Icahn School of Medicine (ISMMS) requires financial information for all parents (e.g., biological parents, stepparents, adoptive parents, and legal guardians), even in instances where parents are divorced or separated. Applications without financial information for all parents will not be processed.
ISMMS recognizes that in extremely rare cases, families may have extenuating circumstances regarding parental information that should be considered in determining a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC). In these extremely uncommon situations, students may request a waiver to the requirement for parental information in their financial aid application.
Students may request a waiver of the parental information requirement by emailing studentfinancialservices@mssm.edu. The request must include a detailed explanation of their personal circumstances, any supporting documents that validate the waiver request, and a statement from a third party (e.g., social worker, attorney) who is familiar with the student’s family situation. Please note that submitting a request for a waiver of parental information does not guarantee its approval.
Examples of waiver requests that may be considered:
- Legal orders that limit the parent’s contact with you
- Never had contact or support from the parent
- Situations of documented abuse involving you and the parent
- Instances of legal proceedings against the parent or incarceration
If you have any questions about the request to waive parental information, please contact the Office of Student Financial Services.