<p>My father passed away when I was younger, but now my mom has remarried. Do I enter my dad's information on the Common App as Parent 2, or do I enter my step-dad's?</p>
<p>Your step dad.</p>
<p>“If you wish, you may list step-parents and/or other adults with whom you reside, or who otherwise care for you, in the Additional Information section.”</p>
<p>“Please list both parents below, even if one or more is deceased or no longer has legal responsibilities toward you. Many colleges collect this information for demographic purposes even if you are an adult or an emancipated minor. If you are a minor with a legal guardian (an individual or government entity), then please list that information below as well. If you wish, you may list step-parents and/or other adults with whom you reside, or who otherwise care for you, in the Additional Information section.”</p>
<p>I believe it specifically asks, for each parent, if they are deceased. It also asks your parents’ status relative to each other (never married, married, separated, divorced, widowed). They are talking about your legal/natural parents.</p>
<p>In your case, because your Dad died, your stepfather might have adopted you. If so, for all purposes, you could list your stepfather, because after the adoption he would be your father. I <em>think</em> that’s the answer the schools prefer, but giving your birth father’s information might be acceptable; better check on that. If you were not adopted, then your birth father is your Dad. You cannot list your stepdad unless he is legally your parent (or legal guardian); it’s not enough that you live with him, because he would have no parental rights if separated from your Mom if he didn’t adopt you.</p>
<p>This is different from the FAFSA, which asks about your household, not your parents. On the FAFSA you list your stepdad, regardless of whether he adopted you or not.</p>
<p>Thank you, this is extremely helpful!</p>
<p>Good point @FCCDAD I was thinking of the FAFSA.</p>