Ol' College Try

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 BuffettIf 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 💸

Mark Hernandez, former Stanford student and 25-year English teacher turned college essay consultant, offers insider admissions perspective. They tackle why top stats no longer guarantee admission. Short takes cover essay mistakes, financial planning pitfalls, competition pressure, and how families should approach fit and cost. Practical resources and candid advice are highlighted.

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 💸

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 💸

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 likeThe surprising “work hard but pretend you’re not” academic mindsetHow students can strategically think about college costsWhether AP classes actually help students graduate earlyThe type of student who truly thrives at selective universitiesWhy finding the right college fit matters more than prestigeMark 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/@englishwithmarkhWebsite: https://englishwithmarkh.com/

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 💸

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’sWhat the Student Aid Index (SAI) actually means for your familyThe real difference between subsidized vs. unsubsidized federal student loansWaitlisted vs. deferred—what’s the strategy and what should you expect?Whether your aid can change if your income changesWhy colleges push enrollment deposits before you’ve seen your financial aid packageHow (and when) you can pay off student loans—with no prepayment penaltiesWhether students can take out private loans without a co-signerAs 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.comConnect 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 💸

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/xXDyKFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UMDearbornTRIOInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/umdtrio

Private scholarships can feel overwhelming, confusing, and sometimes too good to be true. So how do families actually use them to lower the cost of college?In this episode of The Ol’ College Try, Peg Keough sits down with Jocelyn Pearson, founder of The Scholarship System, to do a deep dive into the world of private (aka external) scholarships. Jocelyn shares how she personally earned six figures in scholarships—enough to graduate debt-free with overage checks—and how families today can create a repeatable strategy to do the same.You’ll learn:The difference between private scholarships, merit aid, and need-based grantsWhy your FAFSA Student Aid Index does not automatically disqualify youHow to identify your student’s unique “scholarship superpower”Which scholarships are worth your time (and which are just sweepstakes in disguise)When to start applying—and why junior year is idealHow recurring scholarships workWhat scholarship displacement is and how to protect your awardIf your family falls into the “income gap” and you’re worried about taking on debt, this episode will give you practical, actionable steps to start closing that gap the smart way.Whether you have a high school junior, senior, or even a current college student, it’s not too late to build a strategy that works.Tune in and learn how to turn private scholarships from a buzzword into a real plan.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 Jocelyn! Website: ⁠⁠https://thescholarshipsystem.com/ Sign Up for Her Free Master Class: https://thescholarshipsystem.com/mycap/

In this episode, Peg Keough sits down with fellow Jersey girl and longtime College Aid Pro advocate Lisa Burfeindt, Director of School Counseling for the Cranford Public Schools—and an application reader for UC Berkeley.With decades of experience guiding students and families through the college process, Lisa brings a rare dual perspective: what high school counselors see and what really happens once an application lands on an admissions desk. Together, Peg and Lisa dive into what makes a strong college application, common mistakes students make, and why authenticity matters far more than perfection.They discuss:How colleges (yes, even large public universities) actually read applicationsWhy depth matters more than a long activity listWhat admissions readers look for beyond grades and test scoresHow essays can make or break an application—and why they don’t need to be dramaticThe role of AI in application writing and how inconsistency can hurt studentsWhy finances should be part of the college conversation from day oneHow parents can best support their students without steering the ship for themWhether you’re a parent, student, or counselor, this episode is a must-listen reminder to take a deep breath, stay authentic, and remember: there is no such thing as only one “right” college.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 💸