<p>Basically, he already had a long criminal record, commited a crime that made it unwise to be around people my age, and Mum divorced him. He no longer lives here, or supports the family now. According to Mum, he wants to “be a father” again and somehow pay for college, but I don’t want to be dependent on a guy who also physically abused his family. </p>
<p>How do I indicate next year on the FA forms that even if my dad wants to, he shouldn’t be paying? Googling his name will bring up the first thing I mentioned.</p>
<p>For FAFSA only schools, it won’t be an issue. Only the custodial parent’s info is submitted. At Profile schools, including Yale, they’ll want both parents’. Does Mum have documentation of the abuse or a restraining order? If so, perhaps she can make an appt with the FA office when you do your college visits and ask them how to handle this without your dad’s info. I’m sure they can grant a waiver for special circumstances, but it’s up to each school to do so. Good luck!</p>
<p>Usually a waiver for special circumstances is sought when a non-custodial parent can’t be found, or has never been a part of a kid’s life, or something of that sort. However, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a waiver given when a parent wants to pay! What is the college supposed to do, return the check??</p>
<p>I can’t afford college visits; should I email the profile schools and ask? I’m not sure if Mum has any documentation, but if colleges Google my dad’s name they will see why he can’t be around kids. I’m not telling him which college I’m attending. But I don’t want to give his details on a form if they might require him to pay anything; he is desperate to be a part of my life again; any £ will come with dangerous strings attached.</p>
<p>Since you used the symbol for “pound” rather than “dollar”, let me ask this: Are you an international student? If so, FAFSA doesn’t apply, and the rules for financial aid for internationals is different than for US citizens/permanent residents.</p>
<p>You are an international student who will possibly need significant financial aid. You also are currently home schooled. I would suggest that you read the information at the International Student Forum, and at the Home Schooling Forum. You can reach both of them by clicking on “Discussion Home” in the upper left of this screen and then scrolling down.</p>
<p>I’m an international student from Singapore whose parents are separated. My father has been living overseas since I was born; he has not had contact with us. </p>
<p>I had absolutely no problem waiving the requirements for documentation from my father. I wrote a cover letter stating his unemployment and lack of contribution; I obtained FA based on my mother’s info only (at the two colleges to which I was accepted)</p>
<p>So, if I write a letter explaining the status quo and write “See attached” in place of my dad’s details, that should be enough? Due to the nature of the crimes he did, he cannot get many jobs anyway. If I explain this and the fact that he no longer contributes to my education, etc. will that be enough? </p>
<p>Could I ask one of my recommenders to highlight this just to back my letter up?</p>
<p>I will email EducationUSA btw, thanks for the link ^^</p>
<p>See attached in place of your dad’s details? OK well usually for divorced kids, both parents submit individual copies of the ISFAA (intll student financial aid app) But I just sent one copy with my mum’s details and wrote a cover letter saying “My dad doesn’t contribute he lives overseas is unemployed etc” For you, you’ll strengthen your case by further adding that bit about his criminal bits.</p>
<p>And yes please ask your college counselor to write it in.</p>