Hi,
I just found the Quesbridge program and it has made me realize that I can still apply to my dream schools. While that is amazing, I’m still confused as to how the program works. What exactly is a Finalist? And also, I would be applying as an Independent (my parents are not helping me pay for college and will not co-sign financial aid). Does that change the application process? I’m just really confused.
I just talked to my guidance counselor and realized some of the above info is incorrect. I am technically a dependent, but since my parents aren’t contributing any money towards my education (annual income of about $130k) does that disqualify me from the program even though they aren’t contributing as well as not signing financial aid?
I’m sorry to say that with parents of that income level you will not be eligible for Questbridge or eligible for Federal aid except for a student loan of 5,500. There are no federal allowances for students when the parent won’t contribute. The schools also will base aid off the parent income until you are allowed to be Independent. You can’t file as independent until you are married, military, 24 year old, in foster care or emancipated minor.
Why do your parents not care if you go to college? What is the situation?
Hmmm you may file as independent on your taxes as long as you support yourself and work. You may file your own taxes and then use that, that is what I did and I have yet to get into any issue with it. That being said my parents are more than just not paying for my college, they are not in any way involved in my life. I left home/ was kicked out and had to get a job to support myself. I left home because I wanted to have an education and my highly religious parents insisted on homeschooling me. If it’s worth that to you and feasible for you to do, you may want to get out from under your parents and the way they are limiting your educational opportunity. Be prepared to work yourself to death though 