FAFSA
TAP
Miscellaneous
100
What does FAFSA stand for?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
100
What does TAP stand for?
Tuition Assistance Program
100
Rank what is the most expensive school type from 1 being the most expensive to 3 being the least expensive:
CUNYs vs SUNYs vs Private colleges
1. Private colleges
2. SUNYs
3. CUNYs
200
What is a Dependent student?
A dependent student is assumed to have the:
Support of parents, so the parents’ information must be assessed along with the student’s to get a full picture of the family’s financial resources.
Basically 99.9% of you are dependent students!
200
Who needs to create a HESC account?
Just the student! Parent(s) don't need to create an account
200
What documents are needed to complete both FAFSA and TAP?
You need your both yours and your parent(s):
*SSN
*2023 Federal Tax Form 1040
*2023 NYS Tax Form IT 201
*NYS ID Number
300
What is an Independent student?
For the 2025–26 award year, an independent student is one of the following:
Born before Jan. 1, 2002
Married
A graduate or professional student
A veteran
A member of the armed forces
An orphan
A ward of the court
Someone with legal dependents other than a spouse (children)
An emancipated minor
Someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
300
What specific tax form do you need to submit your TAP application?
The NYS Tax form called the IT 201
300
What is the difference between a loan and a grant?
A loan is essentially borrowed money that needs to be repaid, typically with interest, after the student has graduates 6 months after or leaves school.
A grant is free money from the government that you do not pay back. You receive it from completing both the FAFSA and TAP applications. If you plan to attend a private college, you fill out the CSS profile too!
400
What account do you need in order to begin your FAFSA?
An FSA ID!
400
How many colleges can you add on your TAP application?
Only 1!
400
Where do you see your financial aid package?
If you are a CUNY student, on CUNYFirst! If you are attending a SUNY or private school, you will see it on their school portal account.
500
What are the steps to submit your FAFSA?
1. Create an FSA ID account for yourself and for your parent(s) if they don't have one already
2. Complete your section of the FAFSA and add your parent(s) information to send an invitation to your parent(s)
3. Make sure your parent(s) complete and submit their section
4. Submit your section
500
What is the difference between TAP and DREAM Act TAP?
TAP: You apply to this one if you have a SSN!
DREAM Act TAP: You apply to this one if you don't have a SSN or reside in New Jersey but attend a New York state high school!
500
Do grants cover room and board?
No! Grants (FAFSA and TAP) only cover tuition and fees associated with tuition.