What resources are available for low-income students applying to college?

Hello everyone! I'm a junior from a low-income background and I'm starting to think about applying to college. I know the process can be expensive, so I'm wondering what resources are available to help low-income students like me. Do you have any recommendations? Thank you so much!

Hello! I'm glad you're starting to think about college and exploring the resources available for low-income students. You're right that the application process can be expensive, but there are various resources and programs that can help lower the financial burden for students like you.

First, many colleges and universities offer application fee waivers for low-income students. You can check the college's website or contact the admissions office to learn about their fee waiver policy. Additionally, the College Board and ACT both offer fee waivers for the SAT and ACT exams, so make sure you take advantage of those as well.

In terms of financial aid, be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as this will determine your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional grants and loans. The CSS Profile, which is required by some colleges for institutional aid, also offers fee waivers for low-income students.

Lastly, there are many organizations and programs aimed at helping low-income students with the college application process, such as QuestBridge and Upward Bound. These programs provide resources like college advising, test preparation, and scholarships. I encourage you to research these programs and see if you're eligible to participate.

I hope this information helps, and I wish you the best of luck in your college application journey!