STEP 6: What Happens Next?

AFTER YOUR FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS ARE PROCESSED

You'll get a Student Aid Report (SAR) summarizing your FAFSA and including your Estimated Family Contribution.Review it and make any corrections.

If you provide an e-mail address on your FAFSA, HESC can use it to tell you about your TAP application or award status.

You'll also get an award letter from your college's financial aid office stating the aid you can expect if you attend that school.Consider the options outlined in the letter including grants, scholarships, loans and work-study programs.

Tell the financial aid office that you accept or reject all or part of the financial aid package.Complete any other forms required by the school.

Apply for a loan if needed. Contact the financial aid office to find out about the loan application procedure your school uses.You can submit and sign your Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) promissory note by completing the e-MPN right from this page.

Keep a copy of everything for your records.

IN THE FUTURE

Remember, you must apply for aid each year you're in college.

If you filled out a FAFSA the year before, you can probably use the shorter Renewal FAFSA and TAP application.

SPECIAL TIPS

• Apply for financial aid every year. Financial aid programs change. Changes in your situation affect your eligibility.
  
  
• Meet the deadlines. Check with each school to get its deadline. To meet deadlines, you can file your financial aid applications using estimated income (if your tax forms have not been completed). Accurate estimated income figures may be taken from end-of-year pay stubs or W-2 forms.
  
  
• Attend financial aid workshops. Talk to your high school counselor or local college financial aid administrator to learn about financial aid workshops they may conduct to provide information and assistance in filling out the forms and in learning about aid programs.

HELPFUL SITES

• www.hesc.org — New York State Higher Education Services has the programs, information, and support services to help you plan for and finance your college education.
• www.nysfaaa.org — New York State Financial Aid Association provides resources for students and their families
• www.ed.gov — U.S. Department of Education is a source for education-related information for students and parents
• www.mapping-your-future.org — Public service site providing free college, career, financial aid, and financial literacy services