<p>I am applying to college through the Common App and I've come to the section regarding my family. My parents are divorced and I spend the majority of my time at my mother's house. My father has a higher salary than her, and I also spend time at his house (they both still live in the same town) and I was wondering whether it would be to my advantage to say that I live with my mother rather than saying that I live with both parents. She makes less than 50k per year, and it would be greatly beneficial as far as financial aid goes to say that I live solely at her house, although I also spend some time at my father's.</p>
<p>Would saying that I live only at my mother's be in any way detrimental to the application process? Is it possible that it could come to light that I don't spend 100% of my time at her house (although I do spend a clear majority there), and if so, would it hurt my chances because I technically hadn't been absolutely honest?</p>
<p>For the record, regardless of the financial benefits, I am having a hard time deciding whether to put my mother or both parents for custody.</p>
<p>On the common app, which parent you live with will not be a factor for admissions.</p>
<p>However for financial aid</p>
<p>Which ever parent you live the most with is the custodial parent.<br>
Did the court designate a custodial parent or do your parents have joint custody?
If you live equally with both parents then you must fill out the FAFSA using the parent who has provided the most support.</p>
<p>Keep in mind, most FAFSA only schools do not meet 100% need. The only thing that the fafsa does is determine your eligibility for federal aid; Pell, subsidized loans,federal work study.</p>
<p>Even if your mom is the custodial parent, she must include any monies that she receives in alimony/child support on the FAFSA (which will be considered income)</p>
<p>Columbia will look at income/assets of both parents.
Princeton will look at the income/assets of both parents</p>
<p>I see that you are applying for questbridge;</p>
<p>So far all of the schools that you have mentioned will require the income and assets of both of your parents (and stepparents, if they have remarried) in order to determine your financial need and award you financial aid.</p>
<p>I believe all of those schools in post 4 require the Profile…and use the non-custodial parent profile as well. So info from both parents (and spouses) will be required.</p>