college 101
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 which can be sent to hundreds of schools
nationwide, including these Alabama schools:
Birmingham-Southern College
Samford University
Spring Hill College
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
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
Admission 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!
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Summer 2017
No-Fee Schools
Not all schools have application fees; as a matter of fact, around
three hundred schools nationwide are no-fee colleges, including
these Alabama schools:
Birmingham-Southern College (before Nov. 15)
Huntingdon College
Coastal Alabama Community College
Lawson State Community College
Southern Union State Community College
Trenholm State Community College
The HBCU Common College Application
Are you interested in attending an HBCU (Historically
Black Colleges and Universities)? Check out
www.commonblackcollegeapp.com, where you can apply
to any of the 50 member institutions at once for only $35,
including Alabama State University and Tuskegee
University.
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.
www.potentialmagazine.com