HESC Counselor Newsletter - May 2024

Published

2024-25 TAP Application Corrections Students who need to make corrections or updates to their TAP application can do so once their FAFSA application has been processed. Students can then visit their HESC Account to make any required TAP corrections or updates.

The 2024-25 FAFSA is Now Accepting Corrections/Changes

  • If you have a student who made a mistake in the information they reported on their FAFSA application, they can now make the corrections by visiting Federal Student Aid.
  • For the latest FAFSA information and updates, be sure to visit the Federal Student Aid YouTube channel.
  • Federal Student Aid announced a major update for applicants without a social security number.
  • Be sure to check the updated list of known FAFSA Issues. This is a great resource for finding issues and possible solutions.

NYS College Application Month (CAM)
October might seem like it's far away, but it's never too early to help your students prepare for college.

  • Early registration for your school to participate is now open.
  • Schools that register early have the chance to receive NYS CAM Promotional items.

The 2024-25 NYS STEM Application is Now Open!
The NYS STEM Incentive Program provides tuition awards to students who are New York State residents attending a public degree-granting college or university located in New York State. To apply, students must:

  • Be ranked in the top 10 percent of his/her high school graduating class at a NYS high school.
  • Be a high school senior/recent high school graduate who will be enrolled full time at a public college located in NYS, beginning in the fall term following his or her high school graduation.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  • Be matriculated in an approved undergraduate program leading to a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics at a public college located in NYS.
  • Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher.

Upcoming Financial Aid Presentations and Workshops
Navigating the financial aid process can be challenging. HESC offers a variety of events to help counselors, students, and parents navigate those challenges and successfully apply for financial aid.

What Juniors Need to Know about Financial Aid
This presentation will help high school juniors and their parents learn how to navigate the financial aid process, the different financial aid programs available, and how to apply for the different programs.

Tuesday, May 7 @ 6pm
Tuesday, May 14 @ 6pm
Tuesday, May 21 @ 6pm
Tuesday, May 28 @ 6pm

Common FAFSA & TAP Errors
Are you having trouble completing your FAFSA/TAP applications? We know that this year’s form has a lot of changes to it. We’d love to help you through the process to ensure you successfully complete all the sections and submit it correctly. Join us as our experts give you step-by-step instructions on how to fix some of the common errors that students and families are making when filing out their application.

Monday, May 6 @ 4pm
Friday, May 10 @ 4pm
Monday, May 13 @ 4pm
Friday, May 17 @ 4pm
Monday, May 20 @ 4pm

HESC Virtual Drop-in
Encourage your students to drop in and connect with HESC experts to get answers to all their financial aid questions during one of HESC's virtual drop-ins.

Wednesday, May 1 @ 2-5pm
Wednesday, May 8 @ 2-5pm
Wednesday, May 15 @ 2-5pm
Wednesday, May 22 @ 2-5pm

FAFSA/TAP Completion Events
Need help making changes or completing your FAFSA and TAP application but have questions or are unsure where to start? Join HESC and our academic partners, SUNY & CUNY for our virtual completion event to help you wherever you are in your FAFSA/TAP application.

Thursday, May 9 @ 4-6pm
Thursday, May 23 @ 4-6pm

Managing Student Loan Repayment for Graduates
Are you a graduate who needs to start making payments on your student loans? Navigate the student loan repayment process with confidence: make payments, change repayment plans, explore options, and get help.

Thursday, May 16 @ 6pm

College Financial Aid for Veterans and their Dependents
Discover the educational benefits available to families who have served our country and how they can help pave the way toward their college dreams. During this session, participants will receive vital information about the various educational benefits accessible to Veterans, their spouses, and dependents.

Wednesday, May 22 @ 6pm

Funding Your Future: Excelsior and Enhanced Tuition Breakdown
The Excelsior Scholarship, in combination with other student financial aid programs, allows students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. Join us to learn how the Excelsior Scholarship and Enhanced Tuition Award programs can support your goals toward higher education and navigate the eligibility requirements effectively.

Thursday, May 30 @ 6pm

Have questions? We’re here to help!
If you have questions regarding the TAP/FAFSA or about any upcoming event, please contact [email protected].         

Get Connected to the Resources Students Need
HESC Text can send students and parents text messages with vital information on financial aid, crucial deadlines, and valuable resources to help put them on the right path toward their college careers. Sign-up is quick and easy at www.hesc.ny.gov/hesctext