSS Profile schools
What to do if your ex won’t cooperate—or can’t be reached
How colleges verify your status (spoiler: not much)
Whether you’re navigating co-parenting or just want to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table, this episode gives you the clarity (and humor) you need.
🎧 Bonus: Peg’s musical pick of the week—“Wide Open Spaces” by The Chicks—sets the perfect tone for families starting a new chapter.
Connect with Us! Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ Email: support@collegeaidpro.com
We’re kicking off the brand-new season — and our new name — Ol’ College Try! 🎓
In this episode, hosts Matt Carpenter (Co-Founder of College Aid Pro) and Peg Keough (Director of Education) break down one of the biggest questions in college admissions: Should your student apply Early Decision?
They unpack what Early Decision really means, how it impacts acceptance rates, financial aid, scholarships, and family budgets, and whether it’s actually worth it. You’ll hear real stories from families, insider tips on how colleges use Early Decision to their advantage, and practical advice on how to decide if it’s the right move for you.
Plus, meet the Futurebirds — the incredible band behind our new intro and outro music — and find out why we’re giving college planning an Ol’ College Try!
📅 New episodes drop every Thursday at 12 PM ET.
Connect with Us! Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ Email: support@collegeaidpro.com
Big changes are coming to the College! podcast — including a new name and fresh intro music — but first, Matt Carpenter sits down with financial aid expert Kevin “Murph Man” Murphy for a deep dive into how college affordability really works. From high-income families unexpectedly qualifying for need-based aid to major wins on financial aid appeals, Matt and Kevin break down real-life case studies that challenge the biggest myths about who gets financial help for college.
They explore the nuances of the FAFSA vs. CSS Profile, why divorced and business-owning families need to be strategic, and how understanding each college’s unique “business model” can unlock hidden discounts. Whether you’re earning six figures, managing multiple kids in college, or just starting your financial aid journey, this episode will help you see the system in a whole new light.
🎙️ Highlights include:
Why even $400K+ earners can qualify for need-based aid
How “appeals” (not negotiations!) can change everything
What divorced and split-household families must know
The new FAFSA rule that benefits small business owners
Tune in for insider insights that could save your family thousands on college costs — and get ready for next week’s big reveal!
🎧 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!Connect with Us! Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://mycap.collegeaidpro.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ Email: support@collegeaidpro.com
In this episode of College! The Podcast, host Peg Keough sits down with Rose Ellen Mocombe, one of College Aid Pro’s newest experts, to dive into everything PSAT. Together, they unpack what the PSAT really is, why students take it, and how it connects to the National Merit Scholarship Program. Rose Ellen explains how scores can lead to recognition and even scholarship money, while Peg offers insights from a parent’s perspective on when and how kids should approach the test.
They also explore the differences between the PSAT and SAT, how testing fits into today’s test-optional admissions landscape, and why strategy and early planning—both academically and financially—make a difference. Whether you’re a parent of a sophomore just starting the college journey or a junior preparing for test season, this episode offers clear, compassionate guidance to help your student feel confident and prepared.
🎧 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!Connect with Us! Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://mycap.collegeaidpro.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ Email: support@collegeaidpro.com
Don’t let costly FAFSA and CSS Profile errors hurt your financial aid eligibility. In this episode of College, the Podcast, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough share the biggest mistakes families make on financial aid applications—from skipping the forms entirely to misreporting retirement accounts, home equity, or 529 plans. Learn why deadlines matter, how to avoid common pitfalls, and insider strategies that can save you thousands on college costs.
🎧 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!Connect with Us! Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://mycap.collegeaidpro.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ Email: support@collegeaidpro.com
Applying for college financial aid doesn’t stop with the FAFSA. For hundreds of schools—including Ivy League institutions, selective private colleges, and top public universities—families must also complete the CSS Profile. In this episode of College! Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough break down this complex and often intimidating form.
You’ll learn:
What the CSS Profile is and how it differs from the FAFSA.
Who needs to complete it—including key rules for divorced and separated parents.
How to navigate common challenges, from non-custodial parent requirements to non-custodial waivers.
What colleges are really looking for when they dig into your tax returns and business write-offs.
Deadlines and timing strategies to avoid costly mistakes.
Tips to reduce stress, avoid self-inflicted errors, and maximize aid eligibility.
Whether you’re applying to competitive private universities or “Public Ivies” like UNC Chapel Hill and Michigan, this episode is packed with strategies to help your family put its best foot forward in the financial aid process.
🎧 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!Connect with Us! Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://mycap.collegeaidpro.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ Email: support@collegeaidpro.com
In this FAFSA-focused episode of College, the Podcast, hosts Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough break down everything families need to know about completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. From creating your FSA ID to understanding who the “custodial parent” really is, Matt and Peg cover key details that can make or break your financial aid eligibility.
They explain how the prior-prior tax year impacts your FAFSA, what assets to include (and what not to), and strategies for divorced or separated households. You’ll also hear why it’s important to avoid common mistakes, how to plan ahead for appeals, and why submitting the FAFSA matters even if you think you won’t qualify for need-based aid.
