<p>I am a college sophomore. First off, let me say that my parents are divorced. Secondly, let me say that my mother is a little bit insane.</p>
<p>Last year when I was applying for colleges, my mother filled out both the CS and the fafsa nearly 2 months late. I literally did not even get my financial aid packages until right before May 1st. I got my JHU package in the mail as I stepped out the front door to mail in my deposit to my current school. </p>
<p>My mom delayed the financial aid process forever last year. It caused a lot of stress and I nagged at her all the time to get it done. I thought that this year would be different, but it turns out it is not.</p>
<p>My mother just turned in the last of the financial aid documents about a week ago. That's right... a week ago. Literally three months late. She keeps saying that the financial aid office says everything will be the same. That I will get the same amount of "financial aid." I've called the office myself and they say that they have not even processed it yet. </p>
<p>I do believe that they will give me the same amount of "financial aid," but my mom doesn't seem to understand the difference between "financial aid" and "grants." Loans are considered financial aid too. I was on $22k of grants from my school last year and barely scraped together the $5,000 that I had to pay last year myself. </p>
<p>Isn't it too late in the financial aid process to expect grants? I have been telling my mother that by turning it in so late, she has basically ruined my chance of going back. Right now I am assuming the worst and looking into the possibility of transferring to a good state school where I can actually afford it. </p>
<p>I'm mainly seeking advice from parents. First off, am I overreacting, or is it reasonable to expect that I will be screwed out of $22k? If I am screwed out of that money, would it be a good reason to try to transfer to a worse school?</p>
<p>Only your school's financial aid office can give you the answer, but my guesstimate would be a reduction in financial aid. Not certain transfering would do much good as it's too late for their financial aid, as well. Is there any way you can file FAFSA for your mother, next year, so history doesn't repeat itself? My daughter and I completed FAFSA and CSS together. I wanted her to know our assets and income and the unlikely event I wouldn't be around, she'd know how to handle all paperwork. So many people have told me their parents didn't complete their financial aid applications, virtually screwing the kids. No clue why it happens. Hopefully you can work something out with your school.</p>
<p>Atomicfusion,
Have you already registered for fall classes and signed up for dorms? They know you are coming back? The FA office knows you had this difficulty with your mom last year, no? Are you in the area for the summer and can go in to clean up the mess?</p>
<p>Get on the horn with FA and plead your case -- they know you; you should have better luck than at many larger schools. They aren't going to let you leave...</p>
<p>Definitely would take charge of the paperwork next year, even if it means you have to go home over Spring Break or something to supervise getting the bank statements, tax returns, etc. and putting it together. </p>
<p>Hang in there and don't even THINK about transferring!</p>
<p>
[quote]
Not certain transfering would do much good as it's too late for their financial aid, as well.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>My current plan is to take the fall semester off and work. Then apply for spring semester. The trouble is that the state school is actually really good and hard to get into spring semester, so I might have to take an entire year off. I would apply for financial aid as a financially independent student (and would have the paperwork to verify it, since I've been supporting myself this summer and am living in a different country). </p>
<p>
[quote]
Is there any way you can file FAFSA for your mother, next year, so history doesn't repeat itself?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Not really. My mother owns half of a property in another state and thus that complicates the entire financial aid process. She claims that is why she was so late to turn in all her tax returns to my school.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Have you already registered for fall classes and signed up for dorms?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Yes, I have already registered for my classes and put in the deposit for my dorm next year.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Are you in the area for the summer and can go in to clean up the mess?
[/quote]
I'm actually in another country lol. I won't be in California until the weekend before fall semester starts.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Definitely would take charge of the paperwork next year, even if it means you have to go home over Spring Break or something to supervise getting the bank statements, tax returns, etc. and putting it together.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>This is a good idea except it would cost a lot to fly back home during spring semester. I have literally called my mom about financial aid several times a week for the last 4 months.</p>
<p>I also understand that pleading with the financial aid office might help, but I realize that when it comes down to it if they are out of the funds (which they might be), then they just can't give me grants. When that money is gone, it's gone.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I would apply for financial aid as a financially independent student (and would have the paperwork to verify it, since I've been supporting myself this summer and am living in a different country).
[/quote]
Those are not the criteria for filing as an independent. Unless you are 24 or older, married, a parent or pregnant, or a veteran, you are considered a dependent student for financial aid purposes. It doesn't matter that this may not reflect reality.</p>
<p>If your plan is based on filing as an independent, you may want to rethink it.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Those are not the criteria for filing as an independent. Unless you are 24 or older, married, a parent or pregnant, or a veteran, you are considered a dependent student for financial aid purposes. It doesn't matter that this may not reflect reality.</p>
<p>If your plan is based on filing as an independent, you may want to rethink it.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I've done research into it and I know that I would be able to apply as an independent. I'm purposely leaving out information that would explain how because I don't want to go into it further.</p>
<p>Chedva is correct. My son is almost 21 and has worked full time and completely supported himself for the last year and a half (rent, bills, taxes etc). Now he is returning to college and is a dependent for fianancial aid purposes. Kind of kills him financial aid wise because 50% of his income over $3000 is expected to be contributed to the student EFC. In reality 100% of his income has gone to pay bills. (the reason he realised he needed to return to college). There is not a way to 'become' independant for financial aid purposes unless you meet the criteria Chedva listed - unless you plan to get married or have a child and that is a bit drastic. </p>
<p>I don't understand why parents procrastinate about getting the financial aid papers filed - and I am frequently amazed by the number of students on this board that struggle through trying to assemble the information themselves. My kids did their college apps themselves but we were very involved in the financial aid part of the process. Do talk to your school to see where you stand before you make any drastic decisions. Good luck - I hope it all gets sorted out in your favor.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I've done research into it and I know that I would be able to apply as an independent. I'm purposely leaving out information that would explain how because I don't want to go into it further.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Adding to Chedva's and swimcatsom's comments; other factors include being a ward of the courts (before you were 18) or completed your first Bachelors degree, you will be considered an independent student for financial aid puposes no matter how much $$ you make or how long you have been supporting yourself. Unless one of these things have taken place at most schools if you start as a dependent student, you end as a dependent student (unless you fulfill one of the requirments mentioned to gain independent status).</p>
<p>You need to contact the FA office ASAP to find out where you stand so that you can plan accordingly. </p>
<p>While you are home on winter break, I would suggest that you sit with mom, her last pay stubs and complete the FAFSA on 1/1 (using an estimate and "will file" status). It is also important that she completes her tax forms so that you can send them to the college board (if your school uses the IDOC process for renewal).</p>