scholarships

FAFSA: It’s Been Made Easier!

by
Two open faced hands hold a big ball of crumpled bills in them above a brown and green background of blurry foliage. A metaphoric representation of financial aid such as FAFSA

Let’s Break Down What it is First

FAFSA: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a form to be filled out by current and future college students in the US. Its purpose is to find out if they qualify for student financial aid from the government, and how much.

A cluttered desk of notebooks, a plant, and a computer with a piece of paper showing that depicts a stick figure developing a finance plan.
Photo by Rawpixel.com

An initiative of the Higher Education Services Corporation has made this part of college easier recently. This has made FAFSA and the Tuition Assistance Program, TAP , easier to access than ever before in my opinion. Plus the web pages feel much more friendly to use from the perspective of someone who has filled out FAFSA a few times before.

FAFSA & TAP: A Few of Many Ways to Fund Your Success

FAFSA and TAP are just a few of the ways that you can find resources to succeed using financial aid. You can use the US Department of Labor’s free scholarship search tool or read up here at StudentAid.gov on exactly how and where to find the perfect scholarships for you. The College Scholars Program is a marvelous way to fund your future if you can swing it. The Excelsior Scholarship and Enhanced Tuition Awards Program are some other things that have been affected by the modernization. They’re incorporated into the new section of NY.gov called “Start Here Get There” that we’re talking about.

It Was High Time for a FAFSA Rejuvenation, and That’s Exactly What We Got.

New York is really trying to work with students and make it less painful to fill out your forms every year that you’re going to school. The Department of Education is stepping up their game, and personally, I appreciate it. Less runaround and more getting things done, which is what we’re all about, right? Step-by-step instructions on how to complete the fafsa form can be found on the state’s new section of their website: StartHereGetThere.ny.gov.

A cork board of sticky notes with one in the middle, larger than the rest, that says "Make things Happen"
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

There’s Also A FAFSA App: myStudentAid

a screenshot of the Federal Student Aid app as seen from an iPhone when one searches for FAFSA.
The app as seen on an iPhone

The reviews on this app are the usual, ranging from rants to raves. From the need for an update to the ease and simplicity compared to the old method of filing FAFSA. In general, it’s safe to say that you should fully investigate how you like the app before taking anyone else’s word for it. You might just think it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread, who knows.

A screenshot of the Federal Student Aid app as seen on an Android phone when one searches FAFSA.
The app as seen on an Android phone

Finding the app was fairly simple, I merely searched “fafsa” in each of the app stores and it was one of the first apps to pop up, right after the ads of course.

If You Need Help:

There are also some numbers to call if you do get stuck somewhere during the process. If you need help understanding, the number for the Federal Student Aid Information Center is 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). Another method of finding help is the FAFSA Assistance Hotline 1-800-808-1790, open Monday – Thursday, 9am – 5pm. You can also email them, simply address it to: FAFSAhelp@hesc.ny.gov or if you’re already logged into Facebook and want to message someone directly you can visit the page for New York State Financial Aid.

What Are You Waiting For? We’re Down to The Wire!

Now that you’re loaded up with resources and ways to fund your college journey, go apply for FAFSA here. You’ll want to apply ASAP so that everything is in place for the beginning of the Fall semester on August 26!

Free Tuition With the College Scholars Program

by
An excited group of twelve students from various ulster county high school hold action poses and smiles.

Getting good grades in high school doesn’t just look good to colleges. It can also get you a free ride to SUNY Ulster with the College Scholars Program. Students who maintain a status in the top 10% of their high school class qualify for free tuition upon getting their diploma.

A fair skinned girl with blonde hair sits in a brick walled reading room. She wears a deep blue hoodie with stars on it and has a pair of green headphones hanging around her neck. She sits at a desk with a pile of books to her left and leaning her head on her hand which is propped on the desk. In front of her she has an open faced, large, hardcover book with a small bright green apple sitting on top of one of the open pages.

