College Admissions Q&A: Financial Fit, Merit Aid, GPA Myths, and Test Scores Explained

College Admissions Q&A: Financial Fit, Merit Aid, GPA Myths, and Test Scores Explained

What does “financial fit” actually mean? Should your student take the SAT or ACT? Do weighted GPAs really matter? And how do merit scholarships actually work? In this month’s College Admissions Grab Bag episode, host Matt Carpenter and co-host Peg Keough answer real questions submitted by families navigating the college process right now. From financial aid strategy to GPA confusion to choosing colleges without knowing a major, this episode is packed with practical advice families can use immediately. In this episode, we cover: 🎓 What “financial fit” really means — and how to avoid colleges your family can’t realistically afford 💰 Why borrowing limits and financial planning matter more than ever 📝 SAT vs. ACT: Does one look better to colleges? 📊 Weighted vs. unweighted GPA explained (and why colleges recalculate anyway) 🤔 What to do if your student has no idea what they want to major in 🏫 The difference between colleges vs. universities and private vs. public schools 💸 How merit aid actually works — and which students are most likely to qualify 📈 Why starting college planning early can create more scholarship opportunities later 💡 Key takeaway: College planning gets much less stressful when families understand both the academic and financial side of the process early. Financial fit matters just as much as admissions fit. 🎵 This episode’s song pick: Waylon Jennings classics, including Luckenbach, Texas, Lucille, and Good Hearted Woman — Matt’s road-trip soundtrack recommendation after returning from Zion National Park. 🎧 Listen to our full podcast playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7qS [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7qS]... 📚 Resources & Links 🔢 Understand your college costs for FREE → Create your MyCAP Account: ⁠https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0⁠ [https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0⁠] → Student Loan Fact Sheet: ⁠https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0⁠ [https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0⁠] 💰 Get 15% OFF sitewide with code COLLEGETRY15 → ⁠https://collegeaidpro.com⁠ [https://collegeaidpro.com⁠]

College Visits 101: When to Go, What to Ask, and How to Avoid Costly Mistakes

Are you planning college visits but not sure where to start? In this episode, host Peg Keough sits down with CAP financial aid expert Jonathan West to break down everything families need to know about college visits — from sophomore year exploratory tours all the way to decision-day campus trips. In this episode, we cover: * Why college visits matter (and how they impact demonstrated interest) * When to visit — and what's different about each stage of the process * What to do beyond the official tour (career placement offices, Facebook parent groups, student newspapers, and more) * How to have real conversations with current students * Why you should understand your financial fit before you ever set foot on a campus * Virtual tour tips for families who can't travel 💡 Key takeaway: Don't visit schools you can't afford. Know your numbers first — your family's stress level will thank you. 🎵 This episode's song pick: Jaded Lover by Jerry Jeff Walker, chosen by Jonathan West — a nod to late-70s North Carolina and the legendary club PB Scott's in Blowing Rock. 🎧 Listen to our full podcast playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7qSwvLBniTzxsEiPABTp4D?si=pYMyk37AQ8Gsn9Q_4IeXLw [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7qSwvLBniTzxsEiPABTp4D?si=pYMyk37AQ8Gsn9Q_4IeXLw] 📚 Resources & Links 🔢 Understand your college costs for FREE→ Create your MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0 [https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0]→ Student Loan Fact Sheet: https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0 [https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0] 💰 Get 15% OFF sitewide with code COLLEGETRY15→ https://collegeaidpro.com [https://collegeaidpro.com] Follow us:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ [https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/]💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/]📧 Email: support@collegeaidpro.com [support@collegeaidpro.com]

College Admissions Is a Chess Match: How Families Can Stop Playing Checkers

What if the biggest mistake families make in the college process happens before they even apply? In this episode, Matt sits down with College Aid Pro expert and former USC Director of Financial Aid, JP Schmidt, for an inside look at how colleges really operate—from admissions strategy to financial aid packaging to the business side of higher education. JP shares what he learned working behind the scenes at one of the country’s most competitive universities, why rankings can be misleading, and how colleges strategically shape both admissions and aid offers. They cover: * Why most families approach college planning backwards * The difference between “best school” and “best fit” * How colleges determine financial aid behind the scenes * Why two families with similar finances can get very different aid offers * The reality of “meeting 100% of need” * How colleges use pricing, scholarships, and prestige strategically * Why building a smart college list starts with budget conversations early * The biggest financial mistakes families make before senior year Plus, JP shares the exact framework he uses to help families create college lists that align academically, personally, and financially—without sacrificing long-term financial stability. 🎧 Whether you’re a parent of a freshman or a senior making final decisions, this episode will completely change the way you think about college planning. Student Loan Fact Sheet: https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0 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.comPLUS Get 15% OFF site wide with coupon code COLLEGETRY15 💰

