Counselor Newsletter - October 2025

NYS College Application Month (CAM) is Here!

This October, nearly 150 colleges and universities across New York State are waiving application fees to help students take their first step toward higher education. The effort is part of College Application Month (CAM), a nationwide initiative focused on increasing the number of students applying to college and easing the transition from high school to postsecondary education. HESC offers free resources, events, and tools to support your school and guide students as they prepare to submit their financial aid and college applications.

Visit https://hesc.ny.gov/CAM for a complete listing of colleges.

FAFSA Ready Training (FRT) for High School Counselors:

Completing the FAFSA is one of the most important yet challenging steps for students seeking financial aid. To support you in helping your students, HESC offers the NYS FAFSA Ready Training (FRT) program, providing essential tools, knowledge, and expert-led sessions that help simplify the process. Live and recorded sessions are available so you can help students access the financial aid they need to pursue higher education.

Support Students Through Their FAFSA – 9/24 at 11:30 am, 10/8 at 9:00 am, 10/21 at 12:00 pm
NYS TAP Application: How to Complete It and Resolve Common Errors - 9/24 at 2:00 pm, 10/9 at 12:30 pm, 10/15 at 10:00 am, 10/29 at 2:30 pm
NYS FAFSA Completion Initiative - 9/25 at 10:00 am, 10/14 at 3:00 pm, 10/29 at 10:00 am
2026-2027 FAFSA and TAP Training - 9/26 at 10:00 am
Alternate Pathways to NYS Financial Aid - 9/29 at 12:00 pm, 10/17 at 11:00 am, 10/24 at 10:00 am
How to Help Students with Special Circumstances - 10/14 at 9:00 am

Need Help? Join a Free Virtual Event!

Planning for College:

What Seniors Need to Know about Financial Aid - 10/2, 10/6, 10/16, 10/27, 10/30 at 6:00 pm
FAFSA and TAP: What and Why? Presentation -10/8 at 6:00 pm
Opportunities Programs- CD/Seek, HEOP, EOP Presentation-10/9 at 6:00 pm
Creating Your StudentAid.gov (FSA ID) Account - 10/14, 10/21, 10/28 at 4:00 pm
Como crear su cuenta StudentAid.gov (La credencial FSA ID) - 10/9, 10/23 at 4:00 pm
College Essay Masterclass Workshop - 10/15 at 5:00 pm
College Application Timeline Presentation - 10/22 at 6:00 pm
The Senator Jose Peralta NYS DREAM Act Panel Discussion - 10/23 at 6:00 pm
NYS STEM Incentive Scholarship - 10/28 at 6:00 pm

NYS Financial Aid Spotlights

DREAM Act/ Alt Path Support Sessions - 10/6 at 5:00 pm
NYS FAFSA/TAP Completion Event -10/7 at 4:00 pm
Financial Aid Roadmap to SUNY & CUNY - 10/14 at 6:00 pm
HESC/CUNY FAFSA TAP Completion Event - 10/20 at 4:00 pm
Financial Aid Roadmap to Private Colleges and Universities - 10/21 at 6:00 pm
How to Maximize Financial Aid/What to Know About the FAFSA - 10/29 at 6:00 pm
HESC Drop-Ins: Get Assistance with Financial Aid Questions - Every Wednesday at 2:00 pm

View all HESC events.

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