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Applying: Overview & General Principles

Filing Information for FAFSA and TAP

FAFSA Code

  • 002839

TAP Code (Medical)

  • 5535

TAP Code (Undergraduate)

  • 4886

TAP Code (Graduate)

  • 5536

The Office of Financial Aid will determine your eligibility for the various types of aid available by reviewing the data you submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Most students who demonstrate need will receive some type of assistance. 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 criteria for determining eligibility. Therefore, depending upon your particular circumstances, 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. You can also download Instructions on applying for Financial Aid for more details.
  • 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".
  • You will also need to submit a Downstate Institutional Application- (2010-11) in order to apply for institutional grants.
  • Check to see if there are any private sources of financial aid that may be available to you. We also have a Outside Scholarship list available online.
  • 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.