1. SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS
PALMYRA-MACEDON HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELORS:
LINDSAY DANIEL (A - G)
JOHN STRACHAN (H - N)
JENNIFER HERMENET (O – Z)

2. Step #1: Complete Necessary Paperwork
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Required for all federal aid: grants, loans, scholarships.
Students and parents complete application online and electronically sign using FSA ID. Information is transmitted to school codes indicated for review of aid eligibility.
Apply for TAP right from FAFSA submission page
Some schools require or recommend supplemental application materials called CSS Profile

3. What is the CSS Profile? College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile
Application through College Board that allows certain colleges to get a closer view of your financial status (usually used with FAFSA).
Small fee applied to completing application and submitting to colleges.
Examples of NY colleges that use CSS: Cornell, Hobart , NYU, RPI, St. Lawrence.

4. Step #2 Gather college cost info
College Scorecard
Net Price Calc.
College Transparency
list – highlights
institutions with high
and low net prices (cost
minus grants and
scholarships)

5. Useful websites continued…
Links to fast web
for scholarship
searches.
Allows you to ask
questions to
financial aid rep.

6. Useful websites continued…
Understanding your
SUNY award letter
Numerous other
student aid & financial
resources for students

7. Step #3 Dollars for Scholars
Create an account on
Only Palmyra-Macedon High School students are eligible
Most students receive 1-2 awards
National scholarships are also available on the Scholarship America site

8. Step #4 Use Scholarship Search Sites
Fill out a questionnaire as accurately as possible that will like you to scholarships
National scholarship service

9. Step #5: Local Options
Go to Rochester Area Community Foundation
Open to students in Wayne, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Yates, Livingston, and Genesee counties.
Scholarships and grants searchable by geographic region or keyword

10. Step #6: High School Database
Please contact the High School Counseling Office for a copy.
(315)

11. Step #7: Student newsletter
Counselors send out a newsletter to students every week or two with info on college visits, scholarships, job offers, summer programs, and other relevant info.
We also share scholarships with students on an individual basis when WE KNOW students fit the criteria. We encourage students to see us OFTEN with any changes to their college, major, and/or career plans!!!!

12. Step #8: New York State Resources
TEACH Grant
For up to $4000 per year
Teaching requirement in a high-need field serving low-income student
High-need fields: Math, Science, Special Education, Foreign Language
Talk to prospective colleges to see if they participate
STEM scholarship
Covers the cost of SUNY tuition for 4 years
Must be within top 10 percent of graduating class
Plan to enroll in an approved STEM major
Agree to reside and work in New York for 5 years in a STEM field
Apply via HESC website

13. Step #9: New York State Resources
Excelsior Scholarship
For up to $5500 per year toward the cost of SUNY/CUNY tuition
“Last dollar award” once TAP and/or Pell are applied
Must be a NYS resident for at least 12 months prior to enrollment
Must meet household income requirements ($100,000 for fall 2017)
Must complete 30 credit hours per year (at least 12 credits per semester)
Can use summer/break classes
Credits entering via AP or dual enrollment count!
Must agree to live in (and work, if applicable) NYS for number of years award was received
Cannot be awarded again if conditions are broken
Converts to a zero interest loan if conditions are not met
Apply via the HESC website (time TBD but estimated to be spring 2018)
Enhanced Tuition Award
Up to $6000 per year for students interested in attending a PARTICIPATING private NYS college
Local ETA schools: Keuka, Alfred, Niagara
Same requirements as Excelsior

14. Step #9: Potential colleges
Go to the “Financial Aid” section of your potential college(s)
Some college-based scholarships have separate applications and/or requirements
Financial aid sites may contain links to additional national/local resources

15. Step #10: Search!!! Check the following: State and federal agencies
Local libraries
Religious organizations
Clubs, extracurricular activities, athletics
Professional organizations
Employers (both student and parent)
Labor unions
Non-profit organizations

16. Attend a SUNY Financial Aid Day event
Held on Saturday, November 18, 2017
Located at several SUNY campuses through NY state (eg. MCC, GCC, OCC, Brockport)
Register online at
Meet with SUNY financial aid reps and receive help completing the FAFSA & TAP applications

17. Questions?