Ol' College Try

Matt and Peg's College Planning Podcast
  • 4.3 (10)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Let’s give the college planning game an Ol’ College Try—together. New episodes every Thursday at 12PM ET. Ol’ College Try is your go-to podcast for students, families, and educators ready to tackle the college planning process with confidence. Hosted by Matt Carpenter, Co-Founder of College Aid Pro, and Peg Keough, Director of Education, each episode breaks down the ins and outs of financial aid, scholarships, student loans, and smart college planning—without the overwhelm. 💡 Get expert insights, insider strategies, and the latest updates to make college more affordable and less stressful.

  1. Too Rich for Aid, Too Poor to Pay: Inside College Costs with Dr. Jason Slone

    1D AGO

    Too Rich for Aid, Too Poor to Pay: Inside College Costs with Dr. Jason Slone

    What if everything you thought you knew about paying for college… was wrong? In this episode of Ol’ College Try, Matt sits down with Dr. Jason Slone—former professor, dean, financial advisor, and now CAP College Affordability Expert—to break down the reality behind college costs and financial aid. Jason shares his unique journey from small-town Ohio to academia, the private sector, and ultimately helping families navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Along the way, he unpacks why so many families feel “stuck in the middle”—too wealthy for aid, but nowhere near able to comfortably afford $300K+ for college. You’ll learn: Why college prestige is often overratedHow to have honest (and productive) money conversations with your kidsWhat most families misunderstand about financial aidWhy “fit” matters more than rankingsHow to think like an adult when making college decisionsPlus, Jason shares insights from his new book Too Rich for Aid, Too Poor to Pay—a quick, practical guide designed to help families cut through the noise and lower the cost of college. 🎵 Song Pick of the Episode:Domino College by Jimmy Buffett If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, share, and leave a review—it helps more families find the guidance they need. Connect with Jason! Too Rich to Pay, Too Poor for Aid by Jason Slone: https://a.co/d/04mqvH3x Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-slone-phd-ccfc-578601231/ Learn More & Book an Hour with Jason (use code COLLEGETRY15 for 15% OFF your hour): https://collegeaidpro.com/college-experts-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 💸

    37 min
  2. The Truth About College Admissions: Essays, Odds & Financial Reality

    APR 2

    The Truth About College Admissions: Essays, Odds & Financial Reality

    What does it really take to get into college today—and is it worth the cost? In this episode of The Ol’ College Try, Peg Keough sits down with former Stanford student, longtime English teacher, and college essay expert Mark Hernandez to break down the realities of the admissions process. From the myth of “perfect stats” to the truth about how decisions are actually made, Mark shares what he saw firsthand after 25 years working with high-achieving students. They dive into: Why great grades and test scores aren’t enough anymoreThe biggest mistakes students make on college essays (and how to stand out)Why “I’ll figure out the cost later” is a dangerous mindsetThe growing pressure of competition and social mediaHow families can approach college as a financial decision, not just an emotional onePlus, Mark shares actionable advice for students on writing bold, authentic essays—and for parents on supporting their kids without adding stress. If you’re navigating the college process, this episode will help you think more clearly, plan smarter, and avoid costly missteps. 🎓 Featuring insights from a Stanford grad, veteran educator, and admissions insider perspective you won’t hear anywhere else. 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 💸 Connect with Mark Hernandez! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englishwithmarkh/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englishwithmarkh Website: https://englishwithmarkh.com/

    35 min
  3. Student Loans, Myths & Middle-Class Reality: What Families Need to Know Right Now

    MAR 26

    Student Loans, Myths & Middle-Class Reality: What Families Need to Know Right Now

    In this open Q&A episode of Ol' College Try, Matt and Peg tackle some of the biggest (and most misunderstood) questions families have about paying for college. From Parent PLUS vs. private loans to loan forgiveness for teachers, they break down what really matters when borrowing for college—and how to avoid costly mistakes. They also dig into the reality for middle-class families who feel stuck between “no aid” and “can’t afford it,” and explain why that assumption might be wrong. Plus, they pull back the curtain on how financial aid and admissions are actually connected, what your Student Aid Index (SAI) really means, and why planning early can save you tens (or hundreds) of thousands. If you're feeling overwhelmed by college costs, this episode will help you think more strategically—and stay in the driver’s seat. What you’ll learn: How to choose between Parent PLUS and private student loansLoan forgiveness opportunities (especially for teachers)Why “we won’t qualify for aid” is often a mythThe truth about financial aid and admissions decisionsKey borrowing timelines and what to do right nowA major upcoming change to Parent PLUS loan limits (and who it impacts)🎧 Whether you’re a parent of a high schooler or already in the thick of college decisions, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you make smarter financial choices. 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 💸

    37 min
  4. The End of Student Loan “Blank Checks”: What Families Need to Know Now

    MAR 19

    The End of Student Loan “Blank Checks”: What Families Need to Know Now

    Federal student loans are changing—big time. From the elimination of the SAVE repayment plan to new caps on Parent PLUS loans, these updates could dramatically impact how families pay for college. In this episode, Matt sits down with College Aid Pro expert and Air Force veteran Mike Hunsberger to break down what’s changing, who it affects, and what families should be doing right now to prepare. Whether you’re currently in repayment, about to borrow, or years away from college, this is a must-listen conversation. 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 💸

