<p>My story starts as anybody else's story: I received a QuestBridge letter in the mail, and looked into it.</p>
<p>However, I worry about how reporting my family's income goes. I think I may not qualify at all, financially.</p>
<p>My parents are separated, so it makes everything a bit messy. My father is my custodial parent, and he receives around 70,000 a year. My stepmother is not married to my father, but she does live with us. She receives negligible income as a waitress. Together, they've had my youngest brother, reported on my father's taxes. I am also reported on my father's taxes. My step mother has two other daughters whom she pays child support on, one of which she claims on her taxes.</p>
<p>I myself do not work, but I do have some savings.</p>
<p>My grandmother lives with my father and stepmother, and does work, but I don't know if that matters.</p>
<p>My mother, who is my noncustodial parent, has recently married my step father. My mother herself does not work, but my step father receives considerable income. Together they claim my two other brothers.</p>
<p>All in all, I don't know if the income of my stepparents matters. Since I have to report my non-custodial parent income would my stepfather's income count as my mother's? Can I claim to have my stepmother and stepsisters in my family even if she is not married to my father?</p>
<p>If it makes any difference, know that I want to use the regular decision program and not the college match, to avoid any binding situations. I just want to know if there is any point in using the program if my finances are questionable.</p>