That is why there are two parts to the "can be a dependent" question.
1) Can you be a dependent? and
2) Were you claimed as a dependent.
If answer to #1is yes, and #2 is no, then you still cannot "claim yourself" if you "could" be a dependent, but you might be able to claim certain educational credits that the person that "could" claim you would be entitled to claim if they did claim you as a dependent.