Either you qualify to be a dependent or you do not ... if you do then you MUST indicate that on the return even if your parents will not claim you ... those are the rules....
I fear this is going to be a real issue this year...where folks are not going to claim legal dependents so they can get the stimulus checks illegally.
The law states that if you are legally a dependent then you are not legally eligible for the stimulus check even if you are not claimed as a dependent. The TT program specifically asks CAN you be claimed as a dependent and if you answer yes then it ask if you WILL be claimed. The first question eliminates your ability to get the stimulus credit and the second will allow you to get the non refundable portion of the education credit.
Please see the rules for who you can claim as a dependent:
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/family/rules-for-claiming-a-dependent-on-your-tax-return/L8LODb...
An unmarried dependent student must file a tax return if his or her earned or unearned income exceeds certain limits. To find these limits, refer to Dependents under Who Must File in Publication 501, Dependents, Standard Deduction and Filing Information. You can also refer to Do I Need to File a Tax Return? to see if your income requires you to file.
Even if you don't have to file a federal income tax return, you should file if you can get money back (for example, you had federal income tax withheld from your pay or you qualify for a refundable tax credit).
IRS interview to help determine who can be claimed:
https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/who-can-i-claim-as-a-dependent
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3113432-who-can-i-claim-as-my-dependent
