Parent Information...

Applying to College Common and Coalition Application
1

<p>I've got an issue; I have a... well, I guess an unusual parental situation, and I don't know what I should input for the parent information. Here it is in the least personally revealing manner I can give it:</p>

<p>I've never known my biological father. He has never been a part of my life. I have no idea who he is, what he looks like. He is anonymous. I live with my mom and step-dad. My step-dad has not adopted me, but he is technically a legal guardian.</p>

<p>What do I list for parent's marital status, and who do I say I make residence with? And when I put my step-dad in, do I list him as my father, or as other?</p>

<p>And another, slightly tangent question, but while I'm on the subject I might as well ask. For financial aid, I'm kindof confused as to what I should be doing. My mom works, but doesn't make much money. My step-dad is retired officer from the Air Force, and gets a decent pension (more than my mom makes). How will this translate into financial aid terms?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>If your mother is married to your step-father, then your mother’s marital status is “married” and you reside with your parents. I’m pretty sure you can fill in your step-father’s name under “father”, but search around in the help document to see if that is specifically addressed.</p>

<p>For financial aid, you’ll need your parents’ total adjusted gross income. Your step-father’s pension if taxable (assuming he’s married to your mother) is added to your mother’s income on their taxes. If their total income is relatively high, this will mean that your expected family contribution (EFC) will be relatively high. You can run the numbers through an EFC calculator or the FAFSA Forecaster to see what your EFC will be. The FAFSA form will not ask for your birth father’s income to be included.</p>