Does the College Board Give You Free Application Waivers? (And How To Snag One!)
Let’s face it, applying to college can feel like a full-time job. You’re juggling classes, extracurriculars, and trying to maintain a semblance of a social life (because who has time for sleep?). Oh, and did we mention the ever-present stress of college applications?
And then there’s the cost factor. Application fees can add up – a quick Google search will show you that most universities charge anywhere from $30 to $80 per application. It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin.
Luckily, the College Board offers a lifeline – free application fee waivers! But hold on, before you start celebrating, there are a few things you should know.
Here’s the lowdown on College Board Fee Waivers:
1. What Are College Board Fee Waivers?
Imagine this: You’re scrolling through a list of colleges, dreaming about your future, when you see a little pop-up that says, “Apply for free!” That’s the magic of a College Board fee waiver. These magical little codes eliminate application fees at participating colleges, making the entire process a bit less stressful (and a lot less expensive).
2. Who is Eligible for a College Board Fee Waiver?
Now, here’s the catch: you can’t just waltz in and claim a fee waiver. You need to meet certain eligibility requirements. Generally, students who qualify are those who are:
- From low-income families: The College Board takes into account your family’s financial situation to determine eligibility.
- Attending a high school in a low-income area: The location of your school is also considered.
- Qualifying for an SAT or ACT fee waiver: If you’ve already received a fee waiver for the SAT or ACT, you’re automatically eligible for a College Board application fee waiver.
3. How Do I Get a College Board Fee Waiver?
Okay, so you think you might be eligible. Now what?
- Talk to your school counselor: They’re the pros when it comes to navigating the college application process. They can guide you through the process and help you determine if you qualify for a fee waiver.
- Request a fee waiver directly from College Board: You can do this online through your College Board account. Just make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before you apply.
- Use a fee waiver code: If you’ve been approved for a fee waiver, you’ll receive a 12-digit code that you can enter into your College Board account to unlock your benefits.
4. What Colleges Accept College Board Fee Waivers?
Not all colleges accept College Board fee waivers. That’s why it’s important to check with each individual college you’re interested in applying to. The good news is that there are over 2,000 participating colleges that do accept these waivers. You can find a list of participating colleges on the College Board website.
5. How Many Times Can I Use a College Board Fee Waiver?
Here’s where things get interesting. You only get ONE College Board college application fee waiver, but you can use it AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF TIMES! That’s right, you can apply to all 2,000+ participating colleges for free!
6. What About the Coalition, Common, and Universal College Applications?
No need to stress! If you’ve received an SAT fee waiver, you can apply to any college that uses one of these application platforms for free. Each platform has its own process for fee waivers, but they typically don’t require you to submit your College Board fee waiver directly.
7. Some Colleges May Give You a Fee Waiver Without a College Board Code
Now, hold your horses. Don’t assume that a College Board fee waiver is your only ticket to a free application. Many colleges have their own fee waiver policies that don’t require a College Board code. You can check their websites or contact their admissions offices directly to inquire about their policies.
8. Pro-Tip: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute!
Remember, the application process can be a marathon, not a sprint. Make sure you apply for fee waivers early in the process to avoid any last-minute headaches.
9. Remember, Fee Waivers Aren’t Just About Saving Money, They’re About Opening Doors
For many students, a fee waiver can be the difference between applying to college and not applying at all. It can create opportunities that wouldn’t have existed otherwise.
10. Need More Help?
Okay, so you’ve got the basics. But if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can visit the College Board website, contact their customer service, or talk to your school counselor. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey.
And remember, the college application process is a journey, not a race. Take your time, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help. You’ve got this!
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