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As the semester comes to an end, we want to remind you of the important deadlines below to help you stay on track and avoid any registration delays for the upcoming term.

Review Your Tuition Balance:
Log in to CUNYfirst and click on “Student Center” > “Financial Account” to review your current tuition balance.
An unpaid balance results 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 2025–2026 FAFSA (Deadline: June 30, 2026)
   studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
   • If your FAFSA was rejected, is incomplete, or contains errors, your FAFSA must be corrected and successfully processed by your last day of attendance in Spring 2026 to confirm eligibility for federal aid.
   • Need help? Contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center: https://studentaid.gov/help-center/contact
2. Submit the 2025–2026 TAP Application (Deadline: June 30, 2026)
   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 in to your 2025-2026 TAP application at: My HESC Account Access | HESC to confirm all requirements are submitted. Need to fix errors or upload documents? Watch HESC’s step-by-step video tutorial guide. Need more help? Call to speak with a HESC representative: Speak with HESC | HESC

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 15, 2026.
• 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, 2026.

Need help?

• 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 2026 at BMCC? You may qualify for financial aid assistance! Click on the resources below to learn more:

• Summer 2026 Requirements: How to secure funding for Summer 2026
• Types of Summer Aid: What types of aid can you qualify for?
• Summer 2026 FAQs: Important reminders and frequently asked questions

BMCC Immigrant Resource Center

At BMCC, we understand that the immigration system impacts undocumented and immigrant students within and outside the classroom. The Immigrant Resource Center, housed within BMCC’s Center for Belonging and Inclusion, provides holistic services that center students’ mental health and well-being. We believe that everyone, regardless of where they were born, should have equitable access to a college education, a meaningful career, and opportunities to contribute to the communities they call home.

BMCC Immigrant and Undocumented Student Success Team

The BMCC Immigrant and Undocumented Student Success team provides immigrant and undocumented students guidance and resources for their academic journeys at BMCC, to stay safe and empowered regardless of paperwork status.

• Albert Lee
  Student Success Specialist/Immigration Liaison
  (212) 776-6252
  allee@bmcc.cuny.edu
  Monday: 9 a.m.-5  p.m. (remote)
  Tuesday: 9 a.m.-5  p.m. (remote)
  Wednesday: 9 a.m.-5  p.m. (in-person)
  Thursday: 9 a.m.-5  p.m. (in-person)
  Friday: 9 a.m.-5  p.m. (in-person)
• 
  Tiffany James
  Student Success Director
  tjames@bmcc.cuny.edu
  Monday: 9 a.m.-5  p.m. (in-person)
  Tuesday.: 9 a.m.-5  p.m. (remote)
  Wednesday.: 9 a.m.-5  p.m. (in-person)
  Thursday.: 9 a.m.-5  p.m. (in-person)
  Friday: 9 a.m.-5  p.m. (remote)

BMCC Advocacy Resource Center

CUNY Citizenship NOW! has partnered with BMCC to bring immigration services to BMCC students. Our assigned attorney, Tamara, will be available once a month to consult on immigration issues and assist with Naturalization Applications, TPS and DACA Applications, as well as advise on other immigration issues. All consultations are by appointment only. Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity by contacting the Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC@bmcc.cuny.edu) to set up an appointment. They are in Room S-230, at 199 Chambers Street. See the Advocacy and Resource Center website for current days/hours and more information about services.

Hi! I’m Adriana, a current BMCC ASAP student in my final semester, majoring in Digital Marketing. I plan to transfer to Baruch College and major in Business Marketing, the Digital Marketing track.

This past winter, I studied abroad in Korea, which expanded my global perspective and pushed me out of my comfort zone. Exploring Seoul’s creative spaces deepened my interest in how marketing and culture connect worldwide and reaffirmed my passion for pursuing a career in Marketing.

I’m happy to talk about:

• Studying abroad
• Choosing a major
• Campus life 
• Planning your transfer
• Completing FAFSA or TAP
• Understanding your financial aid

If any part of my experience resonates with you, I’d love to connect!

We can schedule a time to chat about your goals, questions, or next steps. I’m available for Zoom or in-person meetings.

Email: amorillocabral@bmcc.cuny.edu
Office Hours: Mondays (In-Person) 1PM-5PM, Thursdays (Zoom) 8AM-5PM

Looking forward to meeting you!

Are you ready to file your FAFSA and TAP for the 2026–2027 academic year?

Our FAFSA & TAP Prep Wednesdays series is wrapping up, and the final session is happening next Wednesday at 2 PM on Zoom.

If you haven’t joined us yet, this is your last chance this month to get prepared before the March 1 priority deadline.

What We Cover in Prep Wednesdays

During these virtual live sessions, the ASAP Financial Aid team helps you:

✔ Understand the basics of FAFSA & TAP
✔ Review the documents and information you need before filing
✔ Avoid common mistakes that delay aid
✔ Ask your questions live
✔ Make sure you’re ready to file before March 1

These sessions are designed to make the process feel manageable, clear, and less stressful.

