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
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
How to Get Into the University of California: Admissions Explained
- On July 09, 2026
- In Video Blog
Applying to the University of California (UC) system is different from applying to most colleges—and understanding those differences can significantly improve your student’s admissions strategy.
In this vlog, Crystal Tate explains how the UC admissions process works, what the A–G course requirements really mean, and what admissions officers evaluate beyond grades and test scores. Whether your student is interested in UCLA, UC Berkeley, or another UC campus, this video provides practical guidance to help your family navigate the process with confidence.
In this video, you’ll learn:
- How the UC application process differs from other college applications
- What the A–G curriculum requirements mean and how to ensure your student is on track
- How UC campuses evaluate applicants beyond GPA
- The importance of course rigor, extracurricular involvement, and academic preparation
- Common mistakes students make when applying to UC schools—and how to avoid them
Why This Matters
The University of California system uses a unique holistic admissions process, and many families misunderstand what truly makes an applicant competitive. Understanding the admissions criteria early can help students make stronger academic and extracurricular decisions long before they submit their applications.
Helpful Resources
This vlog also includes links to valuable UC admissions resources, including:
- A–G course requirements
- GPA requirements and GPA calculator
- UC admissions statistics
- Admission data by high school
- Factors considered during the UC application review process
If your family is planning to apply to one or more UC campuses, this video will help you better understand the process and develop a more informed admissions strategy.
Ready to build a personalized college admissions plan?
Schedule a consultation with Crystal Tate to discuss your student’s goals and create a strategy designed to maximize admissions and financial aid opportunities.
University of Washington Admissions: What UW Really Looks For in Applicants
- On June 08, 2026
- In Video Blog
Thinking about applying to the University of Washington? In this video, Crystal explains what UW admissions officers actually consider when evaluating applicants and clears up common misconceptions about the process. Learn how GPA, course rigor, and academic preparation factor into admissions decisions, what UW does not consider, and why competitive majors such as computer science, engineering, and business can significantly affect admission outcomes. Whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state applicant, this video provides valuable insights to help families better understand University of Washington admissions and develop a stronger college application strategy.
