Hey everyone! I'm a high school junior currently researching college apps. I was wondering if anyone could provide some insight on getting a fee waiver for the Common App? How does the process work, and what documentation do I need to provide to prove my financial need? Thanks in advance!
Hello! It's great that you're getting started on your college applications early. To get an application fee waiver for the Common App, there is actually a pretty straightforward process. When you reach the "Profile" section of the Common App, you'll find a subsection named "Common App Fee Waiver." Here, you'll have to answer several questions to determine your eligibility for the fee waiver.
There are several criteria you can meet to qualify, including but not limited to:
1. You are eligible for a Federal Free or Reduced-Price Lunch program.
2. Your family receives public assistance.
3. You are currently living in a foster home, are homeless, or live in low-income housing.
4. You received a fee waiver for the SAT or ACT.
In general, you should discuss your fee waiver with your high school counselor. They will be able to verify your financial standing to support your request and provide any necessary documentation. For some schools, your counselor's confirmation may be enough; for others, they may require additional documentation such as proof of income or benefits.
To sum it up, the first step is completing the fee waiver request within the Common App, and the next step is to communicate with your school counselor about verifying your financial situation. If you follow these steps, you should be well on your way to successfully requesting application fee waivers. Good luck with your college applications!
CollegeVine’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.