My step mom makes a lot of money, but she wont pay for my college tuition. Without her, my dad and mom dont make as much.
Do i have to list her on my common app under the family section? And do i have to list her when applying for financial aid, or is there any way i can leave a comment that my step mom wont pay?
Yes, you have to list her.
No, it doesn’t matter that she won’t pay.
Your dad is not solely supporting the household. Just listing him would suggest that ONLY his income is paying for the household expenses, and that’s not true.
Your SM may not help with college, but since she pays for a good bit of the household expenses, then your dad can better afford to help YOU.
But @mom2collegekids wont she lower my financial aid package? That is what I am worried about
You have to be honest on your college applications, and financial aid application forms. You can’t just omit someone because you feel like it…or they will reduce your aid. That is called fraud.
Where do you reside? For FAFSA, you will put that parent…and spouse if there is one. That is your custodial parent. Plus any spousal or child support received. Your other parent isn’t included on the FAFSA at all.
For the Profile, your custodial parent and spouse will complete the Profile. Your other oarent, your non custodial parent and spouse will complete the non-custodial parent Profile if required by the college. And NO, you can’t just leave your step mom off the list.
And also watch for school specific financial aid forms. Some of those will also ask for information about non-custodial parents and spouses…in addition to your custodial parent.
And YES…they all need to be listed on the common application.
Sorry, but the schools are going to know that your stepmom exists because of the way your dad files his taxes. His taxes will indicated that he is married, so there’s no hiding that fact.
Yes, you will get less aid. you may get NO AID, but that isn’t the school’s fault.
What are your stats? Maybe you need to apply where your stats will get you lots of scholarship money.
Have you asked your dad how much HE"LL pay each year? If not, do so…you need that answer.