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Applying - Overview & General Principles

The U.S. Department of Education determines your eligibility for student aid. Most students who need help may receive some type of aid. Most students will qualify for some type of loan program. Grants, scholarships and low interest loans are usually restricted to students who meet specific financial eligibility requirements. Each financial aid program has different rules for determining eligibility. While information about similar indicators such as income, assets, and family size may be required, it may be considered in different ways. Therefore, depending upon your particular circumstance, you may be eligible for the maximum award for one program, but not be eligible at all for aid from another.

We suggest that you follow these general steps in applying for aid to be sure that you are considered for as many sources of aid as possible:

  • Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1. This will allow you to be considered for all the programs of aid that are offered by SUNY Downstate.
  • If you wish to be considered for Institutional scholarships and/or grants as a Health Professions and/or Medical student, you must include your parent's asset and income information in the purple section of the FAFSA, even if you are "independent".
  • Check to see if there are any private sources of financial aid that may be available to you.
  • Arrange for a summer or part-time job that will allow you to save money for your education. Remember: You will be expected to report all earnings, savings and/or non-retirement investment vehicles on your FAFSA.
  • As an alternative, consider applying for the Federal Parent Loan for Dependent Undergraduate Students (PLUS), the Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan, or a private educational loan program.