<p>I live alone. I have a job, and pay my own bills with no assistance from anyone. I pay half of my tuition costs because the Pell doesn’t cover much. My parents live 1000 miles away, but as far as I can tell, I am stuck being classified as a dependent for three more years. I don’t have a loan. I am very careful with my money, and am planning on waiting to take out a loan until I transfer.</p>
<p>I trust this board more than I do the counselors at my school! I was told to not worry about where to transfer to (there is only one in-state public with my major), to not make money the major factor of college choices until after I send my applications. Now I am worried that my counselors don’t know what they’re talking about.</p>
<p>Technically, I have a high school diploma. They cost $30 for homeschoolers to order online. It is what most homeschoolers I have talked to used. More important is a transcript, which I have - just made up.</p>