When applying to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, prospective students may be eligible for an application fee waiver. To apply for this waiver, specific documents are required to demonstrate financial need or other qualifying circumstances. The application fee waiver is intended to support students who face financial barriers in the college application process.
Eligibility Criteria for Application Fee Waiver
To be considered for an application fee waiver, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. These criteria include being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, demonstrating financial need, being enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families, or being a ward of the state or an orphan. Additionally, applicants who have received a SAT or ACT fee waiver may also be eligible for an application fee waiver.
Required Documents for Application Fee Waiver
The following documents are typically required to apply for a UMass Amherst application fee waiver:
- A completed Application Fee Waiver Request Form, which can be downloaded from the UMass Amherst website or obtained from a school counselor.
- A copy of the student’s SAT or ACT fee waiver, if applicable.
- A letter from a school counselor or social worker that confirms the student’s participation in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families.
- A copy of the student’s family’s tax return or a statement from a social worker that confirms the family’s income level.
- A completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which is used to determine the student’s eligibility for federal student aid.
It is essential to note that the required documents may vary depending on the student's individual circumstances. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants review the UMass Amherst website or contact the admissions office directly to confirm the specific documents needed.
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Application Fee Waiver Request Form | A form that must be completed by the applicant to request a fee waiver. |
| SAT or ACT Fee Waiver | A document that confirms the applicant received a fee waiver for the SAT or ACT. |
| Letter from School Counselor or Social Worker | A letter that confirms the applicant's participation in a program that aids low-income families. |
| Family Tax Return or Statement from Social Worker | A document that confirms the applicant's family income level. |
| FAFSA Form | A form used to determine eligibility for federal student aid. |
Submission Process for Application Fee Waiver
The completed Application Fee Waiver Request Form and supporting documents should be submitted to the UMass Amherst admissions office. The submission process typically involves uploading the documents to the applicant’s online application portal or mailing them to the admissions office. Applicants should ensure that they follow the instructions provided by the admissions office carefully to avoid any delays or issues with their application.
Tips for Submitting a Successful Application Fee Waiver Request
To increase the chances of a successful application fee waiver request, applicants should:
- Review the eligibility criteria carefully to ensure they meet the requirements.
- Submit all required documents in a timely manner.
- Ensure that the documents are complete and accurate.
- Follow up with the admissions office to confirm receipt of the documents and to inquire about the status of the fee waiver request.
By following these tips and submitting the required documents, applicants can increase their chances of receiving an application fee waiver and reducing the financial burden of applying to UMass Amherst.
What is the deadline for submitting an application fee waiver request?
+The deadline for submitting an application fee waiver request varies depending on the application deadline. It is recommended that applicants review the UMass Amherst website or contact the admissions office directly to confirm the specific deadline.
Can international students apply for an application fee waiver?
+No, the application fee waiver is only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International students may be eligible for other forms of financial aid or scholarships, but they are not eligible for the application fee waiver.
How long does it take to process an application fee waiver request?
+The processing time for an application fee waiver request varies depending on the volume of requests received by the admissions office. Applicants can expect to receive a decision within 2-4 weeks after submitting their request.
