<p>Ok, I've got a problem. I haven't gotten my MIT FA package yet, but how would MIT define "parent"? I live with my dad and stepmom, but my stepmom does not support me at all and she shouldn't pay for my college education...My natural mother is not available and not in contact with me at all, so MIT already waived her information.</p>
<p>But MIT wants my stepmom's fin aid info. She makes some money that would make me not get fin aid at all if MIT counts her information, but really, she never supported me except give me housing and insurance, that's all. My father makes no income yet he supported me with what cash he has...</p>
<p>How would MIT fin aid office deal with this kind information if I sent in my stepmom's W-2 and 1040? Will they count it and I get no fin aid at all, even I won't get any money from my stepmom?? I would really like to go to MIT. </p>
<p>I know you're going to say "Talk to your fin aid counselor", but I want to see what other people say before we do anything else.</p>
<p>I don’t know. I had to give MIT info from my natural mom, my natural dad, and my stepmom, and I’ve never even met my stepmom.</p>
<p>yeah, pretty much like that. </p>
<p>goldenratiophi, did you get your package? did the package include your stepmom’s info, but then, they might not because you don’t live with her, unlike me?</p>
<p>I think you missed my point. If your dad has no income and you’re living with your stepmom, I find saying “that’s all” rather flippant.</p>
<p>I’m virtually certain you are going to have to provide that information. After all, when she chose to marry your father they became a combined legal entity, with significant combined responsibilities. Otherwise it would be too easy to claim “the assets are in my stepmother/stepfather’s name” and expect the university to pick up financial responsibility that the parents may well be quite capable of paying. </p>
<p>There may be ways to address the situation beyond your worst case scenario, but I can definitely understand why MIT is insisting on the data - particularly since it already agreed not to factor in the income/assets of your biological mother. The “speak to your aid counselor” response is, unfortunately, probably the right one.</p>
<p>Why would you get no money from your stepmom, if she basically supports you?</p>
<p>I’m in a similar situation - I live with my mom and stepdad, and my dad makes very little money. My mom recently found a job making an okay amount of money, but my stepdad makes enough to make a significant contribution. Fortunately, they’ve agreed to pay for as much of the parent contribution as they reasonably can, but it’s understood that I’ll pick up the slack, through loans/work/whatever. Could you work out something similar with your parents?</p>
<p>No, I got some money from her, but only to pay for my medical bills and health insurance, which can cost about 20k or more. I just happen to live in her house.</p>
<p>If MIT and all other schools see how much money my stepmom makes and saved and count it, I will absolutely get no fin aid at all and she won’t pay at all. I’m dead. I"m screwed. </p>
<p>Isn’t any way that MIT will consider my stiuation? Or will they won’t care at all and say “Oh well, too bad for you and deal with it”?</p>
<p>You just happen to live in her house? There’s no reason she has to house you.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, it’s a tough situation when (step)parents won’t pay or will only pay a certain amount. The thing is, if MIT made up the difference, every parent would say they’re unwilling to pay. </p>
<p>But yeah, as much as you don’t want to hear it, talk to your FinAid counselor.</p>