    34 min

  5. MAR 12

    A Stanford Grad’s Advice on Elite Colleges, Admissions & College Fit

    What is it really like to attend one of the most selective colleges in the world? In this episode of Ol' College Try, host Peg Keough sits down with Mark Hernandez—a Stanford graduate, former high school English teacher of 25 years, and now a college essay consultant with a growing social media following. Mark shares his unexpected path to Stanford (including applying just four days before the deadline) and the difficult financial decision his family faced after he was admitted. Determined to reduce the burden on his dad, Mark created a plan to graduate from Stanford in just two years and two quarters—a strategy that even caught the attention of the university president. Peg and Mark also dive into: What Stanford’s campus culture is really like The surprising “work hard but pretend you’re not” academic mindset How students can strategically think about college costs Whether AP classes actually help students graduate early The type of student who truly thrives at selective universities Why finding the right college fit matters more than prestige Mark also reflects on how his own teachers shaped his career and how his experience in the classroom gives him a unique perspective on the college admissions process today. If your family is thinking about selective colleges—or just wants a clearer picture of what college success actually looks like—this conversation is packed with insight. 🎧 Plus, Mark shares the story behind his intro song: “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses, a favorite across three generations of his family. 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 Hernandez! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englishwithmarkh/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@englishwithmarkh Website: https://englishwithmarkh.com/

    26 min
  6. The “Prior-Prior Year” Rule: The Financial Aid Secret Most Families Miss

    MAR 5

    The “Prior-Prior Year” Rule: The Financial Aid Secret Most Families Miss

    Most families assume colleges look at their current income when determining financial aid. They don’t. In this episode, Matt and Peg break down the “prior-prior year” rule—one of the most important (and misunderstood) concepts in college financial aid. Colleges actually use income from two years earlier, meaning the financial decisions you make today could determine how much aid your student receives in the future. They explain why the base income year is so important, how it can impact financial aid eligibility for all four years of college, and what families can still do depending on where their student is in high school. You’ll also learn practical strategies families often overlook—from retirement contributions to asset timing—and why planning early can open the door to thousands of dollars in potential aid. Plus, Matt and Peg discuss one of the biggest mistakes families make during the college search: falling in love with schools before understanding what they’ll actually cost. Whether your student is a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, this episode will help you understand what matters, what you can control, and how to start planning smarter.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 💸

    32 min
  7. Your Monthly Financial Aid Grab Bag Q&A: Blizzards, Bruce & Big Questions

    FEB 26

    Your Monthly Financial Aid Grab Bag Q&A: Blizzards, Bruce & Big Questions

    It’s a true Tale of Two Cities episode—Matt’s digging out from the Blizzard of ’26 in the Northeast while Peggy’s bracing for 80-degree temps in Arizona. After a little Bruce Springsteen love (yes, 10th Avenue Freeze-Out makes an appearance 🎸), they dive into your biggest college planning questions in this month’s Open Grab Bag Q&A. In this episode, Matt and Peggy break down: Why your financial aid offer might be taking longer than your neighbor’s What the Student Aid Index (SAI) actually means for your family The real difference between subsidized vs. unsubsidized federal student loans Waitlisted vs. deferred—what’s the strategy and what should you expect? Whether your aid can change if your income changes Why colleges push enrollment deposits before you’ve seen your financial aid package How (and when) you can pay off student loans—with no prepayment penalties Whether students can take out private loans without a co-signer As always, this episode is packed with practical advice, straight talk about how colleges really operate, and the clarity families need to make confident financial decisions. Got a question for a future episode? Send it our way on social media or email support@collegeaidpro.com 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 💸

    33 min
  8. From TRIO to NASA: How Students Are Turning Lab Culture into a Launchpad for College

    FEB 19

    From TRIO to NASA: How Students Are Turning Lab Culture into a Launchpad for College

    What happens when federally funded college access programs, a cutting-edge STEM lab, and one determined high school student collide? 🚀In this special episode of Ol’ College Try, Matt sits down with Valeria Garcia-Lopez of the TRIO/GEAR UP programs at the University of Michigan–Dearborn, Keith Young, CEO of Ecotek Lab, and Carlos — a Class of 2027 student already presenting research at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.You’ll hear how:TRIO and GEAR UP programs are creating life-changing “firsts” for students across Metro DetroitEcotek Lab has spent nearly 20 years building STEM bridges — not just curriculumsHigh school students are tackling real-world challenges like space debris removal and water AI systemsCarlos earned his spot through grit, consistency, and showing up (even on freezing Sundays)Experiences like presenting at NASA can reshape a student’s entire college pathwayCarlos shares his dream of attending MIT and working at NASA — and how he’s navigating the college process with aerospace engineering and astronomy in his sights.This episode is about more than scholarships. It’s about expectation. It’s about exposure. It’s about giving students access to environments most don’t see until graduate school — if ever.If you’ve ever wondered what early STEM exposure can truly unlock, this conversation will inspire you.And if you’re moved by Carlos’s journey, check the show notes to learn how you can help sponsor students ready to launch. 🚀Connect with Us! Website: ⁠⁠https://collegeaidpro.com/⁠⁠Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0Sign Up for Our FREE College Success Bootcamp: https://hubs.li/Q042SVt10 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 💸Connect with UM-Dearborn TRIO! Website & Giving Page: https://donate.umich.edu/xXDyK Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UMDearbornTRIO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umdtrio

    36 min
See All (61)

4.3
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Let’s give the college planning game an Ol’ College Try—together. New episodes every Thursday at 12PM ET. Ol’ College Try is your go-to podcast for students, families, and educators ready to tackle the college planning process with confidence. Hosted by Matt Carpenter, Co-Founder of College Aid Pro, and Peg Keough, Director of Education, each episode breaks down the ins and outs of financial aid, scholarships, student loans, and smart college planning—without the overwhelm. 💡 Get expert insights, insider strategies, and the latest updates to make college more affordable and less stressful.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt and Peg's College Planning Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Matt and Peg's College Planning Podcast
  • Show Website
    Ol' College Try

You Might Also Like