<p>On the Common Application, I listed that my parents were separated because they have not lived with one another for almost four years (my mother abandoned the family and my father is disabled and unemployed). </p>
<p>However, when filling out the CSS Profile, I realized that my parents never legally declared separation and are still technically married. Would colleges think I lied if I listed "Separated" on the Common App and "Married" on the CSS Profile? I know this is probably way too paranoid, but I'm trying to put myself in the shoes of a Financial Aid/Admissions Officer. Thank you for any advice you can give in advance.</p>
<p>(I have already submitted Common App but I have not submitted CSS Profile yet). </p>
<p>@nickb14: I believe you’re fine. The fact is your parents are separated (and have been for years), whether or not they remain legally married and whether or not a formal separation agreement has been jointly executed. In essence, separation means living separately, without intent cohabit or to live as a married couple. Since that factually delineates their situation, I believe the safest course would be be list “separated” on both the CSS and the Common Application. </p>
<p>@TopTier Thank you for the advice. I’m taking caution with CSS because our 2014 tax filings, my mother and father are listed as being Married. The reason why I put separated on my Common App was because my college essay dealt with my family situation and I thought it would be odd to have incongruence between what is being discussed in my essay and what is expressed through my actual family profile.</p>
<p>My guidance counselor told me that Admissions and Financial Aid are two completely separate entities and that I shouldn’t worry about matching up between Common App and CSS but I’m still nervous. Should I email all the colleges I’m applying to and explain to them the situation (I edited Common App and added this explanation to my “Additional Info” box but I’ve already applied to 9/14 schools). Any additional advice would be much appreciated. </p>
<p>Your parents are separated. Look closely at tax forms. There is no category for separated. The answer to CSS and to the application is that your parents are separated. Period.</p>
<p>It is confusing to just put “married.” Think of the questions: “Why don’t they rent out the vacation home? Do they live in one and just pay to keep the other empty? No, look at the separate grocery bills. They probably use one to house a private zoo! We will just impute extra for that extravagant choice!”</p>
<p>In any case, the incongruencies will be amplified if you put married. They are separated. Period.</p>
<p>Hello. I have a similar case where my mother files taxes as head of household. She supports me and my father who is in another country but he is unemployed and getting zero benefits. On the CSS Profile, I put them as separated, but should it be married since they are legally married, just separated physically? </p>
I’ve often wondered why people in this situation don’t just get a divorce. They are still legally financially tied together in regards to debt liabilities, tax liabilities, inheritance, etc.</p>