While filling the ISCOF form I run into some problems. In ISFAA there are nice little instructions at the beginning clarifying a lot, but there is no such thing in ISCOF. So, since both forms are from College Board, do the same instructions apply? And if they differ:
Do I consider the non-custodial parent as “parent” or “sponsor”?
What is the difference between putting, for example, $10k in “savings” and $0 in “parents” and the other way around?
There is about a half-page blank space at the end, can I use it to provide additional information or explanations?
In question 16, “What are the sources and amounts of support available to you during summer?”, what am I supposed to enter if I just plan to come back home during summers?
Since my mother spent almost all of our savings on the flat we bought recently, we don’t have (relatively) much money left (~10k compared to ~18k of yearly income). Can I just declare all the support in “Parents (Money available from sources other than savings.)” and put $0 in “Personal or Family Savings” and not bother with the bank signature?
Hi @thumper1 ! This one is new for me. I have just looked at it now.
@doopah - Your non-custodial parent is a parent. Put your first parent’s information on one line, and the other parent’s information on the next one. A sponsor would be if some other relative, friend, or your employer is paying for your studies.
The bank needs to verify how much of your family savings would be available each year. If your family does not plan to use any of the savings for your education, then I expect you could skip this question.
The money from other sources is what your family expects to be able to pay out of annual income each year. One parent’s contribution goes on each line.
But isn’t the second parent field reserved for second custodial parent (like a step-parent)? There is only one address field so I just assumed only people you live with count as “parents” (that’s the way you’d fill out the ISFAA). But I don’t have a step parent so I guess I could list my dad there and try to squeeze in two addresses into the field (?) Does it even matter or am I just panicking for no reason?
And what about the sources of support during summer - I literally have no idea what to type in there.
I would list mom on the first line with her address, and dad on the second, and then squeeze his address in separately. Maybe put an * by his name and then by his address.
If you plan to go home every summer, then I would put $0, and add a note to say that I plan to go home.
I would also email the international admissions offices and give them all of this information again so that can tell you if you’ve made any mistakes. You aren’t the first student to be confused by the paperwork! They will be able to help you sort things out.