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<li><p>“Baby Second” ? I’ve never heard that. I love that term.</p></li>
<li><p>You might need TWO or more letters, so you might start asking ALL those people if they can work on them for you. I think most of the schools will take as many/as much info/data/letters as you can provide…I know that’s how they’ve been with me and the waiver for the non custodial profile. </p></li>
<li><p>I’m SO GLAD you said you’re worried about the “detail work”. I wish I had a daughter like that! I just KEEP coming back her to say “good job!” You’re right…this stuff, especially since some of it relates to “government work” can take FOREVER. </p></li>
<li><p>It’s good to get all the info you can on here, so I’m bumping again for someone who knows the steps of this situation. BUT…do start with colleges A.S.A.P. Get in touch with their financial aid, tell them what you told us, and see what they have to say. They’re now probably all closed for the holidays, unfortunately. </p></li>
<li><p>Do you have any type of social worker you can contact? I think that’s usually handled by the STATE? Should be a way to get some answers without an attorney. They know who to call, how to check to see if you were ever a ward (I assume). I don’t know how you file for independent status, contact FAFSA. You ask if it will help you get your “override”…I assume you mean the fact you might not have to get your parents’ data. I don’t know, I’ve never done this, but I imagine that’s exactly what it means. If a person gains “independent” status, they surely can’t get/expect the parent data. AND you should get GREAT aid because I’m sure you earn little to nothing yourself. Now that you’re on school break…google everything! Library too? There are tons of FAFSA f.a.q.s. </p></li>
<li><p>I know this will work out for you. Have faith in the outcome because you’re doing the right thing. The devil’s in the details. But you’ll plod through it. I know I’ve already planned to get my tree down before Jan 1 JUST so that my mind is clear of everything else and I can wake up and sit down at the computer and get started! (I’ve got a lot of “weirdness” in my D’s financial aid stuff too). By the way…I was orphaned at age 5, raised by older siblings and aunts, moved all the time, etc…and we’re now all over age 50 with kids and great jobs and businesses and money. My brother put himself entirely through school, full time job the whole time and all summer. (I’ll play your surrogate Mother today).</p></li>
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