Cornell's Independent Status

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>Hello everyone,</p>

<p>I'm 27 years old. I haven't been claimed as a dependent since I was 21. I have not received more than $750 from my parent(s) in the last 4 years. My father is deceased.</p>

<p>These are all requirements that I meet for Cornell's Independent status as checklisted in their application. However, there is another requirement that is getting me worried. Final requirement: "I have not resided, and will not reside, at my parents' home for more than a total of six weeks in calendar years 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006"</p>

<p>That one is tricky. See I have been renting a cottage (at $600 per month) from my parents (more recently just my mother since my father passed away) for the past 4 years. The cottage is on our house property, but it is completely seperated from the house (Don't imagine any grand property with multiple buildings! It's a 4 bedroom 1 bath house with a cottage in the back yard that used to be a tool shed/work shop!)</p>

<p>There's no way in hell my Mom is gonna help me pay for school, so if I get seen as a dependent I think I am gonna be doomed. So, am I doomed?</p>

<p>Thanks for any help.</p>

2

<p>If your renting, you're not living in your parents home. You're renting your own house from your landlord, even though the landlord is your parents. I think you should assume that is a fair analysis of your situation. If cornell gives you crap explain why you're not a dependent even though the situation may look confusing.</p>

3

<p>Do you think I should just fill the app with the independent status and then wait to see if they give me crap? Or should I anticipate confusion and just go ahead and include an explanation of my unusual situation?</p>

4

<p>I'm not sure; explaining would obviously be more honest, and possibly not make them feel like you were trying to pull the wool over their eyes. It's up to you, I can't really advise you either way.</p>