<p>OP…Need blind schools will consider what your parents have in non retirement holdings such as a second or third home, stocks and other accounts. If your parents do not have any large assets than you will likely receive alot of financial aid or full aid. Many kids in your position do far better at top schools because they are need blind. </p>
<p>You will be required to fill out both the FAFSA and CSS and considering that your parents are unemployed right now the schools would take into consideration that they are going through some savings right now. Good luck and don’t let the current financial situation deter you from selecting schools that you want to attend.</p>
<p>On a side note if things are very tough right now speak to your GC and ask her about fee waivers for your applications. </p>
<p>Another thing to consider is… Will your parents be able to afford the school that you gain admission to once they are employed again? You need to discuss this with them and consider that as a very real situation. You may not want to attend a college with a $50,000+ price tag and a year from now your parents will need to pay $40,000. Remember that the very top schools provide aid with no loans with incomes that many consider to be above average.</p>