How To Apply

How To Apply for Financial Aid

1. To apply for Federal Financial Aid from the United States government a student must file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Students who file a FAFSA by mail will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail in approximately four weeks. Students who file on the internet will receive a "SAR Acknowledgement" in the form of an email in approximately one week.

Every SAR includes a "Comments" page. It is important for a student to read this section completely to see if there are any documents that must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office. Required documents should be submitted as soon as possible to avoid processing delays. Documents submitted must be photocopies, since they will become part of a student's permanent file and will not be returned.
Photocopies of federal tax returns must be signed. When documents are required, the paper SAR or a printout of the SAR Acknowledgement (for internet filers) should also be submitted.

It is important to submit documents in a timely fashion so that any necessary corrections can be made. Corrections will be made electronically by the Financial Aid Office. There is no need to send a SAR back to the processor.

Students who do not receive their SAR as expected should call 800 4-FEDAID, (800 - 433-3243), to check on the status of their FAFSA.

2. To apply for TAP (Tuition Assistance Program), or APTS (Aid for Part-time Study) which is financial aid from New York State a student must file a separate application.

Applicants who file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the web, and have a valid EFC (Expected Family Contribution), will receive a link on the FAFSA "Confirmation Page" allowing them to access "TAP on the web", (https://www.hesc.com).

Applicants who did not click on the TAP link after completing the online FAFSA will receive an e-mail from New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) with instructions on how to establish a PIN (Personal Identification Number). The PIN will enable a student to gain access to the online TAP application.

Applicants who did not provide an e-mail address on their FAFSA will receive a postcard with "TAP on the Web" instructions.

B. Paper application

If, after receiving the email or postcard from HESC, a student still does not complete a "TAP on the Web" application he/she will receive a paper TAP application in the mail. This paper "Express Tap Application" (ETA) will be sent approximately seven days after the e-mail or postcard from HESC was sent.

Note: Some continuing students who have previously received TAP will not be required to file a
2006-2007 TAP application. These students will automatically receive a 2006-2007 CUNY
supplemental financial aid form in the mail.

Remember: All application processing and correction requirements must be completed before a TAP and/or Pell Grant can be used for tuition bill payment or bookstore vouchers.