How to snag a fee waiver for the Common App?

Application fees are adding up and I'm trying to see if I can save some money. Does anyone know the steps to get a fee waiver for the Common App?

I completely understand your concern about application fees—they can certainly start to add up quickly. To get a fee waiver for the Common App, you'll need to meet certain eligibility criteria which include financial hardship.

The criteria for eligibility is similar to what's required for SAT and ACT fee waivers—things like being eligible for free/reduced lunch, being enrolled in a program like Upward Bound, or coming from a family that meets the Income Eligibility Guidelines can all qualify you.

Once you know you meet the criteria, the process is fairly straightforward. When you're completing the Common Application, there's a section dedicated to the fee waiver request. You'll need to indicate the reason you qualify for the fee waiver based on the options provided.

Your counselor will be required to confirm your eligibility when they complete your School Report form, which is part of your application. So, it's important to communicate with your school counselor or another school official about your need for a fee waiver ahead of time. Counselors are usually well-versed in this process and can help ensure everything is handled properly.

Don't be hesitant to discuss this with your counselor or advisor at school; they are there to help you navigate this part of your college application journey. Additionally, if you have extenuating circumstances or your situation doesn't quite fit the standard criteria, still talk to your counselor—they might be able to guide you on alternative paths for securing fee waivers.

Lastly, remember to check with each individual college's admissions website or contact them directly, as some institutions have their own process for fee waiver requests that may not be outlined on the Common App. Saving on application fees where you can will definitely ease a bit of the financial burden as you apply to colleges. Best of luck!