How to Apply for the Excelsior Scholarship: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re a New York resident planning to attend a public college or university, the Excelsior Scholarship might be the perfect solution to your financial problems. This scholarship covers the tuition fee for eligible students, making it easier for them to pursue their education without a financial burden.
If you’re interested in applying for the Excelsior Scholarship, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Firstly, you need to check whether you are eligible for the scholarship. The eligibility criteria require a student to be a New York resident, have an adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less, and be enrolled in a public college or university full-time. You also need to maintain good academic standing to avoid losing the scholarship.
Step 2: Apply for FAFSA and TAP
To be eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship, you must have already applied for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and completed the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application. You can complete the FAFSA online by visiting the official website, and the TAP application is available through the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC).
Step 3: Apply for the Excelsior Scholarship
Once you complete the FAFSA and TAP applications, you can then apply for the Excelsior Scholarship through the HESC website. You will have to create an account and upload the required documents, including your academic transcript, residency documents, and FAFSA/TAP award letter.
Step 4: Complete Your Community Service Requirement
Students who receive the Excelsior Scholarship must complete at least 30 credits each academic year. If you fail to meet the credit requirement, you could lose the scholarship. In addition, recipients must also complete 10 hours of community service each year, starting from the second year of the scholarship.
Conclusion
The Excelsior Scholarship can help you pursue higher education while reducing financial barriers. However, before applying for the scholarship, check your eligibility criteria and apply for FAFSA and TAP. Once that’s done, create an account and apply for the Excelsior Scholarship online. Remember to complete your community service requirement and meet the credit threshold to avoid losing your scholarship.