Whether you’re a parent of a high school senior, already navigating college costs, or just starting to plan ahead, this episode is packed with insider tips to help maximize your family’s financial aid opportunities.
🎧 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!Connect with Us! Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://mycap.collegeaidpro.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ Email: support@collegeaidpro.com
In this episode of the College! Podcast, hosts Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough kick off Financial Aid Month with a deep dive into the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). They break down what the FAFSA is, why it matters, and the biggest mistakes families make when skipping it.
You’ll learn:
Why every family should file the FAFSA, even high-income households
The difference between need-based aid and merit scholarships
How deadlines can make or break your financial aid package
Common myths about FAFSA and college admissions decisions
Tips for reducing stress and staying organized during application season
Whether you’re a parent of a high school senior or just starting to plan for college costs, this episode will help you avoid leaving thousands of dollars in aid on the table.
🎧 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!Connect with Us! Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://mycap.collegeaidpro.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ Email: support@collegeaidpro.com
In this episode of College!, Peg Keough sits down again with Melissa M. Stephens, Associate Dean of Enrollment Management & Financial Aid and a CAP expert, to break down the new federal legislation signed July 4, 2025—nicknamed the One Big Beautiful Bill.
Melissa explains:
How loan limits for Parent PLUS and graduate students will change.
What the timeline and negotiated rulemaking process mean for families.
How part-time enrollment will affect undergraduate borrowing.
Why new accountability rules are being placed on colleges and universities.
The impact on institutional resources, FAFSA completion trends, and student financial literacy.
Whether you’re a parent, student, or counselor, this conversation provides clarity on how the bill could affect college affordability starting in 2026–2027. Peg and Melissa also share practical tips on FAFSA, financial aid deadlines, appeals, and asking the right questions during the admissions process.
🎧 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!
Connect with Us!
Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/
Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://mycap.collegeaidpro.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/
https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/
What does enrollment management really mean, and why should families care? In this insightful conversation, College Aid Pro’s Peg Keough sits down with Melissa M. Stephens, Associate Dean of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid at Connecticut State University and the newest CAP financial expert. With more than 30 years of higher education experience, Melissa shares what enrollment management looks like beyond admissions—covering recruitment, financial aid, student success, retention, and even graduation outcomes.
Families will learn:
Why understanding a school’s enrollment management strategy is key to making confident college decisions
What questions to ask on campus visits (beyond just academics and cost)
How student engagement, retention efforts, and support services reveal a school’s true priorities
Why “fit” and student connection can matter more than rankings or prestige
Whether you’re just starting the college search or narrowing down final choices, this episode will give you the tools to look past brochures and websites to see how schools really support their students.
🎧 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!
Connect with Us!
Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/
Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://mycap.collegeaidpro.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/
https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/
In this episode of College!, host Peg Keough talks with admissions expert Melissa Mieyr about how students can write standout college application essays. They break down the Common App personal statement, supplemental essay strategies, and the importance of authenticity and storytelling. Melissa shares why vulnerability matters, how to tackle “Why Us” essays, and why “optional” essays aren’t really optional. They also discuss how (and how not) to use AI tools when applying to college. Whether you’re a parent of a high school senior or planning ahead, this episode offers practical college admissions advice and expert essay tips to help your student stand out.
🎧 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!
Connect with Us!
Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/
Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://mycap.collegeaidpro.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/
https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/
Email: support@collegeaidpro.com
Key Highlights:
✅ Why starting early on college essays is essential for seniors
✅ How to find your unique story for the Common App personal statement
✅ The most common supplemental essay prompts — and how to approach them
✅ Why “optional” essays and interviews are not really optional
✅ Tips for writing authentic essays that show personality and voice
✅ The dangers of over-polishing with parents, teachers, or AI — and how to keep a student’s true voice
✅ Smart, ethical ways to use AI tools (and when to avoid them)
✅ How colleges view demonstrated interest and why “Why Us” essays matter
✅ Expert brainstorming strategies to uncover meaningful essay topics
✅ The golden rule: “Show, don’t tell” when describing leadership, character, and growth
Learn how to read and compare financial aid award letters with confidence. In this episode of College! The Podcast, Peg Keough and Megan Walter from the College Cost Transparency Initiative explain what every parent needs to know to spot hidden costs, understand true net price, and plan for all four years of college.
🎧 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning!
Connect with Us!
Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/
Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://mycap.collegeaidpro.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/
https://www.instagram.com/capcollegepod/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/
Email: support@collegeaidpro.com
Connect with Megan Walter & The College Cost Transparency Initiative
Website: https://www.collegeprice.org/home
Key Highlights:
Why financial aid award letters often lack clarity — and how to spot misleading details.
The difference between direct costs, indirect costs, grants, work-study, and loans.
How the College Cost Transparency Initiative sets voluntary standards for clear award letters.
Why families should calculate a four-year net cost instead of focusing on just year one.
Practical tips for comparing offers and avoiding unnecessary student or parent debt.