High school students can't afford college applications without help

I made this post last night: https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/s/7ZJJuNV9Jw Following the advice of Redditors, I called the financial aid office directly. Financial aid said that I can verify my identity in person, and I…

“I am looking for an extremely qualified college counselor who helps guide students through the college apps and essays but what actually to do in preparation for college. I'm looking for a multi-year plan where they can guide through EC's etc or a counselor who can give me a clear plan on what we should do to get them into the top colleges. Does anyone have any suggestions for a counselor such as this? submitted by /u/Superb_Bother_8324 [link] [comments]”

“Hello! I'm a first-gen student, and my mom isn't familiar with the college application process, so I've been figuring things out on my own. I'd really appreciate some advice! I'm interested in pediatric nursing. Is my college list balanced, and are there any schools I should add, remove, or reconsider? I'd also love to hear about affordability and nursing programs! Stats: 3.8 GPA at an IB school ECs focused on children and advocacy Reaches: Northeastern University Boston”

“so i have some personal circumstances that will impact my college experience and have been emailing different places i'm applying to to ask about it. however, i'm scared that i'm like getting in my own way and these emails will be used against me when they go to evaluate my application and they will see me as a liability. i suck at explaining things but if anyone knows what i'm trying to get at here please leave any advice you may have submitted by /u/Ok-Operation6537”

“i did the fafsa bc my school makes us do it, but now i see that some schools require this css and im like 90% sure i will not get any need based aid. so if it has no influence on the actual admission into a college, is it even worth doing if ur not in need of aid? i saw somewhere if you don’t fill it out some schools just assume u can pay for it, which is prob risky if ur ED, but i’m not. submitted by /u/Key_Hour_9131 [link] [comments]”

“Community College the first two years, state college / university the second year, have a job, ask smart and employed people if they think the degree you are working towards will lead to employment. (So many people borrow $200K for a degree in art/ photography/ forensics/ fashion / history / literature/ etc. and are absolutely SHOCKED! When nobody is hiring a freshly minted graduate.)”

“Parents can barely be considered middle class, they found out I don’t share their religious views and they’ve decided to kick me out at 17. I was on track to be valedictorian but idk what’s gonna happen now. My main worry is how I’ll pay for college since most schools I’ve talked to will give me very little or no aid. My goal is pre-med with the final plan of becoming a successful and empathetic psychiatrist so I need to keep my undergrad debt as low as possible. I should be able to get a few in”

“Neither of my parents are contributing a dollar to my college tuition or living expenses and I don’t know my sai yet but I assume I won’t be getting much aid. I have my heart set on a certain university that covers 100% need (which I thought would mean I could go for cheap since my mom is dirt broke, but long story short i wont be getting much finical assistance based on her income), but its still gonna cost upward of 60k a year. What should i do? I dont advice on other schools or options other”

“I'm a hs senior trying to get fee waivers since it's gonna be like 500+ dollars to apply to 14 schools even with the state's free application week and free apps (which is so dumb) and I emailed admissions everywhere asking for fee waivers politely in the format everyone says to do and everyone ghosted me except for NC State which told me no. I went to a college fair and all the admissions tables said the same thing which was "No sorry". I tried looking some up online bit th”

“I’ve been seeing a lot of people online say that if you email SOME college admissions offices and introduce yourself and ask for a fee waiver, they can just give you one. The thing is my family isnt low income at all so would it look bad if they see that I asked for a fee waiver? Im applying to roughly 13 colleges and just dont see the point in spending over 700$ in application fees. side question- there are fee waiver codes for select colleges that are listed online for free use and i was wonde”

“hi everyone!! i have a question regarding the css profile! here’s my situation: one of my siblings, they recently dropped out their program for the 2026-27 academic year, and it would technically be their 2nd year in college. they would still have to pay some things back for their time there. rn, they have plans to go back (to a different cc) but they can’t financially afford it atm! so i’m conflicted upon leaving the year in school question blank/none for 2026-27, and putting their 3rd year for”

Have you looked into financial aid or grants or scholarships yet?

