<p>You said that your mother got $1500 a month for you and $1500 a month for your brother. How does that work? For how long does she get the money? Does it go directly to you after you turn 18. It might be a legal issue if she got the money specifically for her children and did not provide it to them. Perhaps you could just point out that the money is supposed to be for your benefit and ask her to give it to you. I would ask nicely, and investigate things if she doesn't.</p>
<p>Are you talking to the financial aid officier yourself or is everything going thru your mother? If you are willing to take the loans, accept the college by May 1st and then work with them afterwards. If your mother is getting $1500 per month for you, I would do everything I could to get it. I don't see any reason why she should refuse to just give it to you. Also, try looking into scholarships.</p>
<p>Some people have talked about how difficult the death was on the mother. I have more sympathy for Legend. It was his father, and this is a very difficult time for him.</p>