How I Snagged $1000 in Application Fee Waivers

Scholarships
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I received $1000 worth of application fee waivers from 6 out of 7 universities I applied to, including Stanford, Cornell, and Duke.

Here’s how:

  1. The most common method is to attend information sessions. Many of these sessions often hand out fee waivers or send them via email to attendees afterward. I personally recommend attending information sessions to get your questions clarified, even if you don’t receive a fee waiver.
  2. Keep an eye on program websites. Some have fee waiver forms. Fill them out carefully, answering all the questions. If you’re a good fit, they will email you a waiver. September to November is the best time to find these information sessions and fee waiver forms.
  3. Email the program coordinator, explaining why you’re a great fit. Be sure to attach your resume. Let them know that a waiver can strengthen your chances of applying to the program.
  4. Reach out to a professor, discuss your work and need for a waiver. The professor might connect you to the program coordinator, who can waive the application fee for you.

Be active in the information sessions so that the department coordinators remember your name and you have a better chance of receiving a positive response from them. I was very active at Stanford’s information session and emailed one of the department coordinators. I answered 8-10 questions in the questionnaire they shared and received an email a week later stating that my fee had been waived.

There is nothing wrong with trying for one. They would definitely help you as they want students who can excel. I welcome your questions in the comments.

Good luck!

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Thanks for sharing the story Sudeepa. This will definitely help a lot of applicants.

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Of course, Harsha Vardhan. Happy to help :slight_smile:

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Someone asked how it works for Cornell; for most programs, the waiver form is usually part of the application. So, you won’t be able to fill out the waiver request form until you start your application

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Thanks Sudeepa. Any discussion link on where to start for Masters admission?

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Hi Latha, could you be more specific? Are you asking about the next steps after you’ve gathered all the necessary materials for your applications, how to obtain everything you need after deciding to pursue master’s? If there is no existing discussion on it, I am happy to post my 2 cents on it

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great hack :slight_smile:

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This is an amazing hack🙌

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Yes, indeed!