What's the process for requesting college application fee waivers?

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone could provide some guidance on the process of requesting fee waivers for college applications. My family is not in the best financial situation, and with my sibling also applying to colleges, it'll be quite a burden. Any help would be appreciated!

Hello! It's great that you're exploring options to reduce the financial burden of college applications. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to request college application fee waivers:

1. Determine your eligibility: Most colleges and universities use the eligibility criteria set by the College Board, which administers the SAT. You may be eligible for a fee waiver if you meet any of the following criteria:

- You are enrolled in or eligible for the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program.

- Your family's annual income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

- You are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families, such as Upward Bound.

- Your family receives public assistance.

- You live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home, or you are homeless.

- You are a ward of the state or an orphan.

2. Obtain a fee waiver form: You can get a fee waiver form in one of the following ways:

- Speak to your high school counselor, who can provide you with fee waiver forms and help you complete them.

- If you've taken the SAT or ACT with a fee waiver, you may receive college application fee waivers directly from the test organizations.

- For the Common Application, you can request fee waivers directly within the application platform. There's a section in the "Profile" tab where you can indicate your eligibility and request a waiver.

3. Complete the fee waiver form: Fill out the form with the necessary information and have your high school counselor or another authorized official sign it to confirm your eligibility.

4. Submit the fee waiver form: When applying to colleges, include the completed fee waiver form with your application materials. If you're using the Common Application, the fee waiver request is integrated into the submission process.

5. Follow up: After submitting your application and fee waiver request, monitor your email and application portal for any updates. If the college requires additional documentation to verify your eligibility, promptly provide the necessary information.

By following these steps, you can request college application fee waivers and reduce the financial burden on your family. Good luck with your applications!