A summary of key insights from Emma's college planning journey and actionable advice for other divorced families.
Emma Martinez's family started college planning late, lacked coordination between divorced parents, and made decisions under pressure rather than through careful planning. Despite these challenges, they ultimately achieved a positive outcome—but the journey was far more stressful than necessary.
The college process reveals family dynamics and requires coordination, regardless of relationship status between parents.
Falling in love with unaffordable schools creates unnecessary heartbreak. Start with budget, then find schools that fit both academically and financially.
Middle-income families often don't qualify for significant need-based aid but can't afford full college costs. Merit aid bridges this gap.
Regular, honest communication between all family members prevents last-minute panic and poor decision-making.
Including students in realistic discussions about college costs and family dynamics helps them make better decisions and reduces anxiety.
Emma chose CU Boulder with a plan to live on campus freshman year, then reassess housing costs annually. Her family will take on manageable debt while Emma works part-time to contribute to costs.
Every month you wait reduces your options and increases stress.
Put aside relationship issues to support your student's future.
Honest financial discussions early prevent disappointment later.
Understand all requirements, deadlines, and opportunities before making decisions.
The process is stressful for everyone—work together to reduce rather than increase pressure.
If you start late like Emma's family, focus on moving forward rather than dwelling on what you should have done differently.
Emma's story demonstrates that successful college planning is possible for all families, regardless of structure or starting point. The key is honest communication, realistic planning, and working together toward shared goals.