Hello, I’m a 20 year old (pretty late, I know) who is planning to apply EA to Harvard next year. Would it be a disadvantage if I applied for FA? This is the first question that comes to my mind since I’ve heard all the privileged applicants apply EA to Harvard. My parents make >500K, but I believe in supporting myself. I’ve been working nonstop to save for college, but I still have a long way to go. I’m not planning on asking my parents for financial help. I’m worried I won’t be able to apply for FA because of the family background. Do I have to provide the patent information in the first place even though I don’t live with my parents?
No one is disadvantaged applying to H and applying for Fin Aid. They’re wealthy and generous.
But…Unless you’re legally emancipated, all US colleges will factor in your parents’ income – making you effectively ineligible for FinAid. I don’t mean to meddle but why take a stand on not accepting parental assistance? If the roles were reversed, would you want to support your otherwise able young adult child attend college?
@T26E4 I am legally emancipated. I’m very close to my parents, but it’s only that I believe in financially supporting myself. They didn’t force me to work or anything; in fact they’ve always wanted to help and have always offered financial support. I’m just very independent.
(You’re not meddling at all. Thanks for the reply!)
When I mean legally, I mean you have a court order in hand – the kind granted due to abuse/abandonment/orphaning, etc. Otherwise, colleges will require their info and contribution. It sounds like your very independent lifestyle will not rise to the level of an abandoned minor/young adult.
Thus Harvard and others will feel that just b/c you consciously choose to be emancipated – that alone doesn’t allow you to dip into THEIR fin aid funds who they have set aside for truly needy kids/families. You’re the child of one-percenters. You have to see it from the colleges’ perspective.
Oh, I see. I didn’t think you meant that. No, I was not “legally emancipated” because of abuse, etc. I’ll discuss this issue with my parents who are certainly more than willing to help. Thanks!
good luck!