FASFA.. long

Crux1024 · Nov 18, 2009

I wish I had a direct response for you. Thats between a rock and a hard place.

Have you tried the guidance counselors @ school? They usually have someone there knowledgeable about the college process/search and that includes FAFSA forms.

Good Luck.

TeeGuneys23 · Nov 18, 2009

I wish I had a direct response for you. Thats between a rock and a hard place.
Have you tried the guidance counselors @ school? They usually have someone there knowledgeable about the college process/search and that includes FAFSA forms.
Good Luck.

my guidence couselor in particular has not been involved in a situation like this. it is really difficult because FAFSA is telling me I need to put down stepdad's info regardless, but its just not fair. even though he pays for food, utilites and household things.. he is not paying an ounce for my college education. I just really wish I could find a child support grant or something around here. Or someone that has been in the same boat and can guide me.

MedSurgeMess · Nov 18, 2009

Unfortunately, if he's in the household, you have to list his information. You're not alone in the fact that many parents "make too much" as far as financial aid info for the FAFSA, but will not, or cannot help the kids. I wish you luck....perhaps you can apply for a scholarship or student loan?

ohmeowzer RN, RN · Nov 18, 2009

i think you should call them .. because you need help from a person who works with those applications.. call them and ask what should do>> keep us posted , good luck with schooling !! we are rooting for you !!

TeeGuneys23 · Nov 18, 2009

Unfortunately, if he's in the household, you have to list his information. You're not alone in the fact that many parents "make too much" as far as financial aid info for the FAFSA, but will not, or cannot help the kids. I wish you luck....perhaps you can apply for a scholarship or student loan?

but now i just read something that its possible if you win scholarships that the government can take away your scholarship because your parent owes alot of child support.. if thats really true, then that is really messed up

bsunurse23 · Nov 18, 2009

i can tell you that my husband was in a similar situation as you when he started college. his dad was pretty much worthless and not aroundand his stepdad was refusing to help with school. unfortunately, he had to put his stepdad's information on the fafsa form as well. i went to the fafsa site and copied what it said. i am sorry that you are put in this situation, but your stepdad's income is your mom's income therefore the government thinks he should help pay! you can always get student loans to help cover this and there are plenty of scholarships out there for people who are middle class citizens. also make sure to add your sisters' info on the form as this will help you.

if your parents are married, answer the questions about both parents.

if your parent is widowed or single, answer only the questions about that parent.

if your parents have divorced or separated, answer only the questions about the parent that you lived with most during the last 12 months. if you did not live with one parent more than the other, answer only the questions about the parent who provided most of your financial support during the last 12 months.

if your parent has remarried after being widowed or divorced, answer the questions about both your parent and your stepparent.

if you have a legal guardian, you cannot use your legal guardian's information on your application. a legal guardian is not considered a parent in the financial aid process.

if you have foster parents, you cannot use your foster parent's information on your application. a foster parent is not considered a parent in the financial aid process.

if you were adopted, follow the instructions above for parents, based on your parents' current marital status.

note: the following people are not considered parents on this form unless they have legally adopted you: grandparents, foster parents, legal guardians, older brothers or sisters, and uncles or aunts

Jubilayhee · Nov 18, 2009

Go to a state college and take out loans.

hhender102 · Nov 18, 2009

the above posters are correct....you must fill in your stepfather's information and will have to until you become an independent student.....meaning living on your own, with your own source of income for two years (at least two years used to be the minimum time frame). also fill in your sisters as members of the household -- if they live there, they count as members. if any of them are in college, that will count as an additional amount they will reduce from your expected financial contribution (the figure they calculate that states how much of the costs of tuition/books/dorm, etc., you are expected to pay).

however, do not let that deter you. go ahead and complete the fafsa and complete any financial aid documents your college (once you decide) requires. attempt to get scholarships based on your grades and/or community activities. also, depending on your state, you may still qualify for some grants for people going into health care professions. if all else fails, you may have to take out student loans...not to be glib....but join the crowd. almost all college graduates i know of have student loan debt. loans are available to all income levels. there are no income caps and everyone qualifies for the same amount.

also, once you decide on a college and have received the information and the amount of aid you are awarded, do not be afraid to meet with your financial aid counselor at the college to let them know of any special financial circumstances you may have. they are also great resources for finding additional aid and scholarships.

while it is great to receive scholarships and grants, if they aren't available or aren't enough to cover tuition, loans may be your only option. once you are out of college, there are some options that may "forgive" some of your student loan debt, such as being a nurse in an under-served area, etc. if all else fails, you will have to repay the loans, but it will be well worth it in the long run because you will have your nursing degree.

TeeGuneys23 · Nov 18, 2009

thanks for everyone's replies, it means alot. So basically Im screwed in this situation which isnt really the answer i wanted coming out of this. Ouch

ohmeowzer RN, RN · Nov 18, 2009

sorry , honey i hope that it works out for you !

jadedgreeneyes · Nov 18, 2009

I will speak for myself here but.... I was in your same situation and when I spoke to the financial aid counselor at my school I was told not to input my stepfathers info since he had not legally adopted me. The FAFSA states to not put info of a legal guardian who has not adopted you. Maybe this was wrong but this is what I was told and what I did up untill when I became independent...last year...ugh!