When it comes to financial aid, any money that you have to pay back (e.g. student loans) is not considered income for tax purposes. Grants and scholarships are also not considered income as long as they are used strictly to pay a school for tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Any portion of grants or scholarships used for another purpose (including room, board, and living expenses) is considered personal use and thus counts as taxable income. Generally if you receive both grants/scholarships and loans, you are safe from counting them as income as long as the grants/scholarships are less than the total amount of your tuition and fees.
Any money your parents give you directly (not money that they simply pay on your behalf) is also taxable income and can be used in reporting your income.
The IRS provides tax information for students which should help you in understanding what you can report to the creditors.
EDIT: If your parents are providing you with a significant amount of money to pay for your schooling and expenses, note that this is absolutely income (as long as you are the one receiving the money and making the payments, as opposed to them being paid on your behalf) and could make the difference in obtaining more credit. Note that this also means that money is probably taxable.
Hrm, open question, can you backdate to a Macy's store card?
I wouldn't think so, in which case, apply for the Zync now (if you want an Amex ever) to get your membership date set rather than 2013 as FR suggests. This is especially true if the new store card you just opened hasn't started reporting yet. 2012 > 2013 with the way Amex backdating works, so you're better off getting your own opened now, or becoming an AU on a real Amex if the store card doesn't qualify.
Cmthomas: you can backdate to Amex-issued cards as an AU, but it's the date which you were added as an AU which sets the membership date on.