When Is the Final Session?

🗓 Wednesday, February 25th
⏰ 2:00 PM
📍 Zoom

This is the last Prep Wednesday session for February — don’t miss it!

Why It Matters

The 2026–2027 FAFSA & TAP covers:

• Summer 2026
• Fall 2026
• Spring 2027

ASAP students are required to file every year to maintain tuition and book benefits. Filing early gives you time to fix issues and prevents delays in your financial aid.

https://tinyurl.com/ASAPprepWed

As an ASAP student, you will receive textbook assistance to help reduce the cost of textbooks, course materials, and supplies. For more information, visit our Spring 2026 Textbook Information page.

Receiving a financial aid refund can be a big help—but it goes fast if you don’t have a plan. Whether your refund comes from federal or state aid, or through your ASAP textbook direct disbursement, these simple strategies can help you use your funds wisely and avoid unnecessary stress later in the semester.

1. Cover your school essentials first
Before spending your refund on anything else, make sure you’ve covered:
•Textbooks and required course materials
•Upgrading your personal computer, laptop, or tablet, and other essential electronic needs
•School supplies (notebooks, calculators, software access)

These costs directly affect your ability to stay enrolled and succeed.

2. Understand ASAP textbook direct disbursement
If you file your financial aid applications on time, ASAP textbook funding may be issued as a direct disbursement. This gives you more flexibility, but also more responsibility.

Use direct disbursement funds for:
•Required textbooks
•Course materials
•School-related expenses

Try not to treat this money as “extra”—it is meant to support your education.

3. Save money on textbooks
Textbooks are often the biggest expense, but there are ways to lower the cost:

•Wait for the syllabus before buying books—some are optional (check with your Professor)
•Buy used or rent instead of buying new
•Compare prices online before purchasing
•Check the library for reserve or digital copies

4. Set aside money for the future
Unexpected expenses happen. Try to save a small portion of your refund for:

•Device or software needs, such as repairs, upgrades
•Personal emergencies that could affect your ability to attend class
•Changes in financial aid eligibility, which may affect future refunds or out-of-pocket expenses

Even setting aside a little can help you avoid problems later.

5. Avoid spending refunds on non-essentials
It can be tempting to spend refund money right away, but using it on non-school items can create problems later in the semester—especially if you still need books or have a balance due.
Before spending, ask yourself: Will this help me stay enrolled and succeed this semester?

6. File early for future terms
Filing your financial aid applications early can:

•Increase your chances of receiving aid on time
•Reduce delays with textbooks and refunds
•Early filing helps you plan ahead and avoid last-minute stress

Final tip
Financial aid is there to support your education. Using it carefully—especially refunds —can help you stay on track, avoid extra costs, and focus on your classes.
If you have questions about your aid, refunds, or textbook funding, reach out to the ASAP Financial Aid Team—we’re here to help.

Your Winter Guide to Finals, Financial Aid & Staying on Track

As the semester winds down and finals season kicks in, the pressure can start to build—but you’re not doing this alone. The ASAP team is here to help you stay organized, stay motivated, and stay financially aid–ready as we head into the colder months. Whether you’re wrapping up final assignments or preparing for Winter 2026 courses, here’s everything you need to keep moving forward.

Submit Your Final Assignments

Finals season can get hectic, so now is the perfect time to double-check what’s due. Review your syllabus, check Brightspace, and reach out to your professors with any questions. Submitting missing work or completing extra credit can make a significant difference. A little organization now = a smoother end to the semester.

Remain Enrolled & Finish Strong

Don’t stop attending class! Missing too many sessions can lead to a WU (unofficial withdrawal)—which can hurt both your GPA and your financial aid. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider speaking with your ASAP Advisor or professors. We’re here to help you explore your options and keep you on track through the final stretch.

Stay Focused, Stay Funded

Your grades matter for more than just your transcript; they affect your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), which determines whether you can continue receiving financial aid. Stay focused, break your studying into manageable chunks, and use campus resources like tutoring or the Writing Center to boost your performance.

Every strong step you take now supports your financial aid for next term.

Winter Session Students: Quick Tips

If you’re taking Winter 2026 classes, keep these in mind:

• Winter classes move fast—plan ahead
• Confirm your financial aid before buying textbooks
• Know your key dates (drop deadlines, last day of class)
• Stay in touch with your professors—communication is everything
• Use BMCC’s support services, many of which stay open during Winter
• Talk to your ASAP Advisor before making any schedule changes

Winter may be short, but it can help you advance your degree if you stay prepared.

You’ve Got This

We know this time of year can feel tiring, but you’ve already worked so hard. Stay warm, stay focused, and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Every assignment, every class, every study session brings you one step closer to graduation, and ASAP is cheering you on the whole way.

Finish strong, you’re almost there!

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!