Fee Waiver for Common App: A Lifeline for Students

Applying to college can be a daunting task, especially when you have to worry about paying application fees. Fortunately, the Common App offers a fee waiver program that can help students from all backgrounds access higher education.

Who Qualifies for a Fee Waiver?

To qualify for a Common App fee waiver, students must meet certain criteria set by the College Board, the organization that administers the application. Eligible students include those who:

• Are enrolled in a U.S. high school or homeschool program
• Have an annual family income below $65,000
• Meet certain need-based criteria, such as receiving free or reduced-price lunch

How to Apply for a Fee Waiver

Applying for a Common App fee waiver is easy. Students can request a waiver through the Common App website by following these steps:

1. Create a free Common App account.
2. Click on the "Fee Waiver" tab on the left-hand menu.
3. Complete the fee waiver application form.
4. Submit the form and wait for approval.

Most fee waiver applications are processed within 24-48 hours.

Benefits of a Fee Waiver

Receiving a Common App fee waiver provides several benefits for students, including:

• Reduced financial burden: Waiving application fees can save students hundreds of dollars, making it easier for them to apply to multiple colleges.
• Increased access to college: Fee waivers help break down financial barriers, allowing more students from low-income backgrounds to pursue higher education.
• Improved chances of admission: Studies show that students who receive fee waivers are more likely to be admitted to college.

Additional Resources for Students

In addition to the Common App fee waiver program, several other resources are available to help students with college application costs. These include:

• State and local programs: Many states and cities offer their own fee waiver programs for students from low-income families.
• College-specific fee waivers: Some colleges and universities offer their own fee waiver programs for students who meet certain criteria.
• Nonprofit organizations: Several nonprofit organizations, such as the Council for Opportunity in Education, provide fee waivers to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Conclusion

The Common App fee waiver program is an essential resource for students from all backgrounds. It reduces financial barriers, increases access to college, and improves students' chances of admission. By taking advantage of this program, students can take a significant step towards achieving their higher education goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much do Common App fees cost?
A: The Common App charges a $75 application fee per college.

Q: How many fee waivers can I receive?
A: Students can receive fee waivers for up to 4 colleges per year.

Q: Can I apply for a fee waiver even if I don't meet the income criteria?
A: Yes, students with special circumstances, such as homelessness or financial hardship, may still be eligible for a fee waiver.

Q: What if I don't qualify for a fee waiver?
A: Students who don't qualify for a fee waiver can still apply to the Common App and pay the application fee. They may also explore other resources, such as state and local fee waiver programs.