Ol' College Try

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: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

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: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

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: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

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: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

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: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

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: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

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: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

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/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠

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LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

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: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

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