<p>So, my parents have in essence been lying to me. For the past eight years, they've retained the same jobs and pay, and have told me that we make less than $25k a year. I'm pretty sure this is below the poverty line for the amount of residents in my home. When I applied to my first college, I selected the according income bracket, which was something like <$26,000. That application has already been submitted.</p>
<p>I started another application today, they asked for an exact figure in the thousands, so I asked my parents again how much we make (informing them that their most recent tax return may be requested). They finally fessed up and told me we make about $60k a year. </p>
<p>I'm livid for obvious reasons. I've gone most of my life since I moved here without having sufficient clothing and essentially having to find ways support myself. She's been lying to my father about how much she makes, and has been receiving an outrageous sum for child support which she claims they need to keep the roof over my head, none of which has ever been directly spent on me. My dad pays for literally everything else I have and need other than our bills in addition to his child support.</p>
<p>Now I'm scared to death that this is going to affect my need based scholarships, admissions chances, everything. What do I do if the college thinks I'm lying? How much of an effect is this going to have? </p>
<p>For the record, even if we could afford cheaper tuitions (3k or so), my parents would refuse to help. They have already stated I am on my own.</p>