<p>Im confused on how the whole process works for having application fees waived. Im not eligible for the waived SAT exams, so does that mean I can't have my application fees waived? Im a twin, and my parents are divorced, and the total bill of applying to schools could be difficult no matter how it is split.</p>
<p>[College</a> Application Fee Waivers](<a href=“http://professionals.collegeboard.com/guidance/applications/fee-waivers]College”>College Application Process – Counselors | College Board)</p>
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<p>^^ but I know my mom makes over 46k, and there are 3 living in my household. :/</p>
<p>Again, as the website states, those are only guidelines. You need to talk to your counselor to see if you can qualify. And from that same page I linked to:</p>
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Talking with students about finances is difficult, and as Carol Lemmon, counselor at DeSoto High School in Texas, points out, “most students are pretty clueless about their financial situation. Even our middle-class students think they are poor.” If possible, meet with parents and explain the income guidelines used to determine eligibility for fee waivers. Explain, too, that the college will verify the information using [FAFSA](<a href=“http://professionals.collegeboard.com/guidance/financial-aid/applications/fafsa]FAFSA[/url].[/quote”>Explaining Financial Aid – Counselors | College Board).
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<p>See the [Request</a> for Application Fee Waiver](<a href=“http://www.nacacnet.org/CareerDevelopment/Resources/Documents/AppFeeWaiver09.pdf]Request”>http://www.nacacnet.org/CareerDevelopment/Resources/Documents/AppFeeWaiver09.pdf) for more detailed income guidelines as well.</p>
<p>I will check with my GC once school starts… but I have a sneaking suspicion.</p>
<p>What’s even more important to be concerned about is making sure that you’re applying to colleges that you are likely to be able to afford. Very few colleges meet 100% of students’ demonstrated financial need (and the colleges, not the families determine what students need). The colleges also could meet your need by loading you up with sky high loans.</p>
<p>Most such colleges except for Deep Springs (a 2-year all male college in the California desert) and Berea (a 4-year college for low income students) are places like HPYS and the military academies, the most competitive colleges in the country.</p>
<p>Consequently, before wasting time and money applying, take a good look at the financial aid web pages of colleges that you’re considering. It’s worth it to pay $15 to access the U.S. News premium college website until next Aug. so you can get a detailed breakdown of financial aid, admissions policies and other important info for most of the colleges in this country.</p>
<p>For financial reasons, many people – including excellent students – who are in your situation start college at their local community or 4-year public college, which allows them to save money by living at home. </p>
<p>Do talk to your GC, and don’t rule out things like attending community college first.</p>
<p>Realize, too, that finances play a role in most students’ college choices. CC is not representative of what most students do. Most students go to public universities within 250 miles of their home because that’s what they can afford.</p>
<p>Just noticed you are from the Capital District and are a minority. I’m originally from Niskayuna/Schenectady, and am black. I hope you’ve had a more enjoyable time growing up in that area than I did. Sending you warmest wishes in your college search.</p>
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<p>I already have looked at financial aid websites… that is commons sense to check that out. Im not going to argue with you, going to a community college is a good way to save money, and I have checked it out. However, I have decided its not for me at all, for multiple reasons that I do not wish to get into…</p>
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<p>Well, growing up here has been ok, it has had it’s ups and downs. I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything in the world however. I would really like to leave the area for school if possible. There really is not much here, even though Schenectady and Albany are sort of revitalizing. (we even made Forbes for being the 6th deserted metro area…) Thank you for the warm wishes!</p>
<p>“I already have looked at financial aid websites… that is commons sense to check that out.”</p>
<p>Believe it or not, what should be common sense isn’t that common. Parents and students post all of the time on CC without having even thought about the finances involved in attending college. Many express far more concern about application fees than they do about the costs of college. I think lots of people erroneously think that if one is accepted to college, the college automatically will cover your expenses. Many students with EFCs of 0 have posted that they feel they are lucky because they are so poor that they wouldn’t have to contribute anything for college. They don’t realize that means that most colleges would be financially out of their reach.</p>