<p>I’m sorry, I haven’t read this whole thread, so it may have been mentioned before. Some schools won’t allow you to take out more than X amount in FAFSA based student loans in a year (mine will only let me take out $2000 for my first year). So, it’s possible you may qualify for more in federal loans, but not be able to use them, and thus have to take out more in more expensive private loans.
Do you have a savings account? I actually opened a new account at a different bank because it A) had more branches close to my school and B) had a better interest rate. Many banks have free accounts for students/people under 21 (I know anything owned by the Fulton Financial corporation does, as does TD Bank). If you do have a savings account put as much money in for as long as you can so it will earn interest, but make sure it’s darn near empty when you fill out the FAFSA. Make sure you tell your parents to fill out the FAFSA right after they’ve paid bills as well, or tell them you want to fill it out as an independent student since they won’t pay.
Finally, I will re-itterate what others have said: apply to safety schools (that you can be happy attending) too. I applied to two reach, two match, and two safety. I was offered aid at the safeties (one of which is in Canada) and one match. I knew going in a wouldn’t get aid from the other match, and I was just flat out surprised I got into the each I did (obviously without aid).
I think your parents need to go through the mandatory loan counselling for Staford loans more than you.</p>