“> Does anyone know of any other platforms or Reddit forums I could share? Any high traffic subreddits require certain karma and recent account activity”

“Hi all, so I’ve been working on my CSU applications as it opened today, and I was hoping to get the fee waiver’s as I want to apply to at least 4 CSU’s just to have a few option la but the website automatically denied the fee waiver as I was completing the application, I’m assuming it’s because I work full time? It doesn’t exactly say why it was denied but yes I work full time make around 50k a year which is nothing because I live in socal and barely make due with the bills I do have so in all a”

“I'm a NIOS student, and that's why I don't have any school counselor or any teacher to write me LOR what do I do?? submitted by /u/flamingo820 [link] [comments]”

“I am applying to college and HOLY MOLY the application fee is so high , u need a school counsellor and my school doesn't have one , my school isn't very supportive of applying to abroad schools thus I cannot approach any faculty who can vouch for my financial aid, I don't wanna approach them either...what can I do? submitted by /u/Immediate_Score_614 [link] [comments]”

“I already applied 2 weeks ago and I clicked no on all that asked because my family makes enough that we wouldn't get aid. I think we make around like 300k. Should I email and say yes instead? I'm still expected to apply for FAFSA by my school and I read applying after clicking no will confuse the colleges. I still would like to see if I get merit or scholarships and idk if clicking no got rid of my chances for that. pls lmk submitted by /u/Emmieisbest [link] [comments]”

“Title basically, but it seems like they do not give out much aid to out-of-state students. submitted by /u/Organic_Muffin_1951 [link] [comments]”

“If anyone has experience with the CSS Profile or knows how financial aid works for international students, I’d really appreciate your help. I have a few questions and would be grateful if someone could guide me through the process. Thank you! submitted by /u/ScientistThink6734 [link] [comments]”

“Hey guys! Does anyone happen to have fee waivers for these schools? I tried emailing all of them individually and was redirected to fill out the forms, go to my counselor, etc… I don’t fulfill the requirements to get them that way. If you can help me out, please! Thank you! fairfield university fordham university penn state university binghamton university stony brook university university at buffalo university of maryland university of michigan yale university university of massachusetts steven”

“just the caption i have a low gpa around 6.4 and so was thinking of getting some help but parents keep on saying no they might ruin it and we cant trust them is it fine if i target universities on my own? taling about fall 2027, intended course is related to ECE submitted by /u/Large_Cream653 [link] [comments]”

“Wondering if anyone knows of any genuinely helpful and affordable college counseling organizations that help with the college application process, including through junior year? submitted by /u/Accurate-Cover6506 [link] [comments]”

“hii, so my family usually has high income but currently does not have any. can I still ask colleges for fee waivers even though I count as upperclass. due to our properties, fafsa wont give us any aid but currently we have no income. can I email colleges and ask them? what colleges give them without needed details? does it look bad on the app if you have a waiver but dont demonstrate any need? submitted by /u/WisteriaRue [link] [comments]”

“Im wondering if im eligible for the common app fee waiver. Specifically the one about living in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home or are homeless. I was in foster care, and my foster parents got legal guardianship of me. With that being said, there are still other foster kids in the house, so it is a foster home. Am I eligible? Does that living in a foster home part mean I also need to be a foster child? submitted by /u/Slight-Confection-73 [link] [comments]”

“The impression I get is that for people like me I should only look at privates for OOS options submitted by /u/TenTengier [link] [comments]”

“I am 17. I don’t qualify for financial aid and the federal loan amount I can get is very low since my parents make a lot. I will have an associates when I graduate high school because of dual enrollment and I don’t know how I will pay for the cheapest college near me. I am very grateful that my highschool had a program that allowed me to get the associates so I did my community college for 2 years. The cheapest university near me is 18k a year for tuition. I have 1k saved from over ten years of”

“Basically the title. I only need half-aid, so would this be not as hurtful to my chances at need-aware universities as needing full-aid? (I am international.) submitted by /u/mmmyyyzzz000 [link] [comments]”

“I’m a junior in HS from a low income family I plan to apply for fafsa obviously. My stats aren’t amazing or anything (3.5 UW gpa 4.8 W haven’t taken sat or act yet but on practice tests I get a 1300). I plan to go in state to keep costs as low as possible. But even with fafsa and in state tuition college will still be expensive for me. I want to know what are good places to apply for scholarships as well as websites. I don’t mind writing essays or anything like that I just need as much money as”

“Sorry if this is supposed to be common knowledge, my parents didn't push college hard enough as a kid and I didn't plan on anything during high school because I thought I was too stupid for college (which I kinda am but I'm doing it anyway) so I never spoke to counselors about it. I just want to know how much its going to cost. submitted by /u/Cherno_VM [link] [comments]”

? submitted by /u/heezz12312313 [link] [comments]

“I am applying ED to a need aware school.. would it be bad to use a fee waiver? My thoughts are this will show I am high need and might be a reason they don't accept me. submitted by /u/FuturePause2736 [link] [comments]”

