Financial Aid Checklist (2011-2012)

Review the application steps below.  You are not finished until all five answers are "Yes."

• Did you file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)?
  
  No >> File on the web at www.fafsa.gov
  (To print and mail a paper FAFSA go to: Print a FAFSA )
  
  Yes >> Expect a SAR (Student Aid Report), in the form of a "SAR Acknowledgement" email in one (1) week or a paper SAR in the mail in approximately three(3) weeks.
  
  
• Did you receive your " SAR Acknowledgement" email or a paper SAR in the mail?
  
  No >> If it's been over four (4) weeks since you filed your FAFSA, check with the FAO*.
  
  Yes >> Bring it to the FAO, if required, with income documents and/or signed photocopies of 2009 federal tax returns. See the "Comments" section of your SAR to determine if documents must be submitted to the FAO. (Never send documents to the Federal application processing center.)
  
  
• Did you receive an "FAO SAR Receipt" indicating that your SAR intake or verification is "Done"?
  
  No >> You are not finished--Review and follow the directions you were given. 
  
  Yes >> You are finished with your SAR.  Remember to bring your FAO "SAR Receipt" to registration.
  
  (Your SAR may be accepted "as is" without having to submit any documents.  In this case you will not need to have a SAR receipt.)
  
  
• Did file a New York State TAP/APTS** application?
  
  No >> Go to www.hesc.com to apply for New York state financial aid.
  
  Yes >> Expect a TAP Award Certificate via email or an Information Request Form in the mail.
  
  
• Did you receive a TAP award certificate?
  
  No >> If you filed your TAP/APTS (and any Information Request forms sent to you) over 6 weeks ago, check with the FAO.
  
  Yes >> You have completed the TAP application process.  Bring your TAP Award Certificate to Registration.
  
  NOTE:
  
  
• • TAP award certificates for the new year are sometimes delayed if the New York State legislature fails to meet their deadline for approving the New York State budget for the upcoming year.
  • Students who receive a Summer TAP award will not be able to use it to pay their Summer tuition bill. However, they will receive their Summer TAP award in the form of a "refund"check from the Bursar during the Fall semester of the next academic year.

Students who need help completing a FAFSA can attend a financial aid workshop. To request the workshop schedule contact the FAO via email at City College Financial Aid Office or by calling (212) 650-6656.

Students should also take advantage of the user-friendly instructions at: FAFSA Guide

* FAO - Financial Aid Office

** TAP - Tuition Assistance Program, APTS - Aid for Part-time Study