Fee Waivers: Your Key to College

Important Note: Fee waivers are an essential financial aid tool that provides access to opportunities previously out of reach. If you are considering applying to college, don't let the cost of the Common Application be a barrier. Explore the fee waiver options and apply today!

Introduction

Applying to college can be an exciting time, but it can also be a stressful one, particularly when it comes to expenses. The Common Application, a widely used platform for college admissions, requires an application fee that can be a significant financial burden for some students. However, there are fee waivers available to help make applying to college more affordable and accessible to all.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Common Application fee waiver, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, which vary depending on your circumstances. Generally, you may be eligible for a fee waiver if you:

• Are a member of a low-income household
• Are enrolled in a free or reduced-price lunch program
• Are homeless or in foster care
• Are a ward of the state
• Meet other criteria as determined by your school or the Common Application

Benefits of a Fee Waiver

A Common Application fee waiver provides a number of benefits, including:

• Cost Savings: The fee waiver eliminates the need to pay the application fee, which can range from $50 to $75 per school. This savings can be significant, especially if you are applying to multiple schools.
• Access to Opportunities: The fee waiver opens up opportunities for students who might not otherwise be able to afford to apply to college. This can give you a better chance of attending your dream school and pursuing your higher education goals.
• Streamlined Application Process: The Common Application fee waiver is integrated into the application process, making it easy to apply for both the fee waiver and the schools you are interested in.

How to Apply for a Fee Waiver

Applying for a Common Application fee waiver is a straightforward process. You can apply through your high school counselor or directly through the Common Application website.

Step-by-Step Approach:

1. Determine eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria and determine if you qualify for a fee waiver.
2. Contact your school counselor or the Common Application: Request a fee waiver application form.
3. Complete the application: Fill out the application and provide the necessary documentation, such as proof of income or your free or reduced-price lunch status.
4. Submit the application: Submit your completed application to your school counselor or the Common Application.
5. Wait for approval: The Common Application will review your application and notify you of the approval status within a few weeks.

FAQs

How long does it take to receive a fee waiver decision?
Typically, you will receive a decision within a few weeks of submitting your application. However, the processing time can vary depending on the volume of applications.

How long is a fee waiver valid for?
Fee waivers are valid for one application cycle, which means they can be used for applications submitted during a specific time period.

Can I apply for a fee waiver if I don't meet the eligibility criteria?
In some cases, you may be able to apply for a fee waiver even if you don't meet the standard eligibility criteria. For example, some schools offer fee waivers to students with special circumstances or who have demonstrated financial need.

What if I don't qualify for a fee waiver?
If you don't qualify for a fee waiver, you can still apply to the Common Application by paying the application fee. However, you may be able to find other ways to reduce the cost of applying to college, such as applying to schools with lower application fees or using scholarship search engines to find financial aid.

Alternative Fee Waiver Options

In addition to the Common Application fee waiver, there are other fee waiver options available to students, such as:

• School or District Fee Waivers: Some high schools and school districts offer their own fee waivers for college applications. Contact your school counselor for more information.
• College-Specific Fee Waivers: Some colleges and universities offer fee waivers to students who meet certain criteria, such as being a first-generation college applicant or a member of a minority group. Contact the admissions office of the schools you are interested in to learn about their fee waiver policies.
• Non-Profit Fee Waivers: Non-profit organizations such as the College Board and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) offer fee waivers to students who meet certain eligibility criteria.

Conclusion

Fee waivers are an invaluable resource for students who want to pursue higher education but face financial challenges. By exploring the various fee waiver options available, you can make applying to college more affordable and accessible. Remember, the cost of the Common Application should not be a barrier to your dreams of a college education.

Additional Resources

• Common Application Fee Waiver Guide
• College Board Fee Waivers
• NACAC Fee Waivers