Should I Get Emancipated?

[seniorjudge]

How do I get into a University? (Financially)

Go talk to colleges in your area.

You sound like a smart person.

Do some hustling (I mean legal) around to see who could hire you.

Apparently, you are the only one who cares about you.

So ... be good to yourself and find out stuff. If I knew an answer, I would tell you.

[Default]

I guess I have no options? I can't get a job without a Florida license anyway, right? And I can't get a Florida license unless I'm 18? Can I use my Georgia license? College it pretty much out of the question at this point.

[Default]

That's a good idea. Out-of-state tuition is rough. I wonder if there are any scholarships I could apply for...

[Happy Trails]

I cannot collect grants for further education because I am still claimed under my father's taxes. His income is too high for me to qualify for any educational grants.

Even if you were able to get emancipated, FAFSA will not recognize you as an independent student. (If this were an option, a lot of families would be trying to use that as a way to avoid having to use parents' income as guidelines.)

FAFSA recognizes independent status:

2007-2008

SECTION 2 – STUDENT DEPENDENCY STATUS

Were you born before January 1, 1984? (Q48) ❏ Yes ❏ No

At the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, or graduate certificate, etc.)? (Q49)❏ Yes ❏ No


As of today, are you married? (Q50) (Answer “Yes” if you are separated but not divorced.) “As of today” refers to the day that you sign your FAFSA.❏ Yes ❏ No

Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you? (Q51) ❏ Yes ❏ No

Do you have dependents other than your children/spouse who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2008? (Q52)❏ Yes ❏ No

Are (a) both of your parents deceased, or (b) are you (or were you until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court? (Q53)❏ Yes ❏ No

Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training? (Q54)❏ Yes ❏ No

Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces? (Q55) ❏ Yes ❏ No

Answer “Yes,” you are a veteran, if you
(1) have engaged in active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard) or are a National Guard or Reserves enlistee who was called to active duty for purposes other than training, or were a cadet or midshipman at one of the service academies, and

(2) were released under a condition other than dishonorable. Also answer “Yes” if you are not a veteran now but will be by June 30, 2008. Answer “No,” you are not a veteran, if you

(1) have never engaged in active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces,

(2) are currently an ROTC student or a cadet or midshipman at a service academy, or

3) are a National Guard or Reserves enlistee activated only for training. Also answer “No” if you are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and will continue to serve through June 30, 2008.

If you answered “YES” to ANY of the previous questions, you do not have to provide parental information.

How do I get into a University? (Financially)

I would suggest you consult with the financial aid advisor of the community college you would like to attend for options.

You could also fill out the FAFSA and look at the options that may be available to you at this site.

[Default]

I need an income.

[seniorjudge]

As I told you earlier: Hustle your butt and look for jobs you can do legally.

[Default]

Would I need a Florida driver's license? Can I go up to the DMV right now being 16 and change it out?