How to get Application Fee Waived?

These application fees are kinda putting a dent in my pocket, not gonna lie. How does one go about getting the fee waived? Is there a process for that? Any input would be helpful.

Indeed, college application fees can add up! The good news is, there are a few ways you can get your application fee waived.

First, you might want to look into College Board's Fee Waiver service. If you're eligible for an SAT or ACT fee waiver, you're automatically eligible for college application fee waivers. Usually, this eligibility is determined by factors like family income and whether you're enrolled in programs like Upward Bound or Free/Reduced Price Lunch.

In addition to the College Board, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) also provides fee waivers for students who demonstrate financial need. They require a counselor or an authorized school official to verify your eligibility.

Some universities also offer fee waivers directly. The process varies by school, but typically it involves filling out a form explaining your financial hardship and submitting it during the application process. Check the admissions webpage of the schools you're applying to for specific instructions.

Also, if you're a student participating in certain programs like TRIO or AVID, you may have access to application fee waivers.

Remember to start this process early. Getting fee waivers can take some time and you won't want it to delay your applications!

Last but not least, if you're applying to multiple schools through the Common App, then they have a fee waiver option built in to their platform as well. To apply for this, you'll just need to mark the economic indicators that apply to you in the 'Profile' section, then your counselor will need to approve your request.

Remember, every dollar counts. Even if the process might seem tedious, it could save you a lot of money. Good luck!