After the student submits the FAFSA form they will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) which summarizes the information on the FAFSA form. Each school that the student listed on the FAFSA will also receive the SAR data.
After reviewing the SAR, the school may request additional information such as tax documents. Once the school has all the information they need they will put together an award package for the student and mail an award letter. The letter will detail how much of what aid the school believes the student is eligible for.
Simultaneously, HESC reviews the information submitted on the TAP application and compares it against data on file with the New York State Treasury department. If HESC doesn't need additional information then they will also issue an award notice indicating a student's TAP eligibility at the first NY school listed on the FAFSA form.
The TAP award is only good at the school listed on the award letter so the school code must be changed if the student is attending elsewhere.
Once the student has the award letter(s) in hand they should compare aid packages and determine which schools they can afford to attend. Students who need additional payment options should investigate timed payment plans, student employment, PLUS loans and alternative loans.
