College costs feel overwhelming—and this week on Old College Try, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough open up the grab bag to tackle the real questions families are asking right now.

From understanding the difference between FAFSA (federal methodology) and CSS Profile (institutional methodology), to how rental properties, LLCs, trusts, inheritances, and child support impact financial aid, this episode goes a level deeper for families who want to understand how the system actually works.

They also zoom out to talk about the bigger picture:

• Is college still worth it with AI reshaping careers and majors?

• Why sticker price is misleading—and how families can still get strong outcomes

• Why relationships, networking, and adaptability may matter more than ever

If you’re trying to plan smart, avoid unnecessary costs, and feel less in the dark about the college funding process, this episode is packed with clarity, context, and practical insight.

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 💸

If your child was accepted to college but the financial aid offer doesn’t reflect your real financial situation, you may be able to appeal — and win.

In this episode, Matt Carpenter and Peg Keough explain how need-based financial aid appeals work, who should lead the process, and how colleges evaluate income, assets, businesses, and home equity. You’ll hear practical advice, insider insight from former financial aid professionals, and examples of appeals that resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in additional aid.

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 💸

Merit scholarships aren’t always final—and a smart appeal can make a real difference. In this episode of The Ol’ College Try, host Peg Keough sits down with Mike Hinderman, Director of Scholarships at the University of Oklahoma (and a CAP financial expert), to get the behind-the-scenes scoop on how merit appeals actually work.

Mike breaks down OU’s approach to automatic merit scholarships, what the appeals process looks like, and why your admissions counselor can be your best ally. They also dig into what separates a strong appeal from one that gets ignored—like why the student must lead the appeal, how to share the right “missing context” (awards, leadership, challenges overcome), and what language to avoid (hint: “price match” and demands don’t land well at many public universities). Plus, Mike shares real examples of appeals that stood out to committees and why timing and demonstrated interest can influence outcomes.

If your family is staring at an award letter and wondering “Can we ask for more?”—this episode is your playbook.

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 💸