Hi, I'm starting my college applications and it seems like application fees can stack up pretty quick. Are there any reputable colleges that are free to apply to, or do you know any way to ease the financial burden of application fees?
Yes, there are several reputable colleges that don't charge an application fee. Examples include Carleton College, Union College, and Oberlin College amongst others. You can generally find this information on the colleges' admissions websites.
On the other hand, many colleges also offer fee waivers for students who meet certain conditions. For instance, if you're eligible for the SAT or ACT fee waiver, you're automatically eligible for college application fee waivers. Some schools also offer fee waivers if you apply online, visit campus, or meet other specific criteria.
Additionally, the Common Application includes a fee waiver request that you can send to your prospective colleges if you meet criteria such as being eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, being enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families, or of course, being eligible for the ACT or SAT testing fee waiver.
Remember, fees shouldn't be a barrier to applying to college, and colleges encourage you to reach out if you're having difficulty paying the application fee. It's always important to talk to your high school counselor about your circumstances, as they often have resources and suggestions to help manage application costs.
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