Apply for Financial Aid!
Complete your FAFSA and TAP applications for 2023-2024 as soon as possible! For non FAFSA-filers, you can apply for state aid by completing the NYS Jose Peralta DREAM Act. It is always a good idea to apply for financial aid as soon as you can so it can help alleviate your tuition balance at your senior college.
Get Advised!
Your current ASAP Academic Advisor is a key resource to the transfer process. Schedule an appointment through Connect2Success, email them, and ask questions to figure out your next steps! Your advisor will help explain the difference between the different degrees: Associate in Science (A.S.), Associate in Arts (A.A.), or Associate in Applied Science or Arts (AAS/AAA) and provide guidance on how your specific degree might impact the required courses that you need to take at your senior college.
Ready to enroll in courses at your senior college?
Be sure to meet with your new Academic Advisor! Ensure that all transfer credits have been evaluated and are applicable to your new degree/major.
- Tip! If you took a College Now course or attended other colleges prior to BMCC, ensure that you have submitted those transcripts to your new college.
Register for Courses Early!
Classes tend to fill in quickly, so if you want to create a schedule that fits you the best, register as soon as registration is open. Use Schedule Builder on CUNYFirst.
- Tip: When registering, ensure that all courses apply towards your degree requirements! Many financial aid programs such as TAP and Excelsior do not apply if you are taking courses outside of your program of study.
Check your CUNYFirst!
CUNYFirst is always the go-to when it comes to your college process:
- To-Do List: Provides a checklist of all outstanding requirements for each department including admissions & financial aid.
- DegreeWorks: a useful tool to see your academic progress. Use “Transfer What-If”, to preview what credits can be applied towards your major at your senior college as well as what courses you will need, etc.
- Financial Aid: Ensure that you complete all financial aid To-Do List requirements. Check out the “Financial Aid” tile on Student Center to view your financial aid awards and disbursement dates for those awards.
Maximize your Financial Aid Benefits!
In addition to applying for FAFSA, and TAP, consider applying to these additional opportunities:
Get a Transfer Recommendation
This is optional, but a recommendation is really helpful for your transfer application. Having a recommendation means that everything you added to your transfer application has been reviewed by someone. You can ask your professor or academic advisor to write a recommendation for you.
Get Familiar With Your New College!
Many colleges offer “New Student Orientation Sessions” or “Information Sessions” to allow you to tour the college (virtually or in-person). The Info Session is a great place to gather more information about your new campus, learn about faculty and staff, and explore the resources that are available to you! It’s also a great place to ask questions! Find out on your college’s website if your school is offering an Info Session!
- Tip: It’s always a good idea to stop by the Financial Aid Office or schedule an appointment with a Financial Aid Advisor to ensure that you have completed all necessary steps to receive the aid you are eligible for!
- Reminder: Don’t be afraid to ask! If you come across a problem or simply have questions don’t hesitate to reach out to an academic or financial aid advisor, they’re there to help you.
Don’t Miss Deadlines
Colleges can be strict when it comes to timeliness. Therefore, be sure to complete all necessary applications and responsibilities on time. If you are approaching your final graduating semester at BMCC, be sure to submit your application for graduation before the deadline (which is at the beginning of your final semester at BMCC). Always review the BMCC Academic Calendar for important dates and deadlines: https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/academics/academic-calendar
For more information on graduation visit –Graduation Information
