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Hey guys. Does anyone know the best way a URM can request an application fee waiver from a school?

How early can one do this? I sent a couple of emails last week, but no response yet :/

FMK_18840 wrote:Hey guys. Does anyone know the best way a URM can request an application fee waiver from a school?

How early can one do this? I sent a couple of emails last week, but no response yet :/

I emailed a bunch of schools last month and they said if the LSAC does not grant you a need-based fee waiver, then you can apply for a need-based one starting in September when the applications come out for the new cycle. Also, if you don't think you'll qualify for a need-based waiver many schools also offer merit-based ones that you can be granted also (be aware that some schools such as UCB don't offer either a merit or need-based waiver and only grant you one through the LSAC). I'd say wait until late August/the first day of September to email the schools again since they're pretty much rapping everything up with the previous cycle.

Good idea. Thanks for the response Are you applying for the fall of 2012 cycle?

Yepppppp. Studying for the Oct LSAT as we speak! Good luck to you in the upcoming cycle.

After you take the LSAT and sign up for CAS you will start receiving a bunch of fee waivers and will continue to come throughout the cycle. If the schools you're interested doesn't send you one you can just email them once you can start submitting applications and ask for one (it doesn't have to be need-base). I personally didn't do this but I've heard that it's actually pretty easy to get one.

How much stock do you put in if a school offers your a fee waiver and/or sends you unsolicited info on the school?

hairstod wrote:How much stock do you put in if a school offers your a fee waiver and/or sends you unsolicited info on the school?

Assume they are trying to get their application numbers up and they are using you for that (they send fee waivers from places where you don't have a chance of getting into to Cooley and anywhere in between). You might get in and you might know but don't assume that because they sent you a fee waiver or telling you that you might be eligible to scholarship that they want you.

So quick question what if a school you don't think you have a shot at (T6), spams you more than a TTT trying to get you to apply? Like they are sending an email a week, even though your numbers are no where near their medians. Think that person might have a shot, or is it just wishful thinking?

StrongSofts wrote:So quick question what if a school you don't think you have a shot at (T6), spams you more than a TTT trying to get you to apply? Like they are sending an email a week, even though your numbers are no where near their medians. Think that person might have a shot, or is it just wishful thinking?

If I remember correctly, NU was the highest ranked school that did that to me and my numbers weren't nearly good enough to get me in.
If they are giving you a fee waiver and you could see yourself going to that school then apply. You'll only be losing $15 or whatever it costs which isn't bad for a chance to beat the odds. Just don't get your hopes up

gin wrote:

StrongSofts wrote:So quick question what if a school you don't think you have a shot at (T6), spams you more than a TTT trying to get you to apply? Like they are sending an email a week, even though your numbers are no where near their medians. Think that person might have a shot, or is it just wishful thinking?

If I remember correctly, NU was the highest ranked school that did that to me and my numbers weren't nearly good enough to get me in.
If they are giving you a fee waiver and you could see yourself going to that school then apply. You'll only be losing $15 or whatever it costs which isn't bad for a chance to beat the odds. Just don't get your hopes up

+1

No reason to not throw $15 at an outside chance.

Rawlberto wrote: +1

No reason to not throw $15 at an outside chance.

The double negative made me read this twice.... But I agree, apply and spend the $15

Got waivers from every t14 except hys hoping that's a good sign

Dani.B wrote:Got waivers from every t14 except hys hoping that's a good sign

Means nothing. They just want to have a high refusal number. But still, might as well use it.

I've been getting fee waiver emails almost every day....I've received about 20 total. AA Female...anyone with similar experiences?

beauTfully_free wrote:I've been getting fee waiver emails almost every day....I've received about 20 total. AA Female...anyone with similar experiences?

Yes I received about 40 ranging from vandy gw notre dame and bu to pace northeastern and seton hall. Not putting a lot of stock in them but some say things such as you are a competitive applicant. Will apply and see what happens.