If my dad claimed me as a dependent, do I have to file as a dependent? I've heard yes and no which is the correct answer?

Yes. If you file your own taxes and are claimed as someone else's dependent, you must state so on your return. If you file as anything else, you will get a larger refund but within about a year you will get a nasty-o-gram from the IRS stating that they realized you were claimed twice. They will then want you to re-file your tax return and pay them the difference with interest.

Kong has it right! Listen to him!