I'm struggling financially and I think I might qualify for a fee waiver for my college applications. How do I go about requesting one, and what information should I be prepared to provide to prove my need?
It's great that you're being proactive about looking into fee waivers for college applications. First things first, check if you're eligible by reviewing the eligibility criteria on the College Board and the NACAC websites. Common qualifications include 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 receiving public assistance.
To request a fee waiver, you'll usually need to talk to your high school counselor who can provide you with the necessary forms. They might ask for documentation to confirm your financial situation, such as tax returns, proof of public assistance, or a letter explaining your financial hardships.
Additionally, don't hesitate to reach out to the colleges you're interested in, as they may have their own fee waiver processes. For more information on this topic, I recommend checking out this CollegeVine blog post: The Complete Guide to Fee Waivers in the College Application Process. Good luck!
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