<p>My family situation is....not good. I skipped a grade, so I will not turn 18 until 3/4 of the way into my freshman year of college, after which I plan to cut off all communication with my parents. My family is well off, and could afford full tuition, however my parents will obviously not pay for my tuition after I cut off contact with them. How will colleges view this in terms of financial aid? There is a chance that I will be emancipated by the time I apply, but it is very difficult to do where I live, so it is doubtful. I have excellent stats, so as of right now I am planning to apply to a couple of ivies and then some schools that I know I could get terrific aid (aka full ride). Are there any other options? Should I convey any of this when I apply? I am really at a loss for what to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>To be able to get financial aid you have to file a fafsa. But you will be dependent off your parents until you are 22(?) or are married or have dependents of your own.</p>
<p>^ 24. </p>
<p>You cut them off, the school still expects someone to pay. You will have to get merit aid.</p>
<p>yeah, since posting i have been reading into other forums of other kids in similar situations. basically, unless i get emancipated, i will not be eligible for financial aid if i am on my own, correct? and even though there is abuse going on that will likely not factor into the financial aid package i receive. that is how i understand it at least. i would like to be optimistic and hope that in two years things will be better, but i seriously, seriously doubt that. i plan to save as much money as i can, get as much merit aid as possible, hope for the best, plan for the worst, and try to help my brother and sister once i get out.</p>
<p>You can try getting emancipated, but I doubt it will work. </p>
<p>If there is documented history of abused then I suggest talking to the school and seeing what their policy is.</p>
<p>Also if there is abuse, then work on getting your brother and sister out of the house. That is no place for anyone.</p>
<p>If there is abuse and you go through the process of emancipation, you will be independent. Without emancipation you will be considered dependent on your parent’s until you’re 24 and your aid will be based on their income.</p>
<p>Do you think they will stop the abuse once you’re away at college? Will they force you to go home for breaks or can you take internships/jobs and never again live at home?</p>
<p>If that won’t work, focus on schools with great merit aid.</p>
<p>Best to get the definitions for independent student here:
<a href=“http://ifap.ed.gov/efcformulaguide/attachments/111408EFCFormulaGuide0910.pdf[/url]”>http://ifap.ed.gov/efcformulaguide/attachments/111408EFCFormulaGuide0910.pdf</a></p>
<p>If the abuse is physical, you need to let someone (preferably at your school or doctor’s office) know about it now. The long term effects from prolonged abuse are not worth “sticking it out” and you all need help sooner, rather than later!</p>
<p>I am so sorry that you and your siblings are suffering from abuse. I hope the appropriate authorities have been informed and that you all can be kept safe. Please don’t let the abuse continue!</p>
<p>I have been checking into the “independent student” issue for my D, since she has had to take a couple of years off from her very expensive private uni for mental health reasons. At her school, she can’t be considered independent unless she is 24 years old and has been on her own for the previous 3 years, and has proof, i.e. income tax returns, etc.</p>
<p>But her school ALSO has a rule that if you originally applied as a dependent, then you are ALWAYS considered dependent while a student at that school. I don’t know if they make exceptions for cases of abuse, emancipated minors, or if a student has taken a couple of years off. We will check into their criteria for exceptions if it looks like my D will be returning there.</p>
<p>Some schools will perform a professional judgment override and make you an independent student IF you can document the abuse that occurred while you were in your parent’s home. There is no federal ruling that requires it so each school has the ability to make the decision on how they handle such circumstances and what type of documentation they will need to prove your abusive situation. Definately speak with the financial aid counselors and/or the Director of Financial Aid and inform them of your current situation. They may be able to help!</p>
<p>Have a look at these links to see how abuse affects such situations:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.kidscounsel.org/dependency%20override.pdf[/url]”>http://www.kidscounsel.org/dependency%20override.pdf</a>
[FinAid</a> | Professional Judgment | Dependency Overrides](<a href=“Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid”>Dependency Overrides - Finaid)</p>