<p>I got into Duke and I'm in love with it but I'm not sure if I'll be able to go. I applied for financial aid and requested that my non-custodial parent info. be waived on the basis that I've never had any contact with my biological father. Yet, today they email me telling me that they need my non-custodial CSS. At the same time, Columbia waived my non-custodial CSS and is basically paying everything. At this point I'm totaly unsure of how to go about this. I cant give them information that I have no access to. Should I just tell them of Columbia's offer and hope for the best?</p>
<p>Congrats on getting into Duke. Wish I was in your position. About Duke, call someone or email some now. I had something like this for another school and a simple phone call fixed the problem. Let them know what's going on and you should be okay.</p>
<p>I would call the financial aid office and tell them that you haven't had any contact with your biological father. I'm sure they can tell you what to do from that point.</p>
<p>yeah call the financial aid office and ask to speak to your financial aid counselor. they are usually very good about this. Let them know about the entire situation and also them about the offer from Columbia. It might be a good idea to let them know that Duke is absolutely your top choice and you'll attend in a heartbeat if the financial situation is resolved.</p>
<p>The fin. aid office seems really nice. I just got a really nice email that basically said "Um, you didn't turn in like any forms...go do that and we'll give you money" :)</p>
<p>I have the same problem! I even sent them a letter and they sent me the Non-Custodial Parent Waiver back! I don't have ANY contact and I don't even get child support</p>
<p>Hey guys. CONGRATS on getting in. I had the same problem last year as all of you guys. What you need to do is write the fin aid office a letter telling them you aren't in contact/don't receive any financial support. Don't just write like two sentences, tell them more about how you only have one parent supporter you or whatever. Call them and ask them about it if the procedure has changed. They are extremely nice about it and will help you out. If you have any questions send to <a href="mailto:awy@duke.edu">awy@duke.edu</a></p>
<p>Yes. Write the letter. Then call and try to speak directly with your financial aid officer. He/she may have a recording saying that email is a better way to communicate (our experience this time last year), so email. If you are going to any of the blue-devil days, make a point of going to the fin aid office first thing.</p>
<p>We found that, with personal contact, the financial aid professional was very understanding and reponsive.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>