HESC Counselor Newsletter - April 2024

Published

2024-25 TAP Application

The 2024-25 TAP application is open. Students who saved their TAP application prior to submitting their 2024-25 FAFSA need to complete their FAFSA and submit their saved TAP application before it can be processed. Students are highly encouraged to complete and submit their 2024-2025 FAFSA ASAP, but no later than June 30, 2024. Any TAP application for students who have not filed a FAFSA by June 30, 2024, will be purged. Those students will need to refile their TAP application after completing their FAFSA form.

2024-25 FAFSA Updates

  • 2024-25 FAFSA Updates
    • Federal Student Aid (FSA) has recently begun to process FAFSA applications.
    • FSA has released updated guidance that, even after processing, students may not be able to make changes to their FAFSA for several more weeks.
    • FSA Announcement: Update on Technical Fix to the 2024-25 FAFSA Form for Individuals Without a Social Security Number (SSN)
    • Stay connected to the latest FAFSA news and updates through the FSA YouTube channel.
    • Due to the delay in FAFSA processing, many colleges are extending their deadlines. Students should contact the colleges to inquire about their deadline policy or to inform them about any difficulties they’re having with the FAFSA.
    • FSA keeps an updated list of FAFSA Issues. This is a great resource for finding issues and possible solutions.

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. Please share these upcoming events with your students and parents.

Finding your Majors
Picking a college major can be difficult. How do you decide which field to study? What major is right for you? How do I declare a major? What happens if you want to switch? Join HESC experts on Thursday, April 25 @4pm as we answer all these questions and more to help you choose the perfect major for you.

Financial Aid for Foster Care Youth
Please join HESC experts on Tuesday, April 30 @ 6pm as we discuss specific resources that can help youths who are or have been in foster care pay for college.

FAFSA Completion Rally for Students and Parents in the City of Buffalo
Mayor Byron Brown, Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams and SUNY Chancellor John B. King are hosting a FAFSA Completion Rally on Thursday, April 11 from 5-7pm at East Community School located at 820 Northampton, Buffalo, NY 14211. This event is open to all students and parents in the City of Buffalo. Staff will be on hand in-person to assist families in completing the FAFSA and answer questions. Free parking available.

FAFSA Completion Event
Please join SUNY on Monday, April 15 from 3-6 pm at Monroe Community College Downtown Campus located at 321 State Street, Rochester, NY 14608 to assist students and parents complete the FAFSA application and answer questions.  The event is open to all students and parents in the City of Rochester. Staff will be on hand in-person to assist families in completing the FAFSA and answer questions. Free parking available.

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, April 9 @ 6pm
Tuesday, April 16 @ 6pm
Thursday, April 18 @ 6pm
Tuesday, April 23 @ 6pm

Common FAFSA & TAP Errors
Understanding the common FAFSA and TAP application mistakes and how to avoid them can save you time and stress when applying for financial aid. Join the HESC experts as we break down the most common application errors and how to make updates once your applications have been processed.

Monday, April 1 @ 4pm
Friday, April 5 @ 4pm
Monday, April 8 @ 4pm
Monday, April 15 @ 4pm
Friday, April 19 @ 4pm
Monday, April 22 @ 4pm
Friday, April 26 @ 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 our drop-ins.

Wednesday, April 3 @ 2-5pm
Wednesday, April 10 @ 2-5pm
Wednesday, April 17 @ 2-5pm
Wednesday, April 24 @ 2-5pm

Scholarship Panel Event
Scholarships are an incredible source of financial assistance for college students. Unlike loans, scholarships are free money. That means you don’t have to pay them back! Join our financial aid experts on Thursday, April 11 @ 6pm as we walk you through what scholarships are, when they’re available, where to find them, and how to apply. 

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 key information about financial aid, important deadlines, and 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