Spring 2025 Excelsior Scholarship Application

The Spring 2025 Excelsior Scholarship Application is now available for new applicants! Find out if you qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship and apply by the deadline: February 3, 2025:

*For Non-FAFSA filers (Dreamers, undocumented, other students): To be considered for New York State financial aid awards like TAP or Excelsior, you must apply through the Jose Peralta NYS DREAM Act Application.

DREAM Big! A Guide to the Senator José Peralta DREAM Act

Applying for financial aid can be a challenge for many, but it doesn’t need to be a challenge for you with regards to your immigration status! The NYS Dream Act is designed to help undocumented and other eligible students access the financial support they need for higher education and that’s why this guide is here to help!

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What’s New? A Guide for the new 2024-2025 FAFSA Form

In the past year, the FAFSA Form has undergone several exciting changes, and we’re here to guide you through these updates and show you how they impact your FAFSA application process. Let us help you navigate these new adjustments with ease with our guide below.

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Need help with filing for the new 2024-2025 FAFSA Form?

We’ve got you covered! The CUNY Financial Aid Support Team (FAST) provides students with support to complete the FAFSA, TAP and DREAM Act applications! With CUNY FAST you can receive 1-on-1 text support with a FAST Coach or you can attend a virtual or in-person CUNY FAST event.

Spring 2025 Textbook Information

ASAP students who meet the requirements below qualify for textbook assistance to help cover the cost of textbooks and required course materials. The allocation for Spring 2025 is $250.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

  1. ASAP Enrollment: You must be an active ASAP student at BMCC for Spring 2025.
  2. Class Registration: Register for Spring 2025 classes. For assistance with enrollment, contact your ASAP Academic Advisor.
  3. Financial Aid Applications:
    • Complete the FAFSA and TAP applications for the 2024-2025 academic year
    • If you’re not eligible for FAFSA, complete the TAP application via the NYS DREAM Act
    • If you’re not eligible for FAFSA or the NYS DREAM Act, email us at ASAPfinaid@bmcc.cuny.edu

HOW TO RECEIVE YOUR TEXTBOOK FUNDS:

You will receive your book funding by Direct Deposit or a Mailed Check. 

  • Direct Deposit:
    • Funds will be deposited into your bank account if you’ve set up Direct Deposit on CUNYfirst.
    • Click HERE for Direct Deposit setup instructions.
  • Mailed Check:
    • If you don’t have Direct Deposit, funds will be mailed to your address on file in CUNYfirst.
    • Click HERE to update your mailing address.

WHEN TO EXPECT YOUR TEXTBOOK FUNDS:

  • Direct Deposit: Disbursed by 01/24/2025
  • Mailed Check: Sent by 01/31/2025 (arrival depends on mail carrier).

Possible Reasons for Delayed Funds:

If you did not receive the funds according to the dates above, it may be due to one or more of the following reasons:
1. Late class registration
2. Late financial aid submission
3. No direct deposit set up
4. Incorrect mailing address
5. Late enrollment in ASAP

If you have any questions about ASAP Book funding, please email us at ASAPfinaid@bmcc.cuny.edu.