<p>I REALLY want to apply to UChigaco. However, my parents made me take it off the list of colleges to apply to, because at this time we can't afford the application fee. I am constantly getting emails from them telling me to finish their application. Every time I read one I die a little inside, because they are just such an awesome school. I don't qualify for fee wavers. </p>
<p>So my question, that I already know the answer is no to, is do you think if I email the school and told them about everything, they would wave my application fee?</p>
<p>You couldn’t have figured out a way to earn $75 during the fall? That’s a very small amount of money to earn for something you really want. And assuming you won’t get a free ride, how do your parents expect to afford the part of the cost not covered by financial aid if you do get in, if $75 is beyond their means?</p>
<p>"I am constantly getting emails from them telling me to finish their application. "</p>
<p>The U. of C. is a heavy mail marketer. If you have done the essays submit application anyway by the deadline. Then approach the admissions office on a fee waiver AFTER submission. They’ll grant it.</p>
<p>What would be the point of applying if there were no chance of being able to afford to attend? (If the $75 application fee is an issue, then net price is likely critical for the OP.)</p>
<p>My suggestion: turn the application in anyway, suggest “other fee waiver” for the payment type, and email their financial office (or whomever they want you to contact) explaining your situation. I’m sure they’ll understand, especially if you make it clear that it’s your top choice, etc. etc.</p>
<p>My kid could scrounge $75 up if she needed to (piggy bank, or bank account). If you want it that bad, hand your parents the cash. BUT, run the net price calculator first to see how the aid might look. There is no point in applying if you can’t afford the school (or if your parents would not pay).</p>
<p>^I’ve been paying most of my fees. In fact all the money I’ve got for christmas went straight to colleges. I’m flat broke. We all are at the moment…</p>
<p>Finish the application and submit it with the fee waiver option even if you don’t have the fee waiver yet. Then call the admissions office and see what they can do for you. They’ll probably tell you you need to talk to your consular, but then maybe they can give you a couple day extension to turn it in because you called ahead of time. And even if you cant get the fee waiver or pay, the worst that happens is they throw out your application. It’s worth a shot at least!</p>
<p>" UChicago does not require an application fee if you believe it to be a financial hardship (for example, if your family makes less than or around $75,000 a year). Please provide a short note in the “additional information” section of the Common Application and your fee will be automatically waived, or ask your guidance counselor for more information on fee waivers."</p>
<p>It is nice to know that other people struggle with these outrageous costs. Remember that the $75 app fee is only the first expense. You also need $10 for each ACT score that you will send (and another $20 for Subject Tests), plus $25 for the CSS Profile fee. The costs, as you have realized, really add up quickly.</p>