<p>First of all, I’m wondering how this would work out: I live with my mom, and my parents are divorced. A few months ago I, in short, completely cut off all communication with my dad. For FA, would I have to contact him to get his financial information or what? </p>
<p>Also, I’m somewhere in the middle class sphere, but I’m not quite sure if I should apply ED. Brown is BEYOND my dream school, but I’d like to get a great deal. It might be somewhat of a problem about affording it, as my brother goes to college also and she’s footing part of the bill for that. What do you think I should do?</p>
<p>I wouldn't apply ED if you aren't sure what will happen financially. Don't take a risk of applying, getting in, and then being obligated to go even though you can't afford it. Just apply RD and see how much aid you get.</p>
<p>Will you go to Brown regardless of the amount of scholarship you receive elsewhere?</p>
<p>If the answer is yes, apply to Brown. Brown has great financial aid, and of course, what most people forget, is that financial reasons is the only way you can get out of ED so if we don't step it up for you you're not bound to come.</p>
<p>I knew that I wanted to go to Brown, knew I couldn't afford it, decided last minute to go RD instead, got in everywhere, got scholarship everywhere else, and I'm still at Brown.</p>
<p>I've never looked back for a second, and my parents may be more excited and pleased with my decision than I was.</p>
<p>Hell yeah! No matter what, I'd practically die if I didn't get in. I know what my passion is, and I foresee Brown being the next stepping stone to getting me where I need to go in life! </p>
<p>Did you get any better deals than Brown's other places?</p>
<p>Yes, your father's income and assets will be taken into account for financial aid, and he will be expected to contribute to the cost of your college education.</p>
<p>I strongly suggest that you complete an online financial aid calculator using both your parents' financial information and see what the EFC is. Do both the institutional and government methods (Brown uses institutional). If you are happy with the bottom line and feel your parents can pay the amount, then apply ED. If your parents say they cannot pay your EFC, then think long and hard about applying ED and figure out where the money will come from. </p>
<p>Most parents here on CC would advise you against applying ED in your situation, unless your EFC is reasonable. Remember, your father will be expected to pay something. If he's not willing to, where will you come up with his contribution?</p>
<p>Obstinate-- I got less at Brown in Financial Aid than I would have had in scholarship from other places. Most other places gave me merit scholarship greater than my family's demonstrated need.</p>
<p>That being said, I feel that Brown's assessment of need is correct. They didn't make paying easy, but they made it very possible.</p>
<p>Also, it depends on the divorce agreement, but most have clauses that require both parents contribute towards college. In that case, your father is legally obligated.</p>
<p>Obstinate, Brown used to match other schools' offers RD, but last year the picture changed. Harvard and Yale changed their policies to give much more aid to families with incomes between $100,000 and $180,000, and I don't know if Brown will match that. If your family income falls under $100,000 (and that would be both parents), then there is a good chance Brown would meet aid packages from other schools.</p>