“I took a gap year. I’m too scared to ask my guidance counselor and my family is not supportive of my decision to go to college. I need someone else to look over my app but idk who to go to. I was applying to ivies with lower stats which also made me nervous. Where can I find people? submitted by /u/Crazy_Bus5912 [link] [comments]”

“Are you in high school? Do you have an IEP? If so, your school must assist in high school to employment transition planning. Some schools might try to convince you you don’t need it and that you should accept a diploma after your senior year so that they are not responsible for your transition planning. If you don’t have a viable Post high school plan, I would advise you not to accept this and insist that your district supports you in preparing you for employment. If it matters to you, you would”

“Hello, so I’m a low income first gen student at a private highschool that cost $20,000 per year on financial aid I was wondering If this would affect my college applications. I know colleges compare you against kids at your school, but would they also consider that richer students have more opportunities like better tutoring available to them? I was thinking of transferring to a public school near me that might be considered “worse” academically for this reason. The private school I go to also a”

“I’m an international student from Egypt and I’m hoping someone here might know an option I haven’t considered. I’ve been admitted to UoPeople’s Bachelor’s program in Computer Science and received a partial scholarship. I’ve completed the required steps and orientation and am ready to begin my September courses. Unfortunately, I’m currently $60 short of the required course fees. I’ve already contacted Financial Aid, appealed for additional assistance, contacted the university’s payment-related de”

“I am currently in a crisis and I genuinely don't know what to do anymore. I am a homeschooled student trying to apply to UTD while simultaneously trying to get as much AES money as I can. Because I am homeschooled, my resources have been more limited. I didn't have access to AP classes, school-provided extracurriculars (like clubs), or people like teachers to write recommendation letters. Because of this my parents are trying to "compensate" by completely fabricating my applica”

“so my parents are getting a divorce and my dad is not going to pay for my college tuition. my mom makes <200k a year, so unless I am able to get financial aid, I won't be able to go to college. I have not grown up low income and I don't want to take anything away from students who have - can I still apply for financial aid? submitted by /u/bruhhhhhhhh386 [link] [comments]”

title submitted by /u/Fun-Worldliness7986 [link] [comments]

“The number of truly "need blind" colleges is shockingly small, and much smaller than the list of highly competitive schools. Applying for aid absolutely impacts the chance of acceptance at practically all institutions excluding a handful.”

“hey guys! im only posting thing bc i need advice on what to do. im applying this cycle (incoming senior/in state) and considering not doing any common apps..i just think tuition is too good here compared to oos and i have always known i wanted to stay in state. i don’t know if I should still apply to oos schools bc i don’t wanna stress abt that im still taking the sept sat.. (760m,680r) and idk if i have to sign up for oct or ask for LOR from teachers (2 already said yes but i haven’t requested)”

“We just went through this. No FAFSA. Put retired on the application. Didn’t seem to hurt. Maybe helped a bit. Hard to be sure, as the admissions process is so opaque.”

“Is your income sufficiently low that you think you'll get meaningful need-based aid? Can she not use it to pay for school?”

“im an international student from a conflict region in asia. i want to apply to colleges in the US. i wouls require a full ride to attend. i know that your chances get significantly lower when you apply as a scholarship seeking international. i dont know which college to apply to in the ED round. i want to maximize my chances of getting in (full ride) doesnt matter where. could someone please help me. i feel like im losing my mind. i have a very shitty mental health and honestly ending it all fee”

“Hi guys! I’m from NYC and was thinking about getting a job. Realistically would it add anything to my college application if I were to include it on there? If so how much weight does it hold. submitted by /u/Ok_Compote_6491 [link] [comments]”

“Hi! I'm a rising junior, and my family can't pay a penny for college. So i'm going to need all of the scholarships i can. Question is, when do i start that process? I understand some colleges are generous, and will cover for you but its no guarantee I will be admitted to them. Oh, also my sister went to college via questbridge, so I'll also do that later on. submitted by /u/Thin_Bit_2306 [link] [comments]”

“Hello, guys. I'm 22yo living my life for 5k$/year in a bit poor country. Can I make it through admissions and get into any university that provides full-ride (or scholarship at least) for undergrad so I can re-start my current life? I have a big passion for Neuroscience and build my own projects in that field. Is there any chances for that although I cannot upgrade my GPA(~3.5/4) (I was a class of 2021) and participate in any Olympiads?? I ask that because I'm not sure should I ever try”

“I had previously started my CUNY application, and I added a few schools but haven't touched it for a bit, also bc the site was under maintenance recently. I went to look at it today but I can't find any started applications. I'm a college now student, so it should also show my college now applications. Not sure if it's just a site glitch that'll fix with time. Just very worried rn im probably overreacting idk itll be fixed tmrw submitted by /u/Legal-Store6415 [lin”

