For many high school seniors, the first hurdle of applying to college is not getting in; it’s paying to apply.

Naomi Koudoagbo, a senior at Albany High School, wants to study mechanical engineering and has begun researching schools. She said application fees are shaping where she applies.

“It does make me not want to apply because it’s really expensive,” Koudoagbo said. “I’m giving you money just to apply to the school. And if you reject me, I don’t get that money back.”

An application typically costs $50 to $90. Koudoagbo said the highest fees she has seen, at schools such as Cornell and Columbia, are about $85.

“I would definitely apply to more schools if the prices weren’t so high,” she said.

Angela Liotta, vice president of communications for the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, said cost keeps many students from applying.

“A lot of students will not apply because maybe they can’t afford it,” Liotta said.

The state is addressing the barrier through the College Application Initiative, which Liotta said is “designed to get every high school senior to complete at least one college application.”

During designated windows in October and November, every SUNY and CUNY campus, along with 46 participating private colleges, are waiving application fees for New York students. Students can apply to as many CUNY schools as they like and up to five SUNY schools at no cost.

Students do not need to sign up. They simply apply during the designated windows and the fee is waived.

Last year, more than 300,000 applications were submitted during college application month, Liotta said. The initiative saved New Yorkers $15 million.

Koudoagbo said the waiver has changed her approach.

“So now I have to pick my favorite ones and get that for free,” she said. “That’s like really, really helpful.”

Jennifer Quinn, a college and career counselor at Albany High School, said she has seen the impact on students.

“Having the opportunity to apply to five SUNY schools is wonderful,” Quinn said. “It makes the difference for some families.”

A list of participating colleges and more information is available on the Higher Education Services Corporation’s website.