<p>son is filling out common app. there is a spot for the parents to put their workplace in - no financial info. since husband is out of work that spot can't be filled in for him. I work, so I was able my work info in? Will this hurt my son's chances? Things are looking good for my husband, but most of son's college apps are due by 11/1. We were going to send the apps around the 20th of October but maybe we should wait a little longer. I'm sure this is very common with 10% of the work force being out of work.</p>
<p>I do not think having an unemployed parent will hurt your son’s chances. I would not wait to send the applications either.</p>
<p>The majority of schools are need blind for admissions (most public Us are). It should make a difference in those few schools that are need aware. And some of those are need aware only with those students that are no the border for admission.</p>
<p>Erin’s Dad - I was confused by your response. </p>
<p>I read it as it won’t make a difference in the majority of schools because they are need blind, and that it won’t make a difference in the need aware schools either unless he is on the border for acceptance. Can you confirm?</p>
<p>Also - is there a list of need aware schools somewhere?</p>
<p>Concerned-- think of it this way-- your husband could be retired from the armed forces, or he could have made it big in the tech boom and be spending all his time breeding orchids now. All the colleges will know is that he’s not employed. Later when you submit fafsa etc they will see your whole financial picture-- but for now the little check box that says your S will be looking for financial aid is the only info they have. </p>
<p>I hope things pan out well for your husband soon! Meanwhile, in this economy I’m sure there are many, many applicants who have a parent out of work.</p>
<p>Concerned - Your son needs to complete his app as completely and honestly as possible. The facts are the facts. As said above, your FAFSA will explain your situation. Your son will have other opportunities to explain his financial situation. Our son is a freshman in college. Neither my husband nor I were employed last year for two different reasons. It had no impact on his results. Good luck to your husband and your son.</p>
<p>[Colleges</a> Where Need for Aid Can Hurt Admission Odds - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/education/articles/2010/03/23/colleges-where-need-for-aid-can-hurt-admission-odds]Colleges”>http://www.usnews.com/education/articles/2010/03/23/colleges-where-need-for-aid-can-hurt-admission-odds)</p>
<p>^^The article above explains OP’s concerns well. </p>
<p>I really don’t see this situation any more challenging for admission than a student from a single parent household, or where there is a SAHM.</p>
<p>Does your husband currently work in any capacity from your home? Even if it’s part-time (trading stocks, consulting, etc.) you could list this (self-employed) if it made you feel more comfortable. Just a suggestion…I doubt, however, it will make a difference in your son being accepted or rejected.</p>
<p>^^That was my suggestion. If you’re employed by someone else you’re “employed.” If you do something that brings in income that you do on your own you’re “self employed” and if you are out of work and looking for work then you are “unemployed.” And I agree, if it’s troubling to you to list “unemployed” just put “self employed”…however remember when you fill out financial aid forms that “self employed” assumes there is some income, however small, coming in. For the past couple years ‘unemployed’ doesn’t have the stigma it might have had thirty years ago. I know an unemployed VP, president, CEO and yes gasp one currently unemployed Ivy League graduate. Chin up.</p>
<p>I was unemployed for a few months this summer and chose to fill in that particular blank with the phrase “presently seeking employment”. I felt that captured my status better than simply putting “unemployed”. Best of luck to your family.</p>
<p>At this point, it doesn’t matter what you put down. If you put down that you are applying for aid the non-need blind may choose a kid who will pay full freight but only when they have basically identical candidates near the break point. They don’t try to figure out how much aid you will need at this point.</p>
<p>For those schools are need blind they are not looking at work/financial aid needs of the family. AFTER January and acceptances they request that you finalize the financial aid forms based on last year’s tax return and, if circumstances have changed since the tax return you will have a chance to indicate this. SO…put in the presently seeking employment as suggested ^^ and don’t worry about financial aid at this point.</p>