<p>Thumper, I’ll PM you.</p>
<p>Note to OP…in MOST cases it is virtually impossible to become independent from your parents for financial aid purposes as an undergrad (unless you meet the FAFSA criteria). It is very very rare. I don’t want you to get your hopes up too high.</p>
<p>It is very rare and you know what? You should go somewhere you can afford. We may have someone on this board who has found a way to “beat the system” which is why they will only disclose it in a PM but that is not the right way.
If your parents have assets and they are unwilling or unable to use them that is your reality. Live with it. Go somewhere you can afford.
Okay end of rant.</p>
<p>I didn’t need to “Beat the System” to be declared an Independent Student.
Sorry, but you are sorely mistaken to think otherwise. </p>
<p>I became a Ward of the Court and remained so until my High School Graduation while in Foster Homes. That was why I was declared to be an independent student. </p>
<p>There are other circumstances that led to that other than a desire to be declared an Independent Student. </p>
<p>I wanted to mention to the OP that it was a slim possibility, yet it does exist and honestly one that I wish that no one would purposefully try to place themselves into unless there were very dire circumstances at play…which for me there were.</p>
<p>^^Unless there are major issues at home, like documented abuse, one cannot just make oneself a ward of the court. It’s not easy, nor is it desirable to be placed into foster care.</p>
<p>Berea College offers all admitted students 100% tuition scholarships for the full four years. Worth a look. It’s a good private school (US News ranked it #68 of liberal arts colleges).</p>
<p>If you would state your test scores and GPA, there are many full ride-style scholarships at many public schools available solely based on GPA/SAT, etc. People on this board might be able to help you out with some links.</p>
<p>Being a ward of the court is one of the ways specified on FAFSA that makes you an independent student. Just like being married or being a veteran etc. It is not exactly something that applies to the OP or anyone else that is in his situation.</p>