Verify that you meet the general requirements necessary to be eligible for a waiver on college applications. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), you are generally eligible to receive college application fee waivers if you are a high school or home schooled student who is transitioning to college after graduation; you received reduced or free lunch at school; you're a ward of the state; or your family falls within certain income eligibility guidelines. If you're a high school student who receives a fee waiver for your SAT tests, according to the College Board you may also be eligible for college application fee waivers.
Obtain a college application fee waiver form. There are several ways to get this form. Many colleges include Fee Waiver forms with their admission application. If a Fee Waiver form is not included with your application, you may contact the college(s) you are applying to directly to inquire if they offer a Fee Waiver form, and request one be mailed to you if they do. High school students can often obtain Fee Waiver forms from the school's Guidance Counselor. You could also use the Fee Waiver form offered by NACAC.
Review the Fee Waiver application to check the income eligibility guidelines specific to the college you are applying to. The income eligibility guidelines used on the NACAC's "Request for Admission Application Fee Waiver" form are established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Fill out the student section of the Fee Waiver application. Then pass the form along to your high school guidance counselor or the federal TRIO representative serving your school to fill out the authorized official section of the fee waiver form. An authorized official is required to certify your qualification for a fee waiver.
Mail the Fee Waiver forms to colleges you want to apply to.