In this special holiday edition of Ol’ College Try, hosts Matt Carpenter and Peggy Keough tackle listener-submitted Q&A questions just in time for the end of the year. From financial aid appeals at state schools to common FAFSA and CSS Profile misconceptions, Matt and Peggy break down what families really need to know—without getting lost in the weeds.

This episode covers:

• How student and parent assets impact financial aid

• Whether retirement accounts affect FAFSA and the CSS Profile

• When and why it’s worth appealing a financial aid offer (even at state schools)

• How colleges think about full-pay families versus discounted offers

• When families should start working with College Aid Pro—and why earlier is better

Plus, the episode wouldn’t be complete without some holiday fun. Matt’s daughter, Emma Claire Carpenter, joins as a very special guest to answer the toughest Christmas questions of all—what’s on her wish list and what she loves most about the holidays.

Whether you’re navigating senior-year stress or just starting to think about college planning, this festive Q&A episode offers practical insights, reassurance, and a reminder to enjoy the season. Happy holidays from the Ol’ College Try team!

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