<p>I don’t necessarily agree with #4, “Don’t give up on your school”. It might have to be and it may be the best thing to happen. I went to a top 25 school myself, and those who did not stay there for any number of reasons, transferred in most cases to much less selective school, are doing every bit as well. So have the studies that have focused on this have shown. To go through this uncertainty, year in and year out can be psychologically and emotionally taxing. Not to mention if your final bill is not paid, you have that to do deal with in the job search. If taking out loans, they have to be repaid even while still dealing with parents fighting over who is going to pay what and resentful about still paying for the student. It does not get better but more difficult as the student is an older adult. It’s game over in terms of providing for the kids for many parents once high school, and certainly college is done. </p>
<p>Also, in terms of #3 Don’t count on them (parents), the FACT of the matter, is that the student has to count on them, as a dependent student whose fin aid award is dependent on their finances and their providing the information and proof to the college. For a college to loosen up on this is not fair to those who are going through this invasive and onerous process, and if not done, you can bet that there will be those out there to game the system. </p>
<p>The first thing the OP needs to do is to talk to a dean and get his/her insight/input into all of this. If I were in that position, I d tell the OP to take a leave of absence and see if this can’t be resolved by the end of the first term. If not, look to transfer to something more affordable. At a private school, there is a lot to pay. The OP should probalby be working his/her way through school , given the situation. S/he has the ability to do well, and grad school would be all on the student. Good grades could net a very good grad school spot, and that’s where some loans would probably be necessary, so it’s wise to leave that alone during the ug years.</p>