Question about what to put down for father

Paying for College
1

<p>Okay. So I'm currently in the process of applying to colleges and the applying is pretty much okay. However, I'm definitely don't know what to do when applying for financial aid. </p>

<p>I live with my mom and my brother (who is also a senior and will be applying to colleges) and my dad is not in the picture. Now, my mom makes less than 25k and my brother and I our on free/reduced lunch and receive government assistance. So, I'm eligible for fee waivers and such but I don't know what to put down about my father. </p>

<p>My father does not live with us. I actually don't even talk to the man much. I know his full name and everything. But I don't know where he's living (probably with some of his little friends) or where he's working (but I think it's a fast food place) and whatnot. Letters for him come to the house for him, so not sure what's up with that. My mom says that she doubts he's filed his taxes in the last 5 or so years.</p>

<p>I'm really worried that I'm not going to get any financial aid because of him. What do I put down? He really is not in my life nor is he all that corporative. I think that he pays some child support, albeit the State automatically takes it out from him some way or another. </p>

<p>I'm applying to Boston University (definitely my first choice) and a lot of other schools in Boston as well as some state schools. Most of my apps are through the common app. I'm just wondering is this going to be a huge problem. What do I put down? How is the fasfa going to work?</p>

2

<p>Post this in the financial aid forum. People there will be able to answer your questions.</p>

3

<p>For FAFSA-only schools, it’s not going to matter as FAFSA only requires income info from your custodial parent (and it sounds as if you may qualify for the Automatic 0 EFC). If BU requires NCP info you can ask for a waiver but may have to supply independent documentation. That’s usually something like a letter from someone other than family/friends - GC, clergy, doctor, social worker, etc. - who can attest to the fact that your dad does not contribute to your support and has no contact. You should be able to find info on petitioning for a NCP waiver somewhere on BU’s website. Good luck!</p>

4

<p>If you applying to colleges that require only the FAFSA then it won’t matter. If you are applying the small percentage of colleges that utilize the College Board profile or their own supplements you need to find out if they require your father’s financial information. Some will and some won’t. If your mother (and you) do not have an address or a method for him to be contacted AND a particular colleges requires the information you will need to ask what is required for a waiver. Again you will need to ask each college where you need/want a waiver as they may require different information. Best to sit down and look at each college on your list and figure out which forms are needed and what you need to do.</p>