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How Do I Qualify for Waivers for College Entrance Exams and College Applications?

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If you can’t afford to pay for your SAT tests or college applications, there is financial aid in the form of waivers to assist you.

There are four separate waivers available for the college entrance exams. A school counselor or another authorized agency must grant waivers. If you are home-schooled, you must contact your local high school or an authorized agency to obtain a waiver. Two waivers are available for the SAT, and two are available for SAT subject tests.

In order to qualify for these waivers, you must present proof that you and your household is unable to cover the SAT costs. This is typically done by filling out a household income form.

Colleges charge an application fee, which can become a financial hardship if a student is low-income or applying to many different schools. However, there is financial aid available for students who qualify. These waivers can be obtained separately, however, they are often obtained on conjunction with an SAT waiver. Typically, an SAT waiver will qualify a student for up to four college application fee waivers.

Students can also contact the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). This agency grants application fee waivers on the basis of income. Guidelines for determining eligibility are based on the same criteria as the reduced-price or free lunch programs which high schools use for low-income students.

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