Hey all, I'm trying to save money on application fees, and I've heard that some colleges waive their fees for certain applicants. How can I find out which colleges do this, and what are the requirements to get the fee waived? Thanks for any help!
6 months agoHello! You're right, many colleges do offer application fee waivers, which can be a significant help when applying to multiple schools. There are a few ways to find colleges that waive application fees and determine if you're eligible for a fee waiver:
1. College websites: Visit the admissions page of the colleges you're interested in applying to and look for information on application fee waivers. They often provide information on their criteria and steps to request a waiver.
2. Common App: If you're using the Common Application, there's a section where you can request a fee waiver. Eligibility for a Common App fee waiver is typically based on financial need, participating in certain programs (such as Upward Bound, AVID, or GEAR UP), or being eligible for free/reduced-price lunch. The Common App has a step-by-step guide that will walk you through requesting a fee waiver for each school you apply to through their platform.
3. Coalition App: Similar to the Common App, the Coalition Application also features a fee waiver request section. The Coalition App's fee waiver eligibility criteria are slightly different, so make sure to check the specific requirements.
4. College Board: If you've taken the SAT and received a fee waiver for the test, you may also be eligible for college application fee waivers, which can be used at over 2,000 participating colleges. Contact your high school counselor to obtain these fee waivers after taking the SAT with a fee waiver.
5. Conduct research online: Websites like CollegeVine, College Board's BigFuture, and other college planning platforms often have lists of colleges that are known to waive application fees or offer no-fee applications during specific periods.
6. Check with your school counselor: Your high school counselor can be a valuable resource in finding colleges that waive application fees and helping you determine if you qualify.
Remember that the criteria for fee waiver eligibility may vary from college to college. In general, they tend to prioritize applicants with demonstrated financial need, first-generation college students, and participants in specific pre-college programs. Be sure to thoroughly research the requirements and application process for each school you're interested in.
Best of luck with your applications!
6 months agoCollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.