How to get fee waivers

College applications and standardized testing can get expensive, so I've heard about fee waivers. How do you actually get these waivers and what's the criteria to be eligible?

Fee waivers can certainly help alleviate the financial burden of college applications and standardized testing. There are different fee waivers available for the application process, ACT, and SAT tests. I'll explain each below:

1. College Application Fee Waivers: The Common Application, Coalition Application, and some individual colleges offer fee waivers based on financial need. For the Common Application and Coalition Application, you are eligible for a fee waiver if you:

- Are enrolled in or eligible for the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program (FRPL)

- Are part of a family receiving public assistance

- Live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home or are homeless

- Are a ward of the state or an orphan

- Can provide a supporting statement from a school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader

To request a fee waiver on the Common Application, visit the "Profile" section under "Fee Waiver" and indicate your eligibility. For the Coalition Application, you can request a fee waiver in the "Profile" section as well, under "Fee Waiver".

2. SAT Fee Waivers: To be eligible for SAT fee waivers, you must be a US high school student in 11th or 12th grade, or an international student in your country's equivalent grade. Eligibility is determined by income and family size or by meeting one of these criteria:

- Enrolled in or eligible for FRPL

- Part of a family receiving public assistance

- Live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home or are homeless

- Are a ward of the state or an orphan

To obtain an SAT fee waiver, speak to your high school counselor who can provide you with a fee waiver code.

3. ACT Fee Waivers: ACT fee waivers are available to US high school students who are in 11th or 12th grade and meet one of these criteria:

- Enrolled in or eligible for FRPL

- Are part of a family receiving public assistance

- Live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home or are homeless

- Are a ward of the state or an orphan

Reach out to your high school counselor to request an ACT fee waiver. They will provide you with the necessary forms and guidance.

Remember, fee waivers are subject to the respective organizations' approval. In all cases, contact your high school counselor or the relevant test organization for guidance and to request fee waivers.