Important Financial Aid Dates for Incoming Students

Pre-October

Apply for a FSA ID now so you can electronically sign your FAFSA.
Have your parents apply for a FSA ID so they can electronically sign your FAFSA.

The FAFSA form is being updated, and the deadline to fill it out has been delayed. The FAFSA form for 2025-26 is now available. Don’t wait for admissions acceptance. File the FAFSA electronically 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 online FAFSA or complete the TAP application directly.
Complete individual college financial aid applications where required. Consult the colleges’ catalogs to see if required.
Check deadline dates for all applications.

Review and correct, if necessary, the FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS), which is sent to you by the federal processor of your FAFSA.
Check the status of your New York TAP application.

Receive financial aid award letters (packages) from colleges. Compare and evaluate packages carefully using cost of attendance less financial aid for the real “bottom line.”
Respond to each college’s package within the stated deadlines.

Make your choice of college to attend. (May 1 is a common deadline).
Finalize Federal Direct Loan application by signing a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and completing entrance loan counseling.

Submit the TAP change form 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.
Arrange for payment of fall tuition bill.