<p>So your parents are divorced or separated? What will matter for FAFSA for government aid is which parent you live with the most. CSS Profile will ask for both parent’s financial information. Those are the two financial forms you will have to submit next year to get need-based finaid from Rice and other top schools. Does your Dad get paid via W-2 wages, i.e. get a paycheck where taxes are withheld? Hopefully he isn’t being paid under the table which will cause major issues. Is your Mom’s $1000/month after expenses? For the self-employed some expenses that can be deducted from taxes aren’t allowed by the schools for finaid. Do they both file tax returns each year?</p>
<p>Congrats on your GPA. However, the students that get the most in merit aid also have high ACT/SAT scores. Did you take the PSAT this fall and if so, what was your score? Plan to take the ACT and SAT this coming spring, see which you do best on, and take that one a second time in June or early next fall. Prepare for these tests, don’t just take them cold. The results will have a lot to do with where you can be admitted and how much aid you can get.</p>