<p>I think that is the major problem, the fact that my case is very rare. When I try to explain it to someone, it even seems strange to me because<br>
usually either someone has a legal guardian/court order or a parent; I’m sort of in between. I dont have much more time to submit applications so I have to take sombody’s word and hope for the best when it comes to financial aid.</p>
<p>When it comes down to the fee waiver what I really wanted was to be able to put my income under independent. If that was allowed there would be no reason for me not to qualify for a fee waiver. At this point I am extremely frustrated and by sunday will have to pay $55 per application if I am not granted that option. I will however send more emails to the campus and thouroughly explain this situation.</p>
<p>I agree, which is why it is not a good idea to take the word of somebody who’s been confronted with the question right there and then and does not have time to think things through (and may not have the authority to decide). I expect such issues are addressed by the Director (or Dean) of Admissions and Financial Aid. So do consider emailing some of these Directors/Deans and see what happens. And make sure to explain your situation as fully as you can: when did you become and orphan? when did your aunt take you in? Explain that your aunt is not your legal guardian. (Did she decide not to become your legal guardian because you will soon turn 18 and will be in college?)
You may have to explain as well that your father is not in your life and has not been for xxx amount of time, and has not contribtued to your support.</p>
<p>“(Did she decide not to become your legal guardian because you will soon turn 18 and will be in college?)” </p>
<p>That is the main reason my aunt did not get legal guardianship of me. Im going to organize my fact and send them an email right now. Ill tell you guys how it goes.</p>
<p>I have not received a return email from the campus, however I found this appeal at a college to which I am not appplying, which lists my case. At least now I know it exists.</p>
<p>If a student is considered an independent student they do not need to provide parental data on the FAFSA form.
Wright State University will grant an appeal of dependency and change the student’s status to independent when he/she is classified as dependent by the federal processing center in the following circumstances:</p>
<pre><code>* The student was previously married and is now divorced, and is not supported by the parent.
The student had a legal guardian/custodian, is now 18 years of age and has not returned to the parent’s family unit.
The parent has abandoned the student. As a result, the student has been under the care of another adult and/or has supported himself/herself.
The student and parents have severed all contact due to circumstances that would constitute endangerment to the student. Endangerment can be physical or psychological in nature.
The parents whereabouts are unknown.
One parent in a one-parent, or both parents in a two-parent family are incarcerated.
The parents permanently reside outside the United States and the student does not have any contact with the parents.
The parents have been divorced for several years. The custodial parent is deceased and the student has no contact with non-custodial parent.
</code></pre>
<p>JumaadJ gave an update of his situation on the FA forum.</p>
<p>Yay! Just to let everyone who posted on my thread know, and for anyone else in my situation: I submitted three letters to the admissions office of the school exlaining my situation. 1 from my councelor, 1 from my aunt, and 1 from myself along with my mothers death certificate and my SSI stuff. They reviewed it and I am getting financial aid for college. The only downside is that I have 5,000 in loans…</p>