2022-23 FAFSA and NYS Application for TAP Opens October 1

• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) found at fafsa.gov, opens October 1 for high school seniors planning to go to college next fall.
• Student who indicate they are applying to at least one NYS college or university should complete the NYS application for TAP immediately upon completing the FASFA. A link will be provided at the end of the FAFSA.
• HESC is here to help students complete the FAFSA and Application for TAP. Students who need assistance can sign up and view the schedule here.
• Encourage your students to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to meet college deadlines and maximize their financial aid. Many colleges use FAFSA information to calculate amounts and types of aid students may qualify for, and each college has its own schedule for awarding financial aid.

Remind Students: Get Your FSA ID Ahead of Completing the FAFSA

• FSA IDs are created at studentaid.gov. Students should be encouraged to get their FSA ID before they sit down to complete the FAFSA. Share this video, 10 Minutes to Your FSA ID, with your students.
• Students and parents must create their own FSA IDs and each student and one parent need FSA IDs to electronically sign and submit the FAFSA.
• Students taking federal student loans will also need their FSA ID to sign for any federal student loans they decide to take.
• The student and parent's information at the Social Security Administration (SSA) must be correct or corrected before getting an FSA ID. Visit SSA at www.ssa.gov to learn how to correct any errors.

NYS DREAM Act Application Enables Undocumented Students Access to NYS Grants and Scholarships

• Undocumented and other eligible students can visit hesc.ny.gov/dream to determine if they are eligible to apply for NYS grant and scholarship programs, including the Tuition Assistance Program, Excelsior Scholarship, and Enhanced Tuition Awards.
• Eligible students can complete the NYS DREAM application at hesc.ny.gov/dream any time.
• Students determined eligible to apply under the NYS DREAM Act need to apply separately for each grant and/or scholarship program they are interested in receiving aid for. Eligibility criteria varies depending on the program.

The Path: HESC's Virtual Events Helping NYS Students Find Their Path to College

• HESC offers a full calendar of virtual events to help students and their families navigate the financial aid process.
• Students and families needing support can view and register for our events, many of which include one-on-one support at StartHereGetThere.ny.gov/events.
• Topics range from financial aid basics for seniors in high school and their parents, to how to get your FSA ID, to workshops where one-on-one assistance is provided to complete the FAFSA and TAP applications.

HESC's is holding Virtual FAFSA Completion Workshop on Wednesday, October 20, 3pm - 7pm. Financial aid professionals will be available to provide private, one-on-one assistance in completing the FAFSA and NYS Tuition Assistance Program - TAP - applications.

The event is free and open to any senior planning to attend college in the fall of 2022. Registration is required at StartHereGetThere.ny.gov/events.