ASAP Financial Aid at BMCC

Spooky season may be over, but some financial aid myths can still come back to haunt students if they’re not careful! 👻 Throughout October, Fiona the Financial Aid Fox helped us uncover some of the most common misunderstandings about FAFSA and TAP, so you can stay informed and keep your aid safe from disappearing like a ghost.

Here’s a recap of the Financial Aid Myths we busted this month:

Myth #1: “Once I get financial aid, I’ll automatically get it every semester.”

Truth: Financial aid isn’t automatic! You must reapply for FAFSA and TAP every year to stay eligible. Your financial aid can change if your income or situation does. Don’t forget to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) by keeping your GPA up, completing your courses, and staying on track to graduate; otherwise, your aid could vanish!

Myth #2: “I support myself, so I don’t have to include my parents’ information on the FAFSA.”

Truth: Even if you support yourself financially, you may still be considered a dependent student for federal aid purposes. The FAFSA form determines this based on specific dependency questions. Visit StudentAid.gov/dependency to review the criteria before you file!

Myth #3: “I don’t need to apply for TAP since I already did the FAFSA.”

Truth: FAFSA and TAP are two separate applications! FAFSA covers federal aid, while TAP provides New York State aid. ASAP students must complete both applications to stay in good standing and receive their full award package. You can apply or check your TAP status at hesc.ny.gov/totw.

Stay Ahead of the Myths!

Financial aid doesn’t have to be scary. Stay proactive, apply early, and ask questions whenever you’re unsure. Your ASAP Financial Aid team is always here to help you stay informed and ready for success.

Happy Autumn Equinox, everyone! 🍂

As we welcome a new season, it’s the perfect time to get ahead on financial aid planning. One of the most valuable resources available to New York students is the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Here are five key things to know:

1. TAP is required!
To maximize your ASAP benefits, you must complete FAFSA and TAP each year!

2. TAP through the NYS DREAM Act:
If you’re not eligible for FAFSA, you may still qualify for TAP through the NYS DREAM Act application: https://www.hesc.ny.gov/applying-aid/nys-dream-act

3. Even if you’re denied…
You still have to apply! ASAP needs your TAP record on file.

4. Track your application:
Log in at HESC TAP to make sure your application is fully complete, and your school code is correct: https://www.hesc.ny.gov/my-hesc-account-access

BMCC= CUNY Manhattan CC 1404

5. Don’t wait!
The earlier you file, the sooner your aid is processed. Apply today: https://www.tap.hesc.ny.gov/totw/

TAP is a powerful resource for making your college journey more affordable, don’t leave it on the table!

Your financial aid is here to support your success, but did you know that your enrollment and class attendance directly affect your funding? By understanding a few key rules, you can avoid losing your aid and stay on track this semester.

1. Eligibility

Financial aid isn’t automatic, it’s awarded based on enrollment AND completing the semester successfully. Dropping or failing to finish courses can put your funding at risk.

2. Enrollment Matters

Withdrawals, drops, and not attending class (WN) can all affect your aid. That’s why it’s important to attend from day one and stay engaged throughout the semester.

3. Pro Tip

Always check the BMCC Academic Calendar for important drop and withdrawal deadlines. Withdrawing the wrong way could result in WN, WU, or F grades, which can negatively impact your record and your financial aid.

• Fall Regular 2025
• Fall 7W1 2025
• Fall 8W2 2025

4. Having Trouble Attending Class?

Don’t go through it alone. If something comes up and you’re struggling to attend, reach out right away to your professor or ASAP Advisor. The earlier you communicate, the more support you can get.

5. Get Support!

Your ASAP team is here to guide you. We’ll help you understand how changes like dropping or withdrawing will affect your aid, so you can make the best decision for your future.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your financial aid is about staying informed and connected. By enrolling, attending, and reaching out when you need help, you’ll set yourself up for a strong and successful semester.

📩 Questions? Email us at ASAPfinaid@bmcc.cuny.edu or stop by our office. We’re here for you!

SAP Requirements

To meet SAP, you must:

• Maintain a minimum GPA
• Complete a certain percentage of credits you attempt (also called Pace of Progression)
• Finish your degree within a set timeframe (Maximum Time Frame)

Even falling short in one area can affect your eligibility.

What if I’m Not Meeting SAP?

If you don’t meet SAP standards, your financial aid may be suspended, but don’t worry. You may be able to submit an appeal explaining your situation and request reinstatement.

