Fee Waiver Game-Changer: 80% Discount on Common App

Fee Waivers: A Lifeline for Students

Applying to college is an expensive endeavor. With application fees averaging around $50 each, students who apply to multiple schools can quickly find themselves facing hundreds of dollars in fees. For low-income students, these fees can be a significant barrier to accessing higher education.

Statistics Shining a Light on the Issue

According to a survey by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), 40% of high school seniors from low-income families apply to four or more colleges. This means that these students could be facing over $200 in application fees.

For many families, this cost is simply unaffordable. As a result, low-income students are often less likely to apply to college than their more affluent peers. This disparity in access to higher education perpetuates economic inequality and limits the opportunities available to low-income students.

Common App's Game-Changing Solution

To address this issue, the Common Application (Common App) offers a fee waiver program that allows students from low-income families to waive the application fee for up to 15 colleges. This program has been a game-changer for low-income students, making it easier for them to apply to college and pursue their educational goals.

Eligibility Criteria for Fee Waivers

To be eligible for a Common App fee waiver, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Have a family income that falls within certain guidelines
• Demonstrate financial need through documentation from the student or family

Students can apply for a fee waiver through the Common App website. The application process is simple and straightforward, and it takes only a few minutes to complete.

Benefits of Applying with a Fee Waiver

There are many benefits to applying to college with a fee waiver. For students from low-income families, the most obvious benefit is the financial savings. By waiving the application fee, students can save hundreds of dollars that can be used for other expenses, such as tuition, housing, or books.

In addition to the financial savings, applying with a fee waiver can also help students improve their chances of admission. According to a study by NACAC, students who apply with a fee waiver are more likely to be accepted to college. This is because fee waivers are often seen as an indicator of financial need, which is a factor that colleges consider when making admissions decisions.

How to Apply for a Fee Waiver

Applying for a Common App fee waiver is simple and straightforward. Here are the steps on how to apply:

Step 1: Create a Common App Account

If you haven't already created a Common App account, you can do so by visiting the Common App website.

Step 2: Submit the Fee Waiver Request

Once you have created an account, you can submit a fee waiver request by clicking on the "Fee Waiver" tab. You will need to provide basic information about yourself and your family, including your income and financial need.

Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents

You may be asked to submit supporting documents to verify your financial need. These documents may include a copy of your tax return, a letter from your school counselor, or a statement from your family's social service agency.

Step 4: Wait for Approval

Once you have submitted your fee waiver request, you will need to wait for it to be approved. The approval process can take several weeks, so it's important to apply for a fee waiver as early as possible.

Other Fee Waiver Programs

In addition to the Common App fee waiver program, there are a number of other fee waiver programs available to low-income students. These programs include:

• The College Board's Fee Waivers for Students with Financial Need
• The NACAC College Application Fee Waiver Program
• The Hispanic Scholarship Fund's Fee Waiver Program

Students can apply for these programs by visiting the websites of the respective organizations.

Conclusion

Applying to college should be an opportunity for all students, regardless of their financial background. Fee waiver programs make it possible for low-income students to apply to college and pursue their educational goals. By waiving the application fee, these programs help to level the playing field and give low-income students a fair chance at success.