Ol' College Try

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. Con...

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 bet...

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 exce...

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, scholarship...

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...

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 in...

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 strateg...

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...

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 t...

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 nee...

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...

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 lo...

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 real...

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 U...

In this episode of College! , Matt Carpenter sits down with Rob Franek, Editor-in-Chief at The Princeton Review and longtime voice in college admissions. They dive deep into the “50 Best Value Colleges” list, how it’s calculated, and what “value” truly means in higher education today. Rob also shares his personal college journey as a first-gen student, offers candid insights about financial aid, e...

Discover why liberal arts colleges are ideal for students who want to “do it all.” In this episode, retired admissions expert Peter Pitts breaks down myths about small private colleges, including Greek life, research opportunities, career placement, and financial aid. Learn what type of student thrives in this unique college environment and why these schools can lead to strong career outcomes and...

In this episode of College! , Peg and Admissions Expert, Joe Korfmacher dive deep into the different college application options—Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, and Rolling Admissions. Learn how each pathway impacts admissions chances and financial aid opportunities, hear real-world case studies from Joe’s 15+ years of experience, and discover key tips for parents and students on c...

In this must-listen episode of College! , host Peg Keough sits down with CAP Admissions and Financial Aid Expert Dan Bisig to break down everything families need to know about the Common App. What is it? When should students start? What are the big changes for this year’s cycle—and how can families avoid costly mistakes? Dan shares expert insight on timelines, supplemental essays, scholarship oppo...

The big, beautiful bill has passed—and it's bringing some of the biggest changes to higher education policy in years. In this episode, Matt and Peg break down what this means specifically for college-bound families. They tackle the most important updates taking effect July 1, 2026, including: 📆 Timing: Who’s affected and when the changes kick in 💸 Pell Grant: What stayed the same and new usage r...

In this episode, Matt and Peg break down how colleges price, discount, and compete for students—especially post-May 1. From Syracuse’s aggressive merit offers to the broader strategy behind tuition discounting, you'll learn how to navigate financial aid, appeal offers, and avoid paying full price. Get insider tips to play—and win—the college funding game. 👉 Subscribe and share with families navig...

Join Peg Keough and her son, Brennan Keough, as they unpack the real challenges of the college admissions journey—from building the right college list and having honest financial aid talks to navigating first-year loneliness and picking a school that fits. A must-listen for families preparing for the college process. 👉 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning! Learn more abou...

In this episode of College! , Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough unpack a flurry of hot-button topics shaping the higher ed landscape. First, they dissect the Wall Street Journal's latest report on elite colleges' response to a proposed tiered federal endowment tax , including an alternative plan from the so-called “Learn Alliance” (think Yale, Stanford, Princeton) to allocate 5% of their multibillion-...

In this candid episode of College! , co-hosts Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough pull back the curtain on how they’re approaching college savings as parents —one with twins, one with a 10-year-old—and the different paths they’ve taken. Whether you’re just starting to think about saving or wondering if it’s too late, this conversation offers relatable, real-world insights with zero judgment . Matt and P...

Big shifts are coming to student financial aid—and parents need to be ready. In this episode of the College! podcast, Matt and Peg break down the proposed education bill shaking up college funding. Learn how the potential elimination of subsidized federal student loans, new limits on PLUS loans, lifetime borrowing caps, Pell Grant changes, and endowment taxes could affect your family's college...

Explore the launch of MyCAP 2.0, last-minute appeal strategies for Class of 2025, federal student loan interest rate changes, and a deep dive into proposed college accountability legislation. Featuring expert insights from Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough. 👉 Subscribe and share with families navigating college planning! Learn more about what we do at ⁠College Aid Pro⁠ ! Create a ⁠Free MyCAP account⁠...