📅 Fall 2025 SAP Appeal Deadline: November 5, 2025
🗣️ Talk to your ASAP Academic Advisor as soon as possible for guidance

Read the below guides:

• How to Access CUNY Student Forms for Financial Aid SAP Appeal
• How to Complete your Financial Aid SAP Appeal
• How to View SAP Appeal Status 

Tips to Stay on Track

• Use free tutoring services through ASAP
• Meet with your advisor regularly
• Reach out to your professors early if you’re struggling
• Make a plan and stick to your schedule

Need Help?

Whether you have questions about your SAP status or need help submitting an appeal, don’t wait, connect with your ASAP Academic Advisor or ASAP@bmcc.cuny.edu. We’re here to support your success every step of the way.

College can be expensive, but you don’t have to face it alone! If you’re a New York State resident, TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) can help you pay your tuition at BMCC.

What is TAP?

TAP is a grant provided by New York State to help eligible students cover tuition costs. Grants are different from loans because they do not need to be repaid, helping you stay on track financially while focusing on your education.

How to Apply:

• Complete the FAFSA to determine your federal and state financial aid eligibility.
• Complete the NYS TAP Application using the link provided after your FAFSA or directly at the HESC website.
• If you are undocumented, you can apply for TAP by first completing the NYS Senator Jose Peralta DREAM Act Application, which allows access to TAP and other NY State aid.

Why Should You Apply?

• Helps pay for tuition
• No repayment required
• Supports your goal of graduating without excessive debt

TAP is one of the many financial aid resources available to you as a BMCC student, and our ASAP Financial Aid team is here to help you apply and track your status.

Need assistance? The ASAP Financial Aid team is here to guide you through the TAP or DREAM Act application process and answer any questions you have. Email us at ASAPfinaid@bmcc.cuny.edu or visit us at our office to get started.

As we wrap up Summer Session 1 and welcome Summer Session 2, it’s time to start preparing for Fall 2025. Staying on top of your financial aid tasks now will help you avoid last-minute issues and ensure a smooth start to your semester.

Excelsior Scholarship Deadline: August 31, 2025

Thinking about applying for the Excelsior Scholarship for Fall 2025? The deadline to apply is August 31, 2025.

The Excelsior Scholarship can help cover tuition at CUNY, but you need to complete the application on time and meet eligibility requirements.

https://www.hesc.ny.gov/find-aid/nys-grants-scholarships/excelsior-scholarship-program

Need Help? Attend the HESC Info Session

Have questions about the Excelsior Scholarship or your financial aid?

HESC will be hosting a virtual presentation on Monday, July 21, 2025. This is a great opportunity to get your questions answered directly from New York State financial aid experts: https://openlab.bmcc.cuny.edu/asapfinancialaid/event/excelsior-scholarship-and-enhanced-tuition-award-eta-presentation-hosted-by-hesc/ 

What You Can Do Now:

• Mark your calendar for the Excelsior deadline on 8/31.
• Check your CUNYfirst To-Do List and clear any pending items.
• File your FAFSA and TAP if you haven’t done so.
• Attend the HESC info session on 7/21 to learn more about Excelsior and financial aid.

Taking these steps now will help you stay on track and ensure you have your financial aid ready for Fall.

Questions? Contact your ASAP Financial Aid Advisor via our email: ASAPfinaid@bmcc.cuny.edu, visit the office, or join a virtual session. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

As summer moves forward, it’s the perfect time to take a few minutes to check your financial aid status and clear your CUNYfirst To-Do List. Completing these tasks now will help you stay ready for the upcoming semester while enjoying your summer plans without unnecessary stress.

What Is Your CUNYfirst To-Do List?

Your To-Do List in CUNYfirst is a checklist of important financial aid and enrollment tasks that need your attention to ensure your aid is processed on time.

How to check your To-Do List:

1. Log in to CUNYfirst.
2. Go to Student Center.
3. Click on Tasks and Holds to view your To-Do items.

Filing FAFSA and TAP Is Just the First Step

Submitting your FAFSA or TAP application is an important step, but there may be additional requirements before your aid can be fully processed. Depending on your situation, you may need to:

• Complete the “Verify My FAFSA” task if you are selected for verification.
• Submit forms via StudentForms.
• Upload required documents to complete your application.

Completing these tasks promptly ensures there are no delays in your financial aid, helping you stay eligible for tuition coverage, your MetroCard, and textbook assistance through ASAP.

Why Complete These Tasks Now?

Taking care of your financial aid tasks during the summer allows you to:

• Avoid last-minute delays when classes begin.
• Secure your aid so you can focus on your academics.
• Enjoy your summer plans knowing your financial aid is ready for Fall.

Need Help?

