Hello,
I’m finishing up my Common App and was confused as to what to put.
Scenario:
My mom and dad divorced in 2007.
Dad remarried with my stepmom in '08.
Mom died in 2015.
Stepmom adopted me in 2016.
Sooo… Who do I list as my mother???
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. If your stepmom legally adopted you then she’s legally your mom. You can list her and your dad as your parents.
@austinmshauri Thank you!!!
Gracie, have you looked at how the Common App words this section.
“Please list both parents below, even if one or more is deceased or no longer has legal responsibilities toward you. Many colleges collect this information for demographic purposes even if you are an adult or an emancipated minor. If you are a minor with a legal guardian (an individual or government entity), then please list that information below as well. If you wish, you may list step-parents and/or other adults with whom you reside, or who otherwise care for you, in the Additional Information section.”
This issue has come up on CC before, with some posters feeling your adoptive parent should be listed.
There are kids with stepparents, who get listed along with the birth parents. Eg, John Doe/father, Mary Doe/mother/deceased, Susan Doe/Stepparent.
But for an adoptive parent/former step parent, unless someone here has a certain answer, I think this is a question you may need to cover with one or more of the colleges on your list, now, before they get busier.
And this distinction will come up if you’re applying for aid, too.