College Planning Insights: Rankings, Majors, FAFSA and the PSAT
- Do Rankings Really Matter? A school jumps five spots and celebrates, while another slips and families start to worry. We look at what rankings actually measure, why the major lists so often disagree, and what numbers reveal far more about whether a student will thrive.
- Focus on Majors: Alternatives to Business: Business is the most popular major in the country, which also makes it one of the most competitive. We break down the differences between business degrees and explore majors from economics to industrial engineering that can lead to successful business careers.
- Financial Matters: The FAFSA Timing Gap: The FAFSA asks for tax information from two years ago, which may not reflect your family’s finances today. We explain what to do when a bonus, windfall, or job loss changes the picture, and why filing in the first year matters even if you don’t expect to qualify for aid.
- Understanding the PSAT: What It Is (and Isn’t): Does it count? Should you prep? We walk through what the PSAT means for each grade, from a low-stakes practice run for sophomores to a National Merit checkpoint for juniors, and how to use the score report as a roadmap.
College Financial Aid for Divorced Parents: FAFSA, CSS Profile & What Families Need to Know
Are you a divorced parent trying to understand how divorce affects your child’s college financial aid? The FAFSA and CSS Profile have different rules for divorced and separated parents, which can make an already complicated process even more confusing.
In this video, we break down what divorced families need to know about applying for college financial aid, whose financial information may be required, and strategies that can help families navigate the process.
In This Video
You’ll learn about:
- Common financial aid challenges faced by divorced and separated parents
- How divorce can affect a student’s financial aid eligibility
- Which parent’s financial information may be required for the FAFSA
- How the CSS Profile can treat divorced parents differently from the FAFSA
- The role each parent’s income and financial information may play
- Scholarships, grants, student loans, and work-study opportunities
- Strategies for maximizing financial aid eligibility
- Financial planning considerations for managing college costs
- Common obstacles divorced families encounter—and ways to address them
Whether your student is still a few years away from college or already navigating the admissions and financial aid process, understanding the rules early can help your family make more informed decisions.
Watch the video to learn how divorce can affect college financial aid and what you can do to prepare for the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and college costs.
Need Help Navigating College Financial Aid?
Every family’s financial situation is different. Crystal Clear College Planning helps families understand the financial aid process and develop a college planning strategy based on their individual circumstances.
Schedule a Consultation: Schedule with Crystal Here
College Admissions & Financial Planning: Mistakes to Avoid, Majors, Costs & Applications
- Admission Blunders to Avoid– From stretching the truth on applications to relying on the advice of strangers online, we walk through seven common mistakes that can derail an otherwise strong application and how to steer clear of them.
- Focus on Majors: Biology– Curious how living things actually work? We break down what a biology major looks like day-to-day: the labs, the research, the hands-on experiments, and the range of careers it opens up, from medicine and marine biology to biotech, science journalism, and environmental law.
- Financial Matters: Using the Net Price Calculator– The sticker price on a college’s website rarely reflects what a family will actually pay. We explain how to use the Net Price Calculator alongside the Cost of Attendance to turn a scary number into a real plan.
- How Much to Disclose– Students often wonder what belongs on an application and what doesn’t. We offer guidance on sharing context around grades, health, or a disciplinary record in a way that helps admissions officers understand the fuller story.
Best College Majors for Creative Students: Can Creative Careers Lead to Success?
Are creative students really destined to become “starving artists”? Not anymore. Today’s creative economy offers opportunities in everything from film, music, and photography to graphic design, animation, marketing, and creative media.
In this video, Crystal shares insights from a session led by leadership from UCLA’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program and explores what students and parents should know when considering a creative college major.
In This Video
You’ll learn about:
- Why many creatives build successful “poly-occupational” careers
- How creative professionals combine multiple jobs and income streams
- The communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills creative majors develop
- What growth in the creative economy means for today’s students
- Why internships and hands-on experience matter
- How smaller colleges can sometimes offer more opportunities to build experience and a strong portfolio
- Why families should consider both passion and career outcomes when choosing a college and major
Whether your student is considering film, dance, music, graphic design, photography, writing, theatre, animation, marketing, or another creative field, this video offers a fresh perspective on what a creative career can look like today.
Watch the video to learn why pursuing a creative field doesn’t have to mean choosing passion over career potential.
Need Help With College Planning?
Navigating college admissions, creative programs, financial aid, or choosing the right college? Crystal Clear College Planning helps families develop a strategy based on the student’s goals, interests, and financial considerations.
Schedule a Consultation: Schedule with Crystal Here
What Families Get Wrong About Small Colleges
- On July 23, 2026
- In Video Blog
Choosing the right college isn’t just about rankings, name recognition, or campus size. In this vlog, we explore why small liberal arts colleges are often overlooked—and why they can be an outstanding choice for many students.
You’ll learn why smaller colleges frequently provide exceptional academic and career outcomes through personalized attention, close faculty relationships, leadership opportunities, and generous financial aid. We also discuss the common misconceptions families have about small colleges and how to determine whether this type of environment is the right fit for your student.
Why This Matters
The “best” college isn’t necessarily the biggest or most well-known—it’s the one where your student will be challenged, supported, engaged, and positioned to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
If you’re building a college list and wondering whether a small college should be part of the conversation, this vlog will help you make a more informed decision.
To learn more, schedule a consultation: Schedule with Crystal Here
