On the note of a serious topic…
I am working on my Common Application but have a very tedious moral dilemma. If any of you have advise PLEASE let me know.
Background: I have lived in an abusive home for the past seventeen years (verbal abuse mostly, but physical abuse has occurred).I am leaving as soon as I turn 18 for my own safety and will be living as a homeless youth. Due to my situation, I do not want to put my parents information on the Common Application and I also do not know if I need to include this in my explanation of circumstances. I cannot afford to have social services ruin things when I am so close to turning 18 and do not have enough evidence to win a court case. I have tried contacting counselors anomalously, but they refuse to give advice unless I see them in person (something I cannot do for my own safety). I never asked for help through the years because I knew if I tried to leave things would only get worse.
What I need to know:
If I include an explanation of these circumstances will my school counselor be called to verify this situation?
Can I file as an Independent for FAFSA since I will be a homeless youth? However, my birthday is in March which makes things extra tricky as I will be a dependent when I need to turn this into colleges, but an independent by the last time FAFSA can be updated.
Lastly, Does anyone have experience with a similar circumstance?
Please answer respectively.
I’m so very sorry for the situation you’re in. No kid should ever have to write a post like yours.
As an adult, as a teacher, as a mom, my opinion is that your plan has a few flaws.
Getting out is a good idea, but opting for homelessness is not a good choice. You need to go someplace better, not someplace where you’re trading one sort of danger for another. You need a much better plan.
And, no, counselors prefer not to deal with anonymous people. But hotlines probably will-- why not try some? They can give you real knowlegeable advice-- far more than I can from the comfort of my suburban computer. But there are places out there for kids in crisis, and a hotline can put you in touch with some.
Is there no adult in your life that you can trust with this information? I do have to warn you: anyone at school is a mandated reporter-- we’re legally obligated to report any suspicion of abuse. Is there anyone else you can speak to-- a friend’s parent, a priest or rabbi, anyone?
As far as real answers to your questions go; I’m afraid that you can’t simply not answer the questions that refer to your parents. Leaving blanks will make it like you simply didn’t want to answer the questions. I’m afraid that you’ll come off as a brat having a hissy fit instead of a person who’s in crisis-- there’s no way for the readers to tell the difference.
What exactly would social services ruin? Or would they get you to a safe place?
Consider talking to your guidance counselor about this. There may be many ways to get you help you don’t even know about. Or some other trusted adult. Can you confide in a friend’s parent? Or a relative?
Another thing you could do is talk to your GC about how to deal with parents who will not support you going to college…what resources are there?
Thanks for the input but if there was any adult I openly trusted I wouldn’t be posting this information here asking for help from strangers.
I would also like to clarify that homeless according the Fafsa simply means without a permanent home. I have a temporary home which I will be transferring into. I am not looking for critique to my situation, but rather answers to my questions.
If you look at the federal student loan program it should spell it out. However, i dont think there is a way around not putting your parents info as you are currently a dependent.
I don’t know the answers to your questions. However, I wish you the best, and hope that your future is much easier than your past. Good luck.