“Hey, I wanted to know if I’d get more grant or financial aid if I explained to the school that my mom isn’t willing to pay for anything and hasn’t even for basic necessities such as food or glasses (I have high myopia) and me having to use my birthday/holiday moneys for it, but the thing is I don’t have documentation unless I can get someone I know to write about it as witnesses. She is low income but has another house which she paid off around ~700k and another 100k in assets so I know I won’t”

“hello all, i’m a 22F who has been wanting to go to college the last few years but keep putting it off due to the stress of money. i finally told my parents that i wanted to start taking classes to get my teaching degree and was met with what i already knew, which is that they will not be helping me financially at all. my biggest problem is both of my parents make too much which makes me not eligible for fafsa. i currently work part-time as a para at an elementary school which means i don’t make”

“Hi everyone, I am entering 12th grade in this September. I’m struggling to find my University, my major is law related but not clarified ( international law, business law, international relations). I need Universities which is affordable and suitable for international student. Can you guys recommend Universities with high acceptance rate and offers generous scholarships. I have no-one to give me advice please guys I am begging help me. submitted by /u/Rare_Hearing5219 [link] [c”

“Hey, breathe, this is fixable even though it doesn't feel like it right now. call your school's financial aid office directly and ask about emergency grants or short term payment plans, a lot of schools have funds specifically for situations like this they don't advertise. also look into local nonprofits/mutual aid in your area, $2300 is a very common amount they cover.”

“Ik there's other posts like this but I'm just so frustrated. Last year I could only afford to apply to 5 schools, didn't get in. This year I did three and figured I'd add more when I get a job. Well I've been job searching full time for months and my savings are gone. On SNAP, have $200 to my name, just found out my last landlord took 3/4 of my deposit, $1200 rent due in less than 3 weeks. Even if I get a job tomorrow I'm screwed. And I don't qualify for FAP because m”

“Hey, so, I forgot to reapply to the college I did dual enrollment for. No one had told me I had to reapply yearly and didn't even think about it because, to me, it made no sense. But, I only went there for my dual enrollment, does this mean I don't go to the college anymore and can leave or do I need to physically do some kind of paperwork? Also, if I need to do paperwork, will it look bad? Once again, this college I'm going to was only for dual enrollment. To set the stage, in case”

“Hey I’m applying to DO schools this cycle and tbh I’m broker than a joke and I really don’t want to deal with that deposit BS in the event I get in. What are some nice schools for me to apply to? I prefer schools in urban areas like LA/NYC/Philly etc but I am flexible. CA URM: Mexican-American Latina GPA: 4.0/4.0 MCAT: 516 Undergrad: CC → CSU Clinical: ~2,500 hrs scribing (OB/GYN, primary care, ED), Site Lead Research: ~870 hrs organic chemistry, 2 posters no pubs Nonclinical volunteering: ~600”

“Fortunately (but unfortunately in this case) my parents make well above the 200k so there’s no way we get any financial aid lol Kk I’ll prob think more but at this point I’m leaning we”

“i'm going into 10th grade and my ecs are highkey trashh and i got rejected from the programs i wanted to do over the summer/fall 🥹🥹 while everyone else in my grade is fattening their resumes i'm just wallowing in my incompetence also no this is not ragebait i'm just from a competitive area does anyone have good ec recs for law/political science/international affairs/linguistics (or just humanities in general lowkey) besides the usual debate + model un pipeline since i'm doing t”

“Is it better for me to put yes or no? I can provide a statement from my school counselor for my financial needs. submitted by /u/West_Plastic_7640 [link] [comments]”

“Hi everyone, I’m in a really confusing situation and was wondering if anyone has experienced something similar or has any advice. I was admitted to IE University with a 50% scholarship for the Bachelor in Fashion Design + BBA. Because of my family’s financial situation, I wasn’t sure if we could afford the dual degree, so my intention was to ask IE if I could switch to either the Bachelor in Communication and Digital Media (BCDM) or the BBA while keeping my scholarship if possible. Here’s where”

“Ok, so I am a 4.0, 1420 SAT score student with 5 STEM AP scores. I want to go into mechanical engineering. My problem is that my parents are unable to financially help me with college, and I can only make maybe $3000 of my own funds to support my first few months at college. I need colleges that offer extremely strong financial support, possible even full ride, to support academically strong students. Everywhere I look these colleges claim to hold “competitive” scholarships, and then estimating”