Ol' College Try

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 householdsThe difference between need-based aid and merit scholarshipsHow deadlines can make or break your financial aid packageCommon myths about FAFSA and college admissions decisionsTips for reducing stress and staying organized during application seasonWhether 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/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠support@collegeaidpro.com⁠⁠

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 decisionsWhat questions to ask on campus visits (beyond just academics and cost)How student engagement, retention efforts, and support services reveal a school’s true prioritiesWhy “fit” and student connection can matter more than rankings or prestigeWhether 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/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠support@collegeaidpro.com⁠⁠

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.com⁠⁠Key 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.com⁠⁠Connect with Megan Walter & The College Cost Transparency Initiative Website: https://www.collegeprice.org/homeKey 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.

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, explains why high sticker prices can be misleading, and makes a compelling case for why standardized tests still matter. Learn why the right school might not be the most obvious one—and how to get those shoulders down and navigate this stressful process with confidence.🎧 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.com⁠Connect with Rob Franek & The Princeton ReviewLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-franek Website: ⁠https://www.princetonreview.com/Best Value Colleges List: https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings/best-value-colleges/ 🎙️ Episode Highlights:Rob Franek’s College JourneyRob shares his experience as a first-generation college student, attending Drew University, and the challenges his family faced navigating the admissions and financial aid process.Defining “Best Value” in CollegesA deep dive into how The Princeton Review identifies Best Value Colleges, weighing academic quality, cost, financial aid, career outcomes, and student satisfaction.Sticker Price ≠ What You PayRob and Matt emphasize that many high-sticker-price colleges can be the most affordable due to generous need- and merit-based aid.Spotlight on Lesser-Known Value SchoolsThe episode highlights schools like Reed College, St. Olaf, and Union College as excellent academic fits with surprising affordability.Navigating Financial Aid ConversationsRob shares personal stories and guidance for families to have open, early conversations about money — even when it's uncomfortable.Merit Aid & Standardized TestingThe role SAT/ACT scores play in unlocking merit scholarships — especially for middle-income “bubble families” who may not qualify for need-based aid.Advice for Families Starting the ProcessRob offers encouragement and practical tips to help students and parents reduce stress, cast a wide net, and define what “fit” means for them.

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 personal growth.🎧 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.comConnect with Peter PittsWebsite: https://www.lifechangingcolleges.com/New Book: Finding Your College MajorKey Highlights: Debunking Liberal Arts College Myths: Discover how liberal arts colleges offer top programs in engineering, nursing, and business—not just humanities.Greek Life at Small Colleges: Learn why Greek systems at liberal arts colleges often outperform those at large universities in academics and community service.Undergraduate Research Opportunities: Explore how students at liberal arts colleges can start original research from their first year.Strong Career Outcomes: Understand why 90–99% of liberal arts graduates secure jobs or grad school placement within six months of graduation.Generous Financial Aid and Merit Scholarships: Find out how small liberal arts colleges provide substantial financial support to attract talented students.Who Thrives at Liberal Arts Colleges: Identify the type of student who excels in smaller, more personalized college environments.Campus Culture and Networking: See how faculty engagement, leadership opportunities, and alumni connections prepare students for career success.