Your Spring Guide to Staying on Track with Say Yes Syracuse

Spring is a season of momentum. As the school year moves toward graduation and the next chapter begins to take shape, it’s the perfect time for students and families to stay focused on college and career plans.

Say Yes Syracuse supports that journey by providing tuition coverage and critical academic, advising, and family supports for eligible students.

This spring guide highlights key steps students can take to stay on track, prepare for graduation, and move confidently toward their future.

Step 1: Check Your Progress Toward Graduation

Spring is an important time to review academic progress and confirm that everything is on track for graduation.

Students should take time to review:

• Graduation requirements
• Completed and remaining course credits
• Upcoming deadlines related to college enrollment

Say Yes advisors work closely with students throughout the year to support academic planning, ensure graduation readiness, and help students stay focused on their postsecondary goals.

Step 2: Make Sure Your FAFSA Is Submitted

Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required to receive Say Yes tuition support.

The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal and state financial aid, which must be applied first before Say Yes covers remaining tuition costs at participating colleges.

If you have not yet submitted the FAFSA, now is the time. Say Yes Syracuse provides support to help students and families complete the application correctly and answer questions along the way.

Students and families can also reach out for assistance if they need help reviewing their financial aid information.

Step 3: Finalize Your College Plans

Spring is when many students make their final college decisions.

If you have been accepted to a participating college, it is important to:

• Confirm your enrollment
• Complete any required financial aid steps
• Watch for communication from your college or university

Advisors and counselors are available to help students review options, understand next steps, and feel confident about their decisions.

Step 4: Understand How Tuition Is Covered

Say Yes tuition scholarships help make college more affordable for eligible students.

Once a student:

• Confirms eligibility
• Completes the FAFSA and required financial aid applications
• Enrolls in a participating college
• Say Yes applies tuition coverage after federal and state financial aid is awarded.

Say Yes Tuition Scholarships are considered last-dollar scholarships, meaning they cover remaining tuition costs after other financial aid has been applied. This layered approach helps reduce or eliminate tuition expenses and allows families to plan for college with greater financial confidence.

Step 5: Stay Connected with Advisors and Support Teams

Spring can bring a lot of change and important decisions. Staying connected with advisors helps students navigate the process smoothly.

Advisor and counselors are available to:

• Answer questions about eligibility or financial aid
• Help students stay organized with deadlines
• Provide guidance as students transition from high school to college

Regular communication helps ensure that no step in the process is missed.

Step 6: Ask Questions and Keep Moving Forward

Every student’s path is different. Questions, unexpected challenges, or uncertainty about next steps are a normal part of the college planning process.

Say Yes Syracuse is available year-round to support