Potential Magazine College Organizer 2019 | Page 20
admissions
college applications
(and
Mon
ey!
)
How to Save Time
Applying for College
The college application process can be over-
whelming, time consuming, and expensive!
Here’s what you need to make the process a
little easier, and maybe save money, too!
Common Application
If it is accepted by the schools you are interested in, one way to
save time is to use the Common Application. Students fill out one
master application and that application can be sent to hundreds
of schools nationwide, including these Alabama schools:
Birmingham-Southern College
Samford University
Spring Hill College
Tuskegee University
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of South Alabama
For more information, visit www.commonapp.org.
Don’t Go Overboard
Every student should apply to at least a few different schools, but
there’s probably no need to send in applications to more than six.
Not only is it time consuming, but with application fees ranging
from $50-90, the cost can start adding up before you even set foot
on campus!
Get a Waiver
Students with financial need may qualify for an application fee
waiver through NACAC (National Association for College Ad-
mission Counseling. For more information, visit
www.nacacfairs.org/learn/fee-waiver/.
Not all waivers are based on income, however. Some schools will
waive the application fee when you visit campus for a tour or talk
to a recruiter at a college fair. In addition, if you’re a student who
scored well on your ACT or SAT, you may receive application fee
waivers in the mail, so watch your mailbox and don’t toss those
pamphlets without checking for an application waiver code!
20 | College Organizer 2019
No-Fee Schools
Not all schools have application fees; as a matter of fact, around
300 schools nationwide are no-fee colleges, including these
Alabama schools:
Auburn University at Montgomery
Birmingham-Southern College (before Nov. 15)
Central Alabama Community College
Huntingdon College
Coastal Alabama Community College
Lawson State Community College
Shelton State Community College
Southern Union State Community College
Spring Hill College
Trenholm State Community College
The HBCU Common Application
Are you interested in attending a HBCU (Historically
Black Colleges and Universities)? Check out www.com-
monblackcollegeapp.com , where you can apply to any of
the 50 member institutions at once, including Alabama
State University and Tuskegee University, for only $35.
Tip from Tuskegee University:
Students who use the HBCU Common Application
should follow up with the institution’s admissions
office to ensure that
their application has
been received and
processed to maximize
financial aid options.
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