Michigan Class of 2012: It Just Feels Right

[Pop Up Video]

I can relate on the money front. I had the double-whammy of a relatively high EFC plus absolutely nothing to show for my salary (apparently they don't consider existing student debt?) and I had financed both my UG and graduate degrees. But a few reassuring words:

1. How long have you been taking care of yourself? I was lucky–I was old enough at matriculation that I could exclude my parents' info, so I ended up with some relatively generous need-based grants. My income was high compared to most new law students, but not compared to their parents!  If you've been filing your own income taxes for (I believe it was) 5 years or more, they'll count you as independent.

Maybe this is new, but it says here they don't count parents' info http://www.law.umich.edu/prospectivestudents/admissions/financial/applyingaid/Pages/finaid-1l.aspx (first full paragraph after the bullet points). Or am I misunderstanding...?

[Legally Brown "Sugah"]

Thanks for your response as well. I've been supporting myself since 04 so I may only have 4 tax returns to show. Hopefully CM is right that my parents' info isn't needed. I had issues with that too in UG and don't feel like dealing with them for their returns.

I understand what you guys are saying...believe me I do, but I'm still worried. I guess I'll just get my fafsa/fin aid forms in and see what happens...

[Jamie Stringer]

Mag, that's something that kind of turned me off Duke.  I've been self-supporting really since 1999, but last year my parents had me on their tax return was 2002.  I supported myself through UG and grad school and yet that didn't make a bit of difference for their purposes 

I'm hoping Michigan is altogether more reasonable.  And that's another reason you should just forget Duke

[Jolie Was Here]

I can relate on the money front. I had the double-whammy of a relatively high EFC plus absolutely nothing to show for my salary (apparently they don't consider existing student debt?) and I had financed both my UG and graduate degrees. But a few reassuring words:

1. How long have you been taking care of yourself? I was lucky–I was old enough at matriculation that I could exclude my parents' info, so I ended up with some relatively generous need-based grants. My income was high compared to most new law students, but not compared to their parents!  If you've been filing your own income taxes for (I believe it was) 5 years or more, they'll count you as independent.

Maybe this is new, but it says here they don't count parents' info http://www.law.umich.edu/prospectivestudents/admissions/financial/applyingaid/Pages/finaid-1l.aspx (first full paragraph after the bullet points). Or am I misunderstanding...?

Ah, that IS new. Or, it's at least new since fall '06. 

[Legally Brown "Sugah"]

Duke forgotten...lol.

But seriously, yeah, that wouldn't work for me. And just saw that after years of not requiring parent info, UVA wants it this year. WTH?! If I get a decent package from Mich based on my own finances...it will definitely move up on my list.

[Pop Up Video]

I can relate on the money front. I had the double-whammy of a relatively high EFC plus absolutely nothing to show for my salary (apparently they don't consider existing student debt?) and I had financed both my UG and graduate degrees. But a few reassuring words:

1. How long have you been taking care of yourself? I was lucky–I was old enough at matriculation that I could exclude my parents' info, so I ended up with some relatively generous need-based grants. My income was high compared to most new law students, but not compared to their parents!  If you've been filing your own income taxes for (I believe it was) 5 years or more, they'll count you as independent.

Maybe this is new, but it says here they don't count parents' info http://www.law.umich.edu/prospectivestudents/admissions/financial/applyingaid/Pages/finaid-1l.aspx (first full paragraph after the bullet points). Or am I misunderstanding...?

Ah, that IS new. Or, it's at least new since fall '06. 

So, another point for Michigan right? 

[MLaw11]

I can relate on the money front. I had the double-whammy of a relatively high EFC plus absolutely nothing to show for my salary (apparently they don't consider existing student debt?) and I had financed both my UG and graduate degrees. But a few reassuring words:

1. How long have you been taking care of yourself? I was lucky–I was old enough at matriculation that I could exclude my parents' info, so I ended up with some relatively generous need-based grants. My income was high compared to most new law students, but not compared to their parents!  If you've been filing your own income taxes for (I believe it was) 5 years or more, they'll count you as independent.

Maybe this is new, but it says here they don't count parents' info http://www.law.umich.edu/prospectivestudents/admissions/financial/applyingaid/Pages/finaid-1l.aspx (first full paragraph after the bullet points). Or am I misunderstanding...?

Ah, that IS new. Or, it's at least new since fall '06. 

It's the first I've heard of it, and it's definitely new this year.  I wonder if it's because of last year's shift to a somewhat older entering class.

[Jolie Was Here]

Is anyone following this thread a Michigan 2L or 3L? Or, I suppose, recent alum? If so, have a question for you.

I'm a 3L.

[DrLazarus]

2L here.

[Legally Brown "Sugah"]

Where do you current students reside? I have lived on my own for awhile so I have actual furniture and belongings (so no LC for me). Any suggestions for great housing (and places to stay away from)?