Need Help Please!

[newstudent]

What is the name of your state? Maryland
My parents are in Chapter 13 since November 2002. Their plan is for 5 years. I am graduating from H.S. in June and have been accepted to U of Md. I received my award notification from the college. It is only $2625.00. I have been applying for scholarships but have not heard back from any of the 53 I applied for. My parents are very worried as well as I because we do not know how to go about getting student loans. I will not be 18 until next week. Then I can apply for student loans. However, my parents will not be able to be cosigners as the loan will be denied. We do not have anyone else that would or could cosign for me. Is there anyone that can suggest what I could do to make certain I get to go to college in August? It is very hard to get accepted to this University in Maryland. It is an honor that I have been accepted. It would be very devastating to me if I were not able to go because my parents are not able to get the funds needed for me to go. I am sure I am not the only student who has had financial needs. I am sure there are students that have put themselves through school. I am so willing to do this but I don't know where to begin. I spoke with a financial aid counselor and was told that just because my parents are in bankruptcy, that does not mean I have special circumstances for financial needs. I so badly want to go to this school to major in psychology and to get my doctorate in pharmacy. Is there anyone out there with suggestions and/or advice on how I can get my own loans without having to have a cosigner that I do not have? If not, will this mean the college will not allow me to attend? I am so, so worried. Thank you so much for any help you could offer. By the way, I have my own bank account for the last two years. I also have a job as a pharm. tech for the last two years. Does this account for any sort of established credit for me so that I would not need a cosigner?

[Ladynred]

Duplicate post - an answer posted in the bankruptcy forum. Please do not cross-post.

[leh629]

My son got all his student loans with out a co-signer because he was 18 yrs old. Here in Maine I had to include a copy of our Taxes for the previous year. Once you turn 24 here in Maine that's when things change.(because most students are no longer living at home). Going forward prior to 24 yrs old ,if you do not live at home and can show documentation the amount of money available to you will increase. I don't know how your parents income looks for last year, but the less they made obviously the better. Don't be discouraged, and try not to get hung up on the unknown. Your mother's and farthers financial situation does not effect you in any legal way. I feel everything will work out.

Good luck.