How to Pay on the Common App: A Guide for the Financially Challenged (and Slightly Confused)
So, you’ve finally conquered the Common App. You’ve painstakingly crafted essays that would make Hemingway weep, meticulously filled out every single detail about your extracurricular activities, and even managed to convince your teachers to write glowing recommendations (with a little bit of bribery, maybe). But then, you hit a roadblock: the dreaded application fee.
Hold on to your hats, folks, because navigating the Common App payment system can be as confusing as trying to understand your grandma’s cryptic recipe for “mystery meat.”
First things first:The Common App itself is free, but each college you apply to charges its own application fee. This can range from a modest $30 to a more substantial $75, depending on the institution’s grand ambitions.
But Fear Not, My Fellow Applicants! This guide will demystify the Common App payment process, ensuring you don’t accidentally donate your entire college fund to a rogue website.
How to Pay for Your Application on the Common App
- The Big Reveal: Once you’ve filled out your application and are ready to hit the “submit” button, you’ll be greeted with the “Review and Submit – Common App” section. This is where you’ll find the dreaded application fee.
- The Payment Portal: After confirming your application is ready to go, you’ll be whisked away to a third-party payment vendor. This is where things get a little more complicated.
- The Credit Card Conundrum: Hold on to your debit cards, folks, because the Common App only accepts credit cards. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are all welcome, but don’t even think about using your trusty debit card. It’s like trying to pay for a luxury car with Monopoly money – it just won’t work.
Changing Your Payment Method
Let’s say, for instance, your credit card suddenly decides to take a vacation (we’ve all been there). Don’t panic! You can change your payment method by following these steps:
- Cancel the Payment: Go to the tracking page that was sent to your email address. Look for the “cancel” button and click it like you’re trying to escape a bad date.
- New Payment Request: Once your old payment is cancelled, you can create a new payment request. This is where you have the opportunity to choose a new payment method.
- Select Your Weapon: Now comes the fun part – selecting your new credit card. Pick a card with a generous reward program and a low interest rate. You deserve it after all that essay writing!
The Common App Payment ID: A Mystery Solved
Ever wondered what the Common App Payment ID is all about? Think of it as your unique identification number. It’s like your social security number, but for college applications.
This ID uniquely identifies you, and to make it even more unique, the application cycle year is appended to it. For example, as of August 2023, you might see “-2024” appended to your ID.
This is just a way to keep track of your applications and ensure that your payment is properly associated with the correct application cycle.
Additional Tips
- Fee Waivers: If you’re struggling to afford the application fee, don’t despair! Many colleges offer fee waivers, which can help you save some serious dough. You can find out if you qualify for a fee waiver on the Common App website.
- Alternatives: If you’re not keen on credit cards, some colleges might offer alternative payment methods like eChecks or member-specific fee waivers. Just check with the college directly to see what options are available.
- Financial Aid: Don’t forget to explore financial aid options! Scholarships, grants, and student loans can all help you navigate the financial complexities of college. Start your financial aid journey at the Common App website.
The Bottom Line
Paying for your Common App application can be a bit of a headache, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can navigate the payment process with ease and avoid any costly mistakes.
Remember, applying to college is a big step, and you deserve to have the best possible experience. Don’t let the financial details stress you out – focus on your application, and let the Common App handle the rest.
Need More Help?
If you’re still feeling lost in the world of Common App payments, don’t hesitate to reach out to the JobLoving community. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of college applications and provide you with the resources you need to succeed. Together, we can conquer the world of college admissions, one application fee at a time!