<p>So I learned that I am considered an independent, will this help me get money?? Or is it a bad thing? Also, if I go to a private school out of state does my state still give me the cal grant or other state grants? (I'm clueless)</p>
<p>Calgrant is only for California residents that go to college in California.</p>
<p>Whether you get financial aid will depend on your EFC. The amount will depend on the school and their aid policies (some schools meet full need, most do not).</p>
<p>well I put zero…Because I don’t work. So is this good?</p>
<p>why are you considered independent? That is fairly unusual for an undergrad.</p>
<p>If your EFC is 0 it will depend on the school how much aid you will get. Federal aid will not cover the cost of most 4 year state universities. For federal aid you would be eligible for the Pell grant ($5550) and possibly SEOG and ACG. Other federal aid would be loans and possibly work study. Any other aid would depend on whether the school offers generous aid out of their own money and also if you are from a State that offers any State grants.</p>
<p>As only a small number of school offer to meet full need a lot of people with a 0 EFC have limited options as far as where to go to school.</p>
<p>I know I had no idea I was considered independent until i filled it out.
It’s because I’m under a legal guardianship, (my parents don’t own me and I do not live with them and they do not take care of me) So my Grandpa has custody. So I checked the box and it said I was independent and didn’t have to provide any info (parent-wise).
Well thanks for the info I hope I get some help because my family nor I have any money :(</p>
<p>But a school that accepted me only costs 3000 something a year so I think I’ll be fine.</p>
<p>Does your grandpa have a court order for your guardianship? If not, you are not in LEGAL guardianship. That’s the test … informal arrangements do not make you automatically independent.</p>
<p>yup we went to court…I think I would know that…</p>
<p>I understand that you went to court, but that does not always result in a court-ordered legal guardianship. We often see informal guardianship situations with grandparents. If it is a legal guardianship, you will have court papers stating that it is a legal guardianship. The papers will state the date the guardianship began & usually the end date/expected end date (such as age 18). Most schools will request a copy of the guardianship papers, so make sure you have them available.</p>
<p>Do go ahead and apply to private schools – some can be very generous. </p>
<p>I would go browse a book store section on college financial aid. There’s lots to know and the sooner you sort out the different options, the stronger your decisions will be. </p>
<p>A good start is “How to pay for college without going broke” by Khany.</p>
<p>yup i have the forms too. The court decided easily because my mom or dad were barely in my life. And my mom isn’t the best person legally. But I do know my dad pays child support, but this can still mean he is not legally my guardian…right? That’s what people have told me…</p>
<p>Yes, I applied to Seattle University, which is private. Not sure if I’ll get accepted. But If I do I would really want to go there, but idk if I’ll afford it…any advice?</p>
<p>If your grandparents have legal guardianship until you are 18, you definitely are independent. The fact that your dad pays money is not relevant. He is NOT your guardian if your grandparents have legal guardianship.</p>
<p>Okay thanks :)</p>