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Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

How to apply to college for free?

I'm about to start applying to colleges and I'm worried about the costs of application fees. Is there a way to apply to colleges for free or any resources available for fee waivers? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

9 months ago

Absolutely! There are several ways to apply to colleges without paying application fees or obtaining fee waivers. Let me outline some of the options you have:

1. Common Application Fee Waivers: When filling out the Common App, you can request a fee waiver within the application system. Students must meet certain eligibility criteria such as participating in the Federal Free or Reduced Lunch Program, qualifying for public benefits, or meeting specific family income guidelines. Counselors will need to verify the student's eligibility to qualify for a waiver.

2. College Board SAT Fee Waiver: If you received a fee waiver for the SAT or SAT Subject Tests through the College Board, you are also eligible for college application fee waivers. Once your fee waiver request is approved, you can send it to colleges that accept these fee waivers.

3. ACT Fee Waiver: Similarly, if you received a fee waiver for the ACT, these waivers often come with college application fee waivers. These can be used for up to four colleges that accept fee waivers.

4. NACAC Fee Waiver: You can also request a fee waiver through the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Download their waiver form and have your high school counselor complete and sign it. Then, submit it to the colleges you're applying to.

5. Coalition Application Fee Waiver: If you're using the Coalition Application, you can request a waiver within the application system as well, following a similar process as the Common App fee waiver.

6. School-specific waivers: Some colleges may offer their own fee waivers, which can be found on their websites or by contacting their admissions office. Research each of the schools you're interested in to see if they offer this option.

7. Apply to colleges with no application fee: There are some colleges that don't charge application fees at all. You can find a list of such schools online with a quick search, or your high school counselor might also have such a list available.

Keep in mind that fee waivers are primarily aimed at students experiencing financial hardship, so make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying for one. It's always a good idea to speak with your high school counselor for guidance on fee waivers, as they can assist you with application requirements and provide guidance. Good luck with your college application process!

9 months ago

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