<p>I'm a US citizen living in Costa Rica with my single mother who is NOT a US citizen, therefore she has not paid taxes nor does she. I am trying to get into film school in the US. Does somebody know what information to enter into The Common Application if I don't have tax info?</p>
<p>You will need to use her income information and her assets at the exchange rate of the day. For help with this whole process, contact the counselors at [EducationUSA</a> - Center Profile - Centro Cultural Costarricense-Norteamericano](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.info/sanjose]EducationUSA”>http://www.educationusa.info/sanjose) If no one in that office has worked with a US citizen recently, they have colleagues in other countries who have.</p>
<p>That’s actually perfect! Coincidentially, I got the contact info for someone who works there before I even saw this reply or heard of the place!
Here’s another thing, though. My mom doesn’t make very much to begin with (she’s an elementary teacher…) and I’ve been told (not by my mom) it would be a good idea to apply as if I were independant so as to get more financial aid. That way I wouldn’t even have to worry about the tax part. Would that be kind of “cheating”? Besides, according to all of those Net Price Calculators, I’m in line for some hefty aid even with my mom’s information.</p>
<p>You cannot apply as an independent student on FAFSA unless one of the following applies to you:</p>
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<p>OK, thanks! Now I feel better about doing the right thing… I don’t think I would have done the independant thing anyway. I would feel like a thief my whole life if I took the help someone else could be getting like that…</p>