Apply for a FSA ID at fsaid.ed.gov now so you can electronically sign your FAFSA. Have your parents apply for a FSA ID so they can electronically sign your FAFSA.
October
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) starting Oct. 1. Don't wait for admissions acceptance. File the FAFSA electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov or obtain a paper FAFSA by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1.800.433.3243.
Complete the NY State Express TAP Application that is linked to the on-line FAFSA or complete the TAP application directly on hesc.ny.gov.
Complete individual college financial aid applications where required. Consult the colleges’ catalogs to see if required.
Check deadline dates for all applications.
November
Review and correct, if necessary, the Student Aid Report (SAR), which is sent to you by the federal processor of your FAFSA.
Check the status of your New York TAP application anytime on-line at: www.hesc.ny.gov.
January/February
Receive financial aid award letters (packages) from colleges. Compare and evaluate packages carefully using cost of attendance less financial aid to the real “bottom line”.
Respond to each college’s package within the stated deadlines.
May
Make your choice of college to attend. (May 1 is a common deadline).
Finalize Federal Direct Loan application process at www.studentloans.gov by signing a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and completing entrance loan counseling.
June/July/August
Submit the TAP change form at www.hesc.ny.gov if you decided to attend a college other than the one listed on your award certificate or call NYSHESC at 1.888.697.4372.
Attend an orientation session for fall.
Follow up on progress of your application for TAP, Federal Direct Loans, and other forms of student aid, if necessary.