College scholars have a significant step ahead of the other students they are joining at college. Not only are they extraordinarily studious and devoted to learning. They’ve also earned the chance to get up close and personal with Dr. Al, our college president. While all other students eventually have the same opportunity, it’s a bit different for these few. College scholars are privy to a small meeting with executives. During which everyone is introduced and the program awards are given out. Their footholds on campus are strong before they start courses since they’ve made like-minded friends ahead of time.

Get Your Head in the Game Early

Mary Sommers was a recipient of this scholarship thanks to her hard work and diligence. Before she became a collegiate, she always made sure to maintain the best grades and study habits. She says, “It’s something that I’ve always worked for; the option to go to SUNY Ulster for free was so important and attainable.” Her family inspired her from a young age to be an excellent student and make the most out of her potential. They’ve given her the foundation she needs to attain her desired masters degree in child development so she can become a guidance counselor one day. As for where she will end up, she says, “I don’t know exactly where it will take me, but it’s going to be far.”

Stay Focused on What’s Important

A dark skinned man sits at a mac computer and holds his hands on the mouse touch pad and keyboard. He is wearing a grey shirt with a dark blue collar, a watch, and has an earring in his right ear. We cannot see his face

Another conscientious college scholar, Bradley Westervelt, currently uses the program’s funding toward his music degree at SUNY Ulster. He realizes that the program has had a big impact on his education and life. He says, “I definitely believe I was able to achieve more as a student because of my tuition being funded by the school. I think SUNY Ulster is a great place to go to college. I’ve had really wonderful teachers and many cool experiences since coming here.” The time Bradley spends at SUNY Ulster is in preparation to transfer. He wants to earn a Bachelor’s degree before starting his career as a music instructor.

Something to Aspire To

So for those of you high school students and parents out there, make sure to keep those grades up and the motivation high! The chance to attend one of the top five community colleges, as ranked by BestColleges.com, is nothing to pass up on. The even bigger opportunity to attend that college for free is certainly something to pursue. Mary summed it up well when she stated: “I strived and worked hard to make it into the program, and I think that anyone can set the same goal. As long as you make your deadlines and do what you need to do, you can do it too.”

See the application here.

a cartoon notepad lays open with two arms laying on top of it, one holding a pen. There is also a cup of coffee present and a white smart phone with a dark blank screen. The notepad is blank.
Photo by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Make the Most of Your Time this Winter Break

by
Person walking in the woods

The fall semester is over, and the spring semester is still a few weeks away. Winter break is here! It’s important to wind down and enjoy some time with friends and family during your time off. However, once the holidays are over and everyone goes back to work, life can sometimes get a bit boring – so here are some great activities to help you make the most of your time off this winter break!

Volunteer

If you have some free time, local organizations and charities are always looking for extra help! Think of something you’re passionate about: chances are, there’s an organization for it! There are many unique groups who need help right here in the Hudson Valley, including animal shelters, libraries, museums, mentorship programs, and many more. By volunteering, you can meet new people, have a great addition to your resume, and have fun, all while supporting a cause you care about! If you won’t have much time when the semester starts again, you can always look into one-time volunteer gigs; organizations often need extra help with special events that only happen once. Check local websites, keep an eye out for bulletin board notices, and stop by places that might need extra help to see what’s out there.

Work on Your LinkedIn Profile

No matter what your major is or what your plans are for the future, having a network of professionals will help! Even if you haven’t decided on a major yet, you can benefit from creating a professional profile and adding professors, fellow students, bosses, and coworkers whose experience and advice could be useful as you begin to search for jobs or transfer colleges. While you’re at it, you may also want to take the time to tidy up your personal profiles on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook to make your online persona more professional and appealing to future bosses and admissions representatives.

Make a Career or Financial Plan

When you’re in the middle of the semester, it’s easy to get caught up in the little day-to-day struggles like figuring out where to get dinner and completing the assignment that’s due early the next day. It’s easy to get discouraged and begin questioning why you’re working so hard for your career and degree when you’re tired, stressed out, and broke. While you’re on winter break, it’s easier to see the big picture, think positively, and plan for the future. You can plan for just the spring semester, or take it further and plan the next few months or years, in terms of both your finances and where you hope to be with college and your career. Having your plans and goals mapped out and written down will help you get through the mid-semester blues if they set in.

Apply for Scholarships

Every January and February, the Ulster Community College Foundation opens their scholarship application website to continuing and transferring students. Winter break is an excellent time to work on your applications and get them sent in before the full force of the spring semester sets in again. Check out our scholarship application tips post to get started!

Do Something You’ve Been Putting Off

We all have those things we put off, either because we don’t want to do them or because there’s just no time to do them. Winter break is an excellent opportunity to go for a dentist appointment, take your car in for the service it’s been demanding, or clean that closet (or room) you’ve been shoving things into for years. Even if it’s something you absolutely dread, just do it! You’ll be glad you did once you’re low on time again when the spring semester begins.

Do Something FUN!

Is there a book you’d love to read? A trip you’ve been wanting to take (even if it’s just for the day)? Maybe you want to start learning a new language or practice your drawing skills. If you haven’t seen your friends in a while, you might want to invite them over to catch up. Whatever it is, take the time to do it! Doing something meaningful and enjoyable is an important part of rejuvenating yourself after a long semester and enriching your life.

Get Started Today

Hopefully these tips have inspired you with some fun and productive things to do! What plans do you have for winter break? Comment them below!

Go to SUNY Ulster Tuition-Free with the Excelsior Scholarship!

by
Text composition saying Free SUNY tuition

You may have heard of the Excelsior Scholarship, but what exactly is it? Do you qualify? What does it cover? Read on to find the answers to these questions, and visit www.sunyulster.edu/excelsior to learn even more!

What is the Excelsior Scholarship?

The Excelsior Scholarship is a scholarship that, combined with other financial aid programs, allows New York students in families making less than $125,000 a year the opportunity to go to SUNY colleges for free.

What is covered by the Excelsior Scholarship?

The Excelsior Scholarship covers the tuition fee for a college education. It does not cover textbooks, housing, or any other expenses associated with being a college student.

How do I know if I qualify?

New York residents (defined as having resided in New York State for 1 year or longer) who are U.S. citizens in a family making less than $125,000 a year in their combined family household adjusted gross income and who hold a U.S. high school diploma or high school equivalency are eligible. Current college students are also eligible depending on their situation; see links at the bottom for specific details.

So what’s the catch?

Recipients of the Excelsior Scholarship must fulfill certain requirements during their time in and immediately following college. They must attend college full-time (30 or more credits a year) for each academic year they receive the scholarship. They must pass all classes each academic year, as well as maintain GPA requirements for any other financial aid they receive in addition to Excelsior. After graduating, recipients are required to live in New York for the same number of years they received the scholarship (for example, an Ulster student who graduates in May 2020 and received the Excelsior Scholarship in 2018-19 and 2019-20 must live in New York until 2022).  If the student does not live in New York for the duration following graduation that they received the scholarship for, the scholarship becomes a no-interest loan that must be repaid.

Where can I learn more and apply?

More information is available at www.sunyulster.edu/excelsior and www.suny.edu/excelsior. You can apply online at www.hesc.ny.gov/excelsior.

An Excelsior Scholarship recipient tells his story:

Expanded Scholarships Now Available for New Paltz Residents!

by
Scholarship recipient at the ceremony

The Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. is now offering expanded scholarships for New Paltz residents attending SUNY Ulster for the fall 2018 semester.  We encourage recent high school graduates and adult learners from New Paltz to apply! Scholarships range from $2,000 annually to a fully paid tuition based on academic merit and/or financial need.

One of the scholarships available for fall enrollment for all New Paltz residents is the Frank G. Elliot Scholarship. This scholarship is available for eligible residents of the Town of New Paltz. There is $30,000 in scholarship funding available for the upcoming academic year, and there is a chance to renew for multiple years of study at SUNY Ulster.

The other expanded scholarship available is the George Devine Future of New Paltz Scholarship. This awards $2,000 annually to residents of the Town of New Paltz. Any student who graduated from New Paltz High School is also eligible.

The deadline for priority consideration for these scholarships is July 18, 2018, but scholarship applications are accepted all year on a rolling basis. New Paltz residents still have time to enroll at SUNY Ulster for the fall 2018 semester and apply for these scholarships. All majors and courses of study are eligible. Students can be day, evening, or online students.

To learn more and get started, contact the Enrollment Center by phone at 845-687-5022 or by email at admissions@sunyulster.edu.

Tips for Saving Money While in College

by
Spoon holding potato on one end and money in the other while balanced on a calculator

As you already know, being a college student is both time-consuming and costly. However, if the stereotypical ramen noodle lifestyle is not for you, there are several ways to lessen the financial burden. In some cases, you can even receive some benefits for being a college student! Read on to learn how.

Look for Student Discounts

You know that little ID card you get after registering for the first time? It’s good for more than just taking out library books and using the printers. Showing your student ID can often save you money at various restaurants, stores, entertainment venues, and more. Check for policies in person and when shopping online to save some money with your student status. Don’t be afraid to ask about student discounts if one isn’t listed, especially if you’re making a major purchase (like for tech).

Focus on Class

Paying attention in class and getting good grades can be great for many reasons, as people probably tell you constantly. But financially, performing well in college and finishing classes can be the difference between whether you complete your degree or not. Passing classes efficiently means you don’t have to retake classes and add more semesters before graduating, which saves you money now and down the road. Federal financial aid often stops coming in after you’ve failed too many classes at Ulster. Passing classes is necessary for keeping your aid, and getting good grades is an added bonus that can earn you additional scholarships and aid. Attend class, pay attention, and do your work!

Take Advantage of Campus Opportunities

Save some money and get more out of your college experience by utilizing the fitness, social, and entertainment opportunities already available for free on campus. Want to see a concert or theatrical production? Check our events calendar. Want a good fiction book or movie? Check out our library catalog, we have many and can order more through interlibrary loan. If you want to start a regular workout regimen, try our gym (yes, we have gym equipment in that building!). All these things are free to our students.

Apply for Scholarships

Whatever your GPA, you should apply for Ulster’s scholarships when they become available. Even if you don’t have a 4.0, many times scholarships are available based on criteria like your major or the school you graduated from. You should always fill out the General Application, and look for other scholarships in the community as well. Check out our post all about earning scholarships to learn more.

Use a Finance Tracker

It’s a Fitbit for your money! See how your expenses add up by using a finance tracker. A student budget calculator is available online to see how you’re doing overall, and popular finance tracker apps to use for longterm budgeting include Mint and Wally.

The Skinny on Scholarship Success

by
Student accepting award at the 2011 Scholarship Ceremony

Tips from Our Coordinator of the Scholarship Program

Overwhelmed about the thought of applying for scholarships and think you won’t win one anyway? Think again. Burnelle Roser, Associate Director & Coordinator of the Scholarship Program, shares some of the basics about scholarships that will show you how easy it really is and get you applying before you miss out on some great opportunities.

Who: You! Each year, the Ulster Community College Foundation awards over $180,000 in scholarships to more than 200 students. You might think thousands are applying and you don’t have a chance. In fact, only a small percentage of students apply so your chances are good. Scholarships are open to new students entering SUNY Ulster, returning students and those transferring to four-year colleges. “Every single student should apply,” says Burnelle.

When: Right now! The time to start thinking about scholarships for the Spring 2016 semester is December/January. The Foundation’s general scholarship application deadline for SUNY Ulster students is Feb. 6, 2015. Don’t miss out. All the deadlines are on the portal in the “Student Resources” section under “Scholarships.”

How: SUNY Ulster students should fill out the general application and essay to be considered for scholarships administered by the Foundation. You don’t have to pick and choose the ones you want to be considered for. We’ll do it for you. “Our goal is to connect students to as many of the 200 different criteria as we can,” she says. The general application is available in two formats – an electronic PDF that can be completed on a computer or a printable form. Both versions are available at:   www.sunyulster.edu/foundation/scholarships/applications.

Why: Why not? We’re talking FREE money for college that doesn’t have to be paid back. With awards generally ranging from $500 to full tuition, it’s worth the few hours it may take to apply.

Remember to meet the deadlines, carefully follow all the instructions, answer the questions as candidly as possible and go for it! Stay tuned for more scholarship tips here.

Senator Mascot 3