Hello all,
I’m beginning to fill out my CommonApp for the class of 2021 and I discovered a great list of all colleges that use the common app (https://apply.commonapp.org/application-requirements) and saw many colleges the have a 0$ app fee and few additional requirements, if any. Most are liberal arts schools; however, I have found several that have my preferred major (mechanical engineering). Is it at all disadvantageous to just apply to these schools and see the financial aid I could get? Would it reflect badly on my app whatsoever? Thank you in advance!
Why don’t you run the Net Price Calculator on each school’s web site first for a good estimate of your potential financial aid?
I agree: run the NPC.
But don’t “fill up” your CommonAPp Dashboard randomly. Use your slots wisely.
As long as you stick to the “20 apps” limit, there is no negative for you.
Keep in mind you’ll have to pay to send in your ACT/SAT for each
Also, if they use the CSS Profile for Financial Aid, there’s a fee to send that to each school.
You will also pay per college when filing the CSS Profile (if required for FinAid) unless you are low enough income to trigger a fee waiver.
Thanks everyone! The number of schools I’d be applying with thru common app is around 10 if I went this route so I don’t think I’d mind the CSS or act fee. I’m not as much looking at need-based aish as merit based as I am a very competitive candidate, and I know alot of smaller schools offer some big bucks for that. Thanks again!
You should also make sure the school is a good fit. I applied to a bunch of schools that had free applications. When the decisions came out, I was surprised to find that I was waitlisted at several of these schools even thought I thought that my grades and test scores were well above the average. It goes to show that interest likely counts in the process and because anyone can just send in an application, it’s worth it to go the extra step and visit or learn more about the school so you can write a good essay
Start demonstrating interest * now* to schools you could possibly be interested in.
Many schools accept test scores from the transcript.