How do I get a Common App fee waiver?

Hey everyone, so applications are expensive and I heard about fee waivers for the Common App. How do I qualify for one, and what's the process to get it? Is it a lot of paperwork or pretty straightforward? Thanks in advance!

Hello there! Really great question, and I'm happy to hear you're looking into options to make the application process more affordable. The Common App fee waiver is indeed a helpful resource if you're facing financial hardship. To qualify, you generally need to meet at least one of the criteria such as being eligible for the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program, your family income is within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, you're enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families, or your family receives public assistance.

The process to obtain a waiver is actually quite straightforward. When you fill out your Common App, there's a section where you can indicate that you're requesting a fee waiver based on the criteria listed. Your school counselor will then need to confirm your eligibility. This can be done electronically through the Common App. Make sure to have a conversation with your counselor about your need for a fee waiver so they're prepared to approve your request. Best of luck with your applications!