I have used both TurboTax and Hrblock online tax preparation forms, and on both, I get that whether I am claimed as a dependent or not, my refund is the same, when I think I would get a bigger refund if Im not claimed as a dependent, at least thats how its worked in the past.

tax laws change all the time.  your refund will probably remain the same either way.  however, if you are claimed by someone else as a dependent, the person who claims you gets a  nice break.

so if you depend on someone else they should rightfully get to claim you as their dependent.

it's advantageous to you in many cases to break away from this situation.  consider college financial aid for example.  being independent with a small token income will let you access federal financial aid grants that will completely cover tuition plus and extra $300 per term (books will eat that up).  there are additional loan programs available too but avoid loans if you can...

good luck.