<p>First, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad when I was in my late teens also, but in those days Social Security continued through college, greatly easing the financial burden. I'm rooting for you to hang tough and pursue your dreams at Penn., and a thought about financial aide just occurred to me. If you were to attend Penn. financing yourself completely freshman year through loans and work (and hopefully an increased grant) with no contribution from your mom, paying your own taxes and supporting yourself so that your mom couldn't use you as a tax dependent, would Penn. then reconsider your financial status for the following years in terms of your own resources only, and not your mom's 500K, house, etc.? If this is the case, then Penn. might see your need as far greater the following three years and increase your grant accordingly. Meanwhile, I'm joining your many CC supporters in hoping for good news from Penn. on Monday.</p>