<p>I have been getting a feeling that my parents are not going to contribute to my college education. They refuse to talk about it and I doubt they will give me their information for the FAFSA. The problem is that my mom knows nothing of our finances and my dad and I have a bad relationship (it's nothing I've done, so it can't be "fixed"). Who knows, maybe they will help, but I like to have a plan.
That being said, If I wait until I'm 24 to gain independence, will I still be competitive for top colleges. I'm interested in the top tech schools and a few Ivies. I do think I have a decent chance of getting into one after high school. Will I still have that same chance after 5-6 years of working what will probably a lousy job?<br>
I'm trying to avoid any debt because I would like to move outside the country shortly after graduating and I don't think I can pay a US debt with a non-US salary. XD </p>
<p>What are your stats (GPA/ACT/SAT/PSAT)? Will you be a high school senior in the fall? Do you have an idea of your parents’ income and assets? Do you have any siblings in college now or who are also in high school now?</p>
<p>Even if you were financially independent it doesnt guarantee you will get enough aid to cover your costs. Most schools wont. </p>
<p>If you are “competitive for top colleges” you are also competitive for merit scholarships at other schools. See the merit scholarship links in this forum. </p>
<p>Most students graduate with some debt. If you keep it under your projected 1st year salary and you use your degree to find work you should be able to repay the debt regardless of the country you live in. </p>
<p>Keep in mind that being independent for federal aid, will not make you independent for schools that use their own institutional aid. At many of these schools, you will not be considered independent until you are 26/27 and you can demonstrate 5 years of being full self sufficient and independent of your parents</p>
<p>@Madison85 I just finished my sophomore year so I don’t have many stats yet but I’m anticipating what I will have will be good. I’m an only child but my parents are not at all wealthy so I know that I can get substantial aid.
@mitchklong Thanks for the warning and tip! I wouldn’t mind a small debt just nothing that requires years to pay off.
@sybbie719 Oh wow that’s a long time! Thanks for the info! :)</p>
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<p>You have 4 months to prepare for the PSAT in Oct. Everyone gets one shot to nail it to qualify for National Merit. Being a NM Finalist will open a lot of money doors and a lot of possibilities for you.<br>
<a href=“http://www.nationalmerit.org/nmsp.php”>http://www.nationalmerit.org/nmsp.php</a></p>
<p>What state are you in? Different states have different PSAT score cutoffs for qualify for NM.</p>
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You will only get substantial aid if your record is good enough to get you into a school that meets need. The vast majority of colleges do not. </p>