<p>I'm in the process of helping a very gifted student through the college process. My problem is that she is financially in dire straits right now. Her father lost his job recently and they are in the process of foreclosure. I recommended to her to get a Waiver for the AP/SAT/SATII and she was denied. I have looked at the information online and I'm confused. What kind of proof are they looking for, in order for her to secure this waiver. I can't seem to find what they need. She is not on the free lunch program and I think they would cut off their left arm before they apply for it. They are extremely proud and would rather die than let the whole world know of their problems. But I know that things are really bad. However, I'm pretty sure that they make less than $35K/year right now. So what can i do to help her. I figured it out and the cost of the ACT, SAT, SATII (3) and the AP's (3) is close to $500. Thats so much money for them. Is there anything I can do? Is this a bit subjective? Is it up to the counselor to approve this? I'm more than willing to make some phones. I have no shame. I will do what ever it takes to help this kid. For the record she is a first generation, parents don't have anything equivalent to a HS diploma, and she is ranked 5th out of 700+ kids. She has done it all on her own. No teacher to mentor her. Nothing. She is self motivated and hardworking. I would love to see her make it. She has the potential......Her parents are very supportive so she has that going for her. However, given their lack of experience in the college world they are unable to give her the guidiance or even demand it from the school, since they wouldn't know what to ask for.</p>
<p>Start with the guidance counselor. This is the kind of kid the school should want to be helping out. The counselor will know what is necessary to get the fee waivers that she needs, and/or which person in the PTA/Booster Club to squeeze the money out of.</p>
<p>I’m aware of all those stipulations and I believe that they make less than $35k, which for their family size should qualify them, since they only have one person who is receiving unemployment. And believe it or not when the mom tried to get a job she was denied employment due to the fact that they are in foreclosure. Employers don’t want to hire people in this situation because they feel that they are poor decision makers…So its a very vicious cycle. In any case, the only thing i can think of is that they are looking a a W2 from 2011, which may state that they made more money. Trust even last year it wasn’t anything great. He was in sales so things having been going down hill for a while. </p>
<p>So my question is what proof do they require for these things? What happens in situations like this where families lose jobs and no income in forthcoming? Regardless of last years tax situation.</p>
<p>It will be very hard if you are saying her parents won’t cooperate (as in getting free/reduced lunch). They’ll need to see that income to approve the waiver.</p>