Can I Use Another Fee Waiver, College Board? (Because I’m Running Out of Colleges to Apply To!)
Alright, future college student, let’s talk about something that’s probably way higher on your list of priorities than that existential dread you’re feeling about the future: fee waivers. We all know college applications themselves are a giant, multi-headed hydra of stress, and then there’s the added pressure of those application fees. Luckily, the College Board has your back (to a certain extent) with fee waivers.
But here’s the burning question: Can I use another fee waiver, College Board? Because, let’s be honest, you’ve got that college list growing faster than your to-do list, and those application fees are starting to look like the price of a small car.
Let’s break it down, shall we?
Fee Waivers: Your College Application BFF
First of all, let’s give a shout-out to those glorious fee waivers. They’re basically the superheroes of the college application process, saving you hundreds of dollars and giving you a chance to shoot for your dream school, even if your bank account is feeling a little thin.
Here’s the lowdown on how it works:
- Eligibility: The College Board has specific criteria for fee waivers, and it’s generally based on your family’s income and participation in certain government programs.
- Applying: You apply for a fee waiver through the College Board website, and they’ll ask for some personal information and details about your financial situation.
- Benefits: A fee waiver gives you a free SAT (or even a few!), a free SAT Subject Test, and even covers the cost of sending your scores to colleges. Plus, some colleges will waive their application fees if you use the College Board fee waiver.
But Wait, There’s a Catch… (Because Life is Never Easy)
So, back to the original question: Can you use another fee waiver?
The answer is it depends.
- SAT Fee Waivers: You’re limited to four SAT fee waivers per academic career. That means two for the SAT Reasoning Test and two for SAT Subject Tests.
- ACT Fee Waivers: You can use a maximum of four ACT fee waivers.
- Common App Fee Waivers: You can use a Common App fee waiver for every college you apply to through the Common App.
So, the good news is, you’re not limited by the number of colleges you can apply to when it comes to fee waivers. The bad news is, those SAT and ACT waivers are a little more precious.
Don’t Get Caught in the Waiver Web
Remember, fee waivers are a privilege, not a right. The College Board is pretty serious about making sure they are only used by students who truly need them.
- Don’t try to get extra waivers by lying about your financial situation. This can result in your fee waiver benefits getting revoked, and you might even be banned from taking future College Board assessments.
- If you’re applying to a college that doesn’t participate in the College Board fee waiver program, you may need to contact the college directly. They might have their own fee waiver program, or they may be willing to work with you on a case-by-case basis.
The Bottom Line: Fee Waivers are Your Friend (But Don’t Abuse Them!)
In conclusion, the answer to your question is yes, you can use another fee waiver, but you need to be smart about it. Make sure you’re eligible for the fee waiver and use it responsibly.
And remember, there are other ways to avoid college application fees:
- Look for colleges that offer fee waivers for specific programs or scholarships.
- Check out the Universal College Application, which offers a fee waiver option.
- See if your school has a financial aid counselor who can help you navigate the process.
The college application process can be overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Need more help or information about fee waivers? Head over to the JobLoving community and connect with other students and experts who can guide you on your college journey!