Your ASAP Financial Aid team is here to guide you through each step. If you have questions about your To-Do List, FAFSA, TAP, or required documents:

• Contact us at ASAPfinaid@bmcc.cuny.edu

Checking off your financial aid tasks now is a small step that can make a big difference in preparing for a successful semester.

As the semester winds down, it’s a great time to check your financial aid and current tuition balance to make sure everything is in place for the upcoming term. Here are a few important reminders and deadlines to help you stay on track:

Review Your Tuition Balance:
Log in to CUNYfirst and click on “Student Center” > “Financial Account” to review your current tuition balance.
An unpaid balance will result in a “Bursar Hold”, which will prevent you from registering for next semester—so it’s important to take action now.

Make Sure Your Financial Aid is Complete:
If you expect financial aid to cover your balance, be sure to:

1. Submit the 2024–2025 FAFSA (Deadline: June 30, 2025)
   studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
2. Submit the 2024–2025 TAP Application (Deadline: June 30, 2025)
   www.tap.hesc.ny.gov/totw
   If you are not eligible for FAFSA, you may apply for TAP via the NYS DREAM Act
3. Check and Complete All Financial Aid Tasks
   Log into CUNYfirst and click on “Student Center” > “Tasks” to check your “To Do” list. Be sure to complete any outstanding Financial Aid Tasks.
4. Complete TAP Requirements
   Log into your 2024-2025 TAP application at: webapps.hesc.ny.gov/hescpub/main to confirm all requirements are submitted. Need to fix errors or upload documents? Watch HESC’s step-by-step video tutorial guide.

Explore Additional Aid Options:

• Federal Student Loans:
  If you’re interested in borrowing student loans, submit your request before the Spring 2025 application deadline: May 9, 2025.
• Income Adjustment Appeal:
  Have you (or your family) experienced a recent loss of income or financial hardship? You may qualify for an Income Adjustment, which allows the Office of Financial Aid to review and potentially update your FAFSA based on your current financial situation. Click on Income Adjustment Appeal to learn more. Deadline: May 1, 2025.

Need help?

• CUNY FAST (Financial Aid Support Team) 
  Get 1-1 virtual or in-person assistance with the FAFSA, TAP, NYS DREAM Act applications: www.cuny.edu/financial-aid/applying-for-financial-aid/cuny-fast
• Office of Bursar
  Questions about tuition, fees, payments, or payment plans?
  Room S-330 | 212-220-1300 | bursar@bmcc.cuny.edu
• General Financial Aid Questions
  Contact the Office of Financial Aid at the Panther Station
• ASAP Financial Aid Advisement (By Appointment Only)
  Schedule a one-on-one appointment with an ASAP Financial Aid Advisor:
  Book through Navigate
• Email the ASAP Financial Aid Team
  ASAPfinaid@bmcc.cuny.edu (Include your full name and student ID number)

Taking these steps now can help avoid delays and ensure a smooth start to your next semester. Let us know how we can support you!

Do you plan to register for Summer 2025 at BMCC? You may qualify for financial aid assistance! Click on the resources below to learn more:

• Summer 2025 Requirements: How to secure funding for Summer 2025
• Types of Summer Aid: What types of aid can you qualify for?
• Summer 2025 FAQs: Important reminders and frequently asked questions

We’re excited to announce that ASAP Financial Aid is hiring for a “Peer Mentor: Digital Media & Design” position! We’re looking for a creative and motivated student who’s passionate about design, social media, and supporting their peers in navigating financial aid.

View the full job description below. If you believe you’re a great fit for the role, please submit your resume and cover letter to ASAPfinaid@bmcc.cuny.edu with the subject line: “ASAP Peer Mentor Application” by the deadline 4/30/2025.

Submit your 2025-2026 FAFSA and TAP applications by our priority deadline: March 1, 2025.
(For non-FAFSA filers, submit your TAP application through the NYS DREAM Act Application)

5 Reasons to File by the Deadline:

1. Plan Ahead!
   Get your financial aid package on time so you can plan, budget, and explore additional funding options if necessary.
2. Unlock Summer Aid!
   Taking classes in Summer 2025? Filing on time helps determine your eligibility for summer grants, scholarships, and book funding.
3. Reduce Stress!
   Filing on time gives you extra time to submit required documents and resolve any questions with the Financial Aid Office—no last-minute rush!
4. Meet ASAP Requirements!
   Filing by the March 1st priority deadline is a mandatory ASAP requirement. Filing on time ensures your financial aid package is ready to meet Bursar tuition payment deadlines and keep you eligible for ASAP support.
5. Access More Opportunities!
   Limited funds, like Federal Work-Study, are often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Filing on time boosts your chances of securing these resources!

Don’t wait—take the first step toward securing your financial aid today!