Inside College Admissions: How Schools Really Decide Who Gets Accepted

In this episode of The Ol' College Try Podcast, host Peg Keough sits down with admissions expert Jenna Schebell to pull back the curtain on what really happens after students submit their college applications. Before diving into the admissions conversation, Peg shares this week’s song pick: Slide by Goo Goo Dolls — the fun, sentimental song she chose for the choreographed mother-son dance at her son’s wedding. With more than 20 years of experience working in college admissions offices, high schools, and private counseling, Jenna explains how colleges evaluate applicants, why admissions decisions can feel unpredictable, and how institutional priorities shape every incoming class. Families will learn: * How holistic admissions actually works * Why colleges recalculate GPAs differently * What admissions officers look for beyond grades and test scores * How school profiles and course rigor impact decisions * Why one student can get rejected from one school and accepted to another * How “yield protection” and enrollment strategy influence admissions * Why public flagship universities have become dramatically more competitive * What parents and students should focus on instead of obsessing over rankings and acceptance rates Peg and Jenna also discuss the emotional side of the admissions process, the dangers of misinformation on social media, and why finding the right college fit matters more than chasing prestige. Whether you're a parent of a high school student, a college counselor, or a student preparing your college list, this episode offers practical insights into today’s increasingly competitive college admissions landscape. In this episode of The Ol' College Try Podcast, host Peg Keough sits down with admissions expert Jenna Schebell to pull back the curtain on what really happens after students submit their college applications.Before diving into the admissions conversation, Peg shares this week’s song pick: Slide by Goo Goo Dolls — the fun, sentimental song she chose for the choreographed mother-son dance at her son’s wedding.With more than 20 years of experience working in college admissions offices, high schools, and private counseling, Jenna explains how colleges evaluate applicants, why admissions decisions can feel unpredictable, and how institutional priorities shape every incoming class.Families will learn:How holistic admissions actually worksWhy colleges recalculate GPAs differentlyWhat admissions officers look for beyond grades and test scoresHow school profiles and course rigor impact decisionsWhy one student can get rejected from one school and accepted to anotherHow “yield protection” and enrollment strategy influence admissionsWhy public flagship universities have become dramatically more competitiveWhat parents and students should focus on instead of obsessing over rankings and acceptance ratesPeg and Jenna also discuss the emotional side of the admissions process, the dangers of misinformation on social media, and why finding the right college fit matters more than chasing prestige.Whether you're a parent of a high school student, a college counselor, or a student preparing your college list, this episode offers practical insights into today’s increasingly competitive college admissions landscape. Connect with Us! Student Loan Fact Sheet: https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0Website: ⁠⁠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 Jenna! https://thecollegenavigators.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thecollegenavigators/

College Payment Plan Explained: Loans, 529s & What to Do Before Decision Day

Making your final college decision? You’ve got a number—but do you actually have a plan to pay it? In this episode, Matt and Peg tackle your biggest end-of-month Q&A just days before the May 1 deadline. From 529 strategies to student loans and financial aid, they break down what families should be thinking about right now to avoid costly mistakes. Making your final college decision? You’ve got a number—but do you actually have a plan to pay it?In this episode, Matt and Peg tackle your biggest end-of-month Q&A just days before the May 1 deadline. From 529 strategies to student loans and financial aid, they break down what families should be thinking about right now to avoid costly mistakes.They cover:Why you shouldn’t spend your entire 529 in year oneHow to maximize the $2,500 American Opportunity Tax CreditWhat happens if your 529 doesn’t cover all four yearsWhat to do with leftover 529 funds or unexpected scholarshipsHow the CSS Profile works and what to know about non-custodial waiversThe difference between 529s, prepaid plans, and UTMA/UGMA accounts Plus, real talk on why there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy—and how a little planning now can save you thousands later. 🎧 This week’s intro song: You Send Me by Sam Cooke Bottom line: Don’t just focus on getting in—focus on how you’re paying for all four years. Got questions for our next Q&A episode? Send them our way—we’d love to hear from you! Connect with Us! Student Loan Fact Sheet: https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0 [https://hubs.li/Q04cmnWD0] Website: ⁠⁠https://collegeaidpro.com/⁠⁠ Create a FREE MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0 [https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0]I nstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/ [https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/] ⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/] ⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠support@collegeaidpro.com⁠ PLUS Get 15% OFF site wide with coupon code COLLEGETRY15 💸