College Admission Fees

[Aurora D]

My DD is a senior in highschool going through the college applications process. My DH just got called back to work last week after being laid off for six months. We are sooooo behind in all our bills and I don't have the college application fees for her. Has anyone ever had the application fee waived?

 

[Plannin'Shannon]

My DD is a senior in highschool going through the college applications process. My DH just got called back to work last week after being laid off for six months. We are sooooo behind in all our bills and I don't have the college application fees for her. Has anyone ever had the application fee waived?

Yes. Have her speak to her counselor about fee waivers. At my high school, they were readily available.

 

[mebbradley]

When I applies, I did not have the application fee. and my high school paid for it, as well as my college gave me a fee vaiver because I visited.

Just check, they are usually available!

 

[semo233]

School counselor here. Start with your Counselor. The fee waiver may not be available at this point, but it is worth a shot. If that doesn't work, call the universities she is applying to and explain the situation. The waiver is/was only available to those who were on a reduced/free lunch program, so you might have to fill out those papers also.

 

[MrsPooh]

Not helpful for you but maybe for someone else...

Three years ago we were in the same boat. We had no money for the ACT test, much less application fees. I finally found out that school counselors were able to request a fee waiver for the ACT. Many of the colleges will waive the application fee if a waiver was used for the test.

We also found that many of the colleges/universities did not charge a fee if the application was submitted online.

 

[disneyfan007]

We live in Ohio and looked at schools in Ohio. Out of the four we looked at, if you filled the application out on line there was no application fee. Maybe go online and check this out for the schools they might be interested in. I know we also got notices from his high school guidance counselor about getting fees waived for the ACT.

 

[DVC'96]

We just did college apps last year. All but 1 state school waived their application fee because she was a good student. They also do it sometimes when you go to visitation days and I've also heard you can get it for financial need. Your guidance counselor should know a lot about your state and local colleges, but your could contact the admissions offices too.
Good luck!

 

[laurafergie]

Yes, fill out the Free/Reduced Lunch paperwork - you never know and it does help with Financial Aid and definitely get with your school's guidance office counselor. In my DDs school, they had one guy in what they called the "Access" office that his whole job was to guide the students through the college process. My DDs' ACT, SAT and three college application fees each were waived.

Also, on this same subject, both of my DDs housing deposits at two different Universities were waived. One was automatic because she had reduced lunch - the other had to request by writing to the housing department.

 

[D L and K's Mom]

As the above posts have said if you can visit the school they will usually give you a voucher for fee applications. On another subject dont just stick to the state colleges. My DD applied to a few state schools and some privates ones. The private ones gave her MORE scholarship money....LOTS MORE than the state schools. The state schools are in terrible shape with the economy. I am not saying State schools are bad...not at all that is where I went just saying some of the larger schools have lots more money to give. Good luck to your DD!!

 

[disneyfan007]

As the above posts have said if you can visit the school they will usually give you a voucher for fee applications. On another subject dont just stick to the state colleges. My DD applied to a few state schools and some privates ones. The private ones gave her MORE scholarship money....LOTS MORE than the state schools. The state schools are in terrible shape with the economy. I am not saying State schools are bad...not at all that is where I went just saying some of the larger schools have lots more money to give. Good luck to your DD!!

Yes, you are absolutely correct. My son is now in college, he did much better with the private school scholarships, smaller classroom, all of his professors know him personally. A friend of his will graduate this year and I keep telling him not to rule out private schools.

 

[brymolmom]

Does she work? Have her pick up some babysitting jobs or a P/T after school job - that should cover the app fees! I'm sure she realizes the tight money struggle for the family at this point since she is an older teen and can understand it. So I'm sure she wouldn't mind contributing!

 

[NC State]

Call the schools to see what they would accept. We ususally only accept the College Board fee waivers (this year they are purple). I know we will also accept something from the school explaining that there's a financial hardship at this time (on school letterhead). Since we are state supported school it doesn't matter if you visit or if you are a top honor student you still need to pay. Bottom line is to call the schools first.

 

[englishteacha]

I never knew fee waivers were possible. 10 years ago, I didn't apply to certain schools because we couldn't afford the application fee. I'm pleased with my decision to go to a state school (and I had a scholarship and grants that paid for it), but I have always wondered if I could have gotten in at a more prestigious university. I never could have afforded to go to Harvard, Yale, or even Bates or Bowdoin without a massive aid package, but I wonder if I could have gotten in. My dad was diagnosed with cancer in November of my senior year, and there wasn't a spare cent in our household for any extras, let alone hundreds of dollars for application fees. Had I known that a fee waiver might be available, I might have done things differently. Have your child talk to the guidance counselor, and contact the schools she's interested in attending.

 

[Aurora D]

Thanks to everyone for their help/advice. I'm going to call the counselor today and inquire. It certainly can't hurt!

 

[toledo13]

Aren't you lucky- I actually WORK IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS!!! We, at my institution, waive the application fee if you apply online automatically!!! Lots of schools do that.

If you have to fill out a paper application, most schools, if you call and talk to your admission counselor and explain the situation, will waive our application fee. Colleges, at this point, just want you to apply, get accepted, and pay the $xx,xxx per year to go there. If a $25 application fee keeps you from applying, THEY'RE in the hole. Does that make sense? If your counselor won't waive your fee for you, ask to speak to the Director of Admission. It'll work every time!

Happy applying!! Let me know if you're applying to any schools in Ohio!!

 

[2luvmickey]

My DS 18 is also a senior and because of his college visits (or expressing interest), the application fee was waived for his online submissions. One school even responded within 2 weeks, AND offered a generous scholarship.

I agree with the other posters - don't turn away from the small, private schools. My DS 21 is a junior at a private school, also with a scholarship. My DH says this is to bring the private tuition more in line with a state school.

My boys are good students (not top 20% of class), and their scholarships basically paid for room and board. Oldest son is having a great year and very happy with his choice.

Also, use your school counselor for other scholarships your child may apply for. Good luck in the entire process.