How to Get the Common App Fee Waiver
What is the Common App Fee Waiver?
The Common App Fee Waiver is a program that allows eligible students to apply to colleges without paying the application fees typically required. This waiver is designed to ensure that application fees do not stand in the way of students aiming to apply to college. By using the Common App Fee Waiver, students can submit their college applications without the added cost of an application fee for any institution listed in the Common App. This initiative helps to remove financial obstacles, making the college application process more accessible to all students, regardless of their financial situation.
How to qualify for the Common App Fee Waiver
The Common App offers a list of criteria that determine if a student qualifies for a fee waiver. To qualify, you should meet at least one of the following guidelines:
- You’ve received an ACT or SAT fee waiver before, or are eligible to receive this fee waiver
- Your family receives public assistance
- Your family’s annual income lies within the income eligibility guidelines by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service
- You’re enrolled in or eligible to be enrolled in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program (*if you attend a school where all students receive free lunch, this does not count.)
- You’re enrolled in a federal/state/local program that assists students from low-income families (for example, GEAR UP or TRIO)
- You are a ward of the state or an orphan
- You live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or are homeless
- You can offer a supporting statement from a school official or community leader to explain your qualification for a fee waiver.
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Requesting the Common App Fee Waiver
If you fit into one of the above criteria, you can then request a fee waiver in the “Common App Fee Waiver” section in your Profile. Under this section, you will be asked if you believe that your financial circumstances qualify you for a fee waiver. If you select “Yes,” you will then be asked to select all of the criteria that apply to you, from the aforementioned list. To complete your request for a fee waiver, you’ll just need to input your electronic signature and select “Continue”. It’s important to note, however, that even after submitting your fee waiver request, the Common App will need to verify your eligibility with your counselor. If you are waiting for your fee waiver request to be approved by your counselor, you can still submit your college applications without paying any fees.
Final Words About the Common App Fee Waiver
The Common App fee waiver is one way that students with financial need can easily reduce the costs associated with college applications. Though the Common App has a specific set of criteria to determine eligibility for fee waivers, be sure to check with each individual college you’re applying to. Some colleges may have different criteria for obtaining fee waivers, and even if you may not qualify for the Common App fee waiver, you may meet the criteria for college-specific fee waivers.
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