Hey high school students (and parents!), October 2024 is the time to get excited—not just because of Halloween, but because of Colorado’s Free College Application Days! 🎉 Imagine this: You’re applying to your dream colleges, ready to hit submit, and boom, no fees. That’s right, no application fees. It’s like getting extra candy in your trick-or-treat bag without even asking.

What Are Free College Application Days?

From October 15-17, 2024, Colorado colleges and universities are waiving application fees for everyone. Whether you’re applying to state schools or private colleges, this is your golden ticket to save serious cash. Think about it: at $50+ per application, those fees add up quickly, especially if you’re applying to multiple schools.

Why Should You Care?

1. Save Money, Spend it on Snacks: Applying to five schools? That’s $250+ in fees you could avoid. That’s a month of snacks, a new pair of shoes, or more importantly, savings for college textbooks or dorm essentials.
2. Low-Risk, High-Reward: It’s like getting a free pass to swing for the fences. Not sure you’ll get into a school? Who cares! Apply anyway—it won’t cost you a dime. Plus, you never know—your “reach” school might just surprise you with an acceptance letter.
3. More Choices, More Freedom: Applying to a wider range of schools means more options when it comes time to make your final decision. With no fees, you can explore programs you might not have considered before.

Parents, This Is For You Too!

We know you’re the financial brains behind this operation. While your teen is dreaming about dorm life, you’re thinking about costs. Free College Application Days save you from that mini-heart attack you get when you see a list of fees. This is also a great time to have the “Let’s talk about college budgets” conversation.

Tips to Make the Most of It

1. Do Your Research Now: Use September to figure out where you want to apply. It’s like planning your Halloween costume—don’t wait until the last minute and end up as a last-minute zombie.
2. Get Organized: Have your essays, transcripts, and recommendation letters ready. This isn’t a last-minute homework assignment! You don’t want to scramble on the 17th, realizing your application is missing that killer essay.
3. Talk to Your School Counselor: They’re your lifeline in this process. Ask about fee waivers, deadlines, and make sure you’ve got all your ducks in a row.
4. Consider Community Colleges Too: Did you know that many Colorado community colleges participate? They’re a great option, especially if you want to save on tuition in your first two years before transferring to a four-year school.

A Quick Note on Timing

The window is short—just three days—so don’t wait until the last minute. Make sure you know which schools you’re applying to and have all your materials ready before October 15. If you’ve got everything prepped, you can apply to multiple schools in just one day. It’s like speed dating but for your future.

Final Thoughts: This Is Your Time

October is when the leaves change, and your future could too. Take advantage of Colorado’s Free College Application Days, save money, and keep your college dreams alive. And who knows? Maybe by this time next year, you’ll be reading this from your new college dorm!

Want help with college applications, essays, or just general advice? Peak Tutoring is here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out today, and let’s make this college application season your best one yet.