Hello everyone. I was just admitted Early Action to one of my top schools, with the possibility of a full tuition scholarship based on my financial circumstances. I am the first one in my family to go to college so all of this is new to me and my mother. Apparently in order to get financial aid from this school my father has to fill out something called a non-custodial profile. The thing is, my parents were never married and I don’t know where my dad is. I don’t talk to him, I don’t see him, I don’t know where he lives and I don’t have his phone number. He has never paid child support or contributed financially to anything. It is literally impossible to get this filled out. The school does have a waiver, but on the website it said that they only accept it in extenuating circumstances, which I believe this would qualify as one. I’m worried whether or not they would accept the waiver. If they don’t, I won’t be able to receive financial aid and have no other option. I would appreciate it if anyone with experience can share their thoughts, ideas, and advice for a first-timer like myself. Thanks a lot. 
Have your mother talk to the FA office at the college. They will tell her what kind of info is required. They may ask for a letter from your minister or guidance counselor stating your father has never been involved. But it’s really up to the college as to what they expect.
If you have no knowledge of your dad and his income, how would you know that you would receive NO financial aid?
@Madison85 The college specifically said that if the waiver was rejected, then no financial aid will be given, regardless of individual need. Since either the noncustodial form, or noncustodial waiver is required for FA if they reject the waiver I can’t receive aid because I can’t fill out the form since I don’t know where my father is.
@“Erin’s Dad” they did ask for a letter from someone, which I had my guidance counselor write one. I give the FA office a call and explain my situation. Thanks a lot.
Ok. I thought you meant that if your dad’s income was considered you would get no aid.
@Madison85 No, although I do see why you thought that with the way I worded that sentence.
You have a case for a waiver but sometimes the case is only as good as the documentation that supports it. My dd did get such a waiver based on the boarding school GC support. But if there is an authority that knows this to be the case for longer than HS send a letter from them too. Clergy, social worker, Doctor. They may wonder why your mother isn’t collecting support which she legally has a right to do. Some schools may give these waivers more readily than others
@BrownParent My guidance counselor was also my teacher when I was in elementary and middle school, so she has known me and my family situation since I was about six. Unfortunately I don’t know anyone else enough to ask for a letter, and I haven’t explained my family situation to many people. What other documentation could I send to help solidify my case? I completely understand that these schools are going to want more evidence and I’m willing to find the documents needed to prove it, the website was not specific on the kinds of things that they needed with the waiver. They also require a letter from me and my mom explaining our circumstance. What are some things I should explain here? My dad left when I was six years old and never came back, and I haven’t heard of him since. I’m not entirely sure what other details I should provide to help my case. Thanks for all of your help.
The more facts you have, the better. Are there any relatives on his side of the family (grandparents, siblings) who could write a letter saying they don’t know where he is either? If your parents divorced when you were six, were there any additional court contacts. Even your father’s divorce attorney could write a response that he withdrew from the case and doesn’t have contact info.
The good news is some schools do just accept the fact that some people can’t be located.
@twoinanddone My parents never got divorced, they were never married so unfortunately there are no official court contacts. I also don’t know my fathers side of the family at all. Hopefully this school will be understanding of my circumstance, I am a bit worried, however.
You just can never be sure of the waiver because it is at the school discretion and they do not make the criteria public. Of course they are not going to put any blueprint online how to get it or everyone will try and say the other parent doesn’t want to be found. Some will lie etc.
So you must always have other plans in case it doesn’t work out. Usually when you say full scholarship, that should not depend on parent financials if it is a true scholarship, meaning merit aid. But if you mean you qualify for full ride based on need aid then sure, you need the other parent financials and if that is low income you are good. High income then they will expect more contrubition because they aren’t going to step in if your parent won’t.
But MIA parent is another story hopefully. I can PM you a bit about why our situation worked so as not to post publicly personal details. Give me a day.
@BrownParent I would appreciate that a lot. Thank you.
At least you have a lot of time to get this sorted out, this being an EA school.
Still, I hope you have applied to some other schools as backup in case this doesn’t work out?
I have the exact same problem as you; I would suggest calling the university/college that is offering you the scholarship ASAP. Tell me how it goes!
@OHMomof2 Yes I have applied to other schools as a back up. This school is one of my top choices however, so I really hope it works out.
@NovaCat They are currently on vacation, but I will let you know how it goes. Goodluck to you on your situation!
Also, I’m currently working on the personal statement. I’m mentioning the circumstance that my dad left, how he has never paid child support or any financial things, and how I don’t know where he lives even after my efforts. I’m not sure what other information I should expand on or provide to bring more clarity to the situation.
@NovaCat Not sure if you were still interested in knowing but my waiver was accepted by all the schools I sent it to. Hope that everything worked out for you!
^^ Congrats.
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my parents were never married and I don't know where my dad is. I don't talk to him, I don't see him, I don't know where he lives and I don't have his phone number. He has never paid child support or contributed financially to anything. It is literally impossible to get this filled out.
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It totally makes sense that your waivers would have been approved.
Glad it worked out for you! Will you be attending this school or have you not decided yet?
Thank you! I’m not sure yet. It’s a great option financially, but I’m also exploring other options.