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[quote]
Only in rare cases in which students can meet all federal tests for independence and/or have extreme extenuating circumstances will they be considered *independent for Dartmouth scholarship eligibility. *
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Yes, but for most private schools federal aid is just a small drop in the bucket. I don't think schools have to deem you independent when it comes to disbursing their money (which is the lion's share of need based institutional FA)</p>