EPISODE · May 14, 2026 · 37 MIN
College Admissions Is a Chess Match: How Families Can Stop Playing Checkers
from Ol' College Try · host Matt and Peg's College Planning Podcast
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 backwardsThe difference between “best school” and “best fit”How colleges determine financial aid behind the scenesWhy two families with similar finances can get very different aid offersThe reality of “meeting 100% of need”How colleges use pricing, scholarships, and prestige strategicallyWhy building a smart college list starts with budget conversations earlyThe biggest financial mistakes families make before senior yearPlus, 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/Q04cmnWD0Website: https://collegeaidpro.comCreate a FREE MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/Email: [email protected] Get 15% OFF site wide with coupon code COLLEGETRY15 💰
What this episode covers
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 backwardsThe difference between “best school” and “best fit”How colleges determine financial aid behind the scenesWhy two families with similar finances can get very different aid offersThe reality of “meeting 100% of need”How colleges use pricing, scholarships, and prestige strategicallyWhy building a smart college list starts with budget conversations earlyThe biggest financial mistakes families make before senior yearPlus, 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/Q04cmnWD0Website: https://collegeaidpro.comCreate a FREE MyCAP Account: https://hubs.li/Q03PTJ_x0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegeaidpro/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-aid-pro/Email: [email protected] Get 15% OFF site wide with coupon code COLLEGETRY15 💰
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College Admissions Is a Chess Match: How Families Can Stop Playing Checkers
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