How to Apply to University of New Hampshire Application Fee Waiver: How to apply to US universities without paying any application fees. I applied to 12 American universities for free, and I’ll show you how you can do the same for up to 20 universities. Let’s dive right in!
Understanding Application Fee Waivers
Why US Universities?
Applying to US universities can be overwhelming with numerous requirements such as essays, standardized test scores, and application fees. However, unlike many foreign universities, American universities offer generous application fee waivers for students who cannot afford to pay them, including international students.
Types of Fee Waivers
There are two main types of application fee waivers for US colleges:
- School-Specific Fee Waivers
- Application Portals Fee Waivers
School-Specific Fee Waivers
These waivers are granted by specific universities based on their own eligibility criteria. For example, Amherst College offers two school-specific fee waivers: the Access to Amherst fee waiver for students attending their diversity outreach programs and the Quick Pass fee waiver for students demonstrating financial need.
Application Portals Fee Waivers
Application portals like the Common App offer their own fee waivers. The Common App Fee Waiver allows you to apply to any college on the platform for free, covering up to 20 institutions.
Read More: Michigan State University Admission Requirements for International Students
How to Request a Common App Fee Waiver
Step 1: Register on the Common App
Go to commonapp.org and create an account. Fill in the necessary details to set up your profile.
Step 2: Navigate to the Profile Section
In the Common App section, go to the Profile section and scroll down to the Common App Fee Waivers subsection.
Step 3: Request a Fee Waiver
Select “Yes” when asked if your financial circumstances qualify you for a fee waiver.
Step 4: Choose Your Eligibility Criteria
You need to meet at least one of the eight eligibility criteria set by the Common App:
- You’ve received or are eligible to receive an ACT or SAT Testing Fee Waiver.
- You are enrolled in or eligible for the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program.
- Your family income falls within the USDA Food and Nutrition Service guidelines.
- You are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program aiding low-income students.
- Your family receives public assistance.
- You live in federally subsidized housing, a foster home, or are homeless.
- You are a ward of the state or an orphan.
- You can provide a supporting statement from a school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader.
For international students, the eighth option is often the most applicable.
Step 5: Sign and Continue
Sign your name in the signature box, certify your request, and continue.
Step 6: Invite Your Counselor
Add at least one college to your college list on the Common App. Then, in the Recommenders and FERPA section, complete the FERPA Release Authorization and invite your school counselor or official to complete their part of the fee waiver request.
Step 7: Counselor’s Verification
Your counselor needs to verify your eligibility. They will follow similar steps to complete the fee waiver request on their Common App account.
Step 8: Submit Your Applications
Once your counselor verifies the fee waiver, you can submit your applications without paying any fees.
Final Tips
- Be Thorough: Ensure you and your counselor understand the fee waiver process thoroughly to avoid any mistakes.
- MIT Exception: Note that MIT is not on the Common App, but it offers its own fee waivers through its application portal.
Applying to US universities can be financially burdensome, but with the right steps, you can avoid hefty application fees. Follow this guide to take full advantage of the available fee waivers and make your dream of studying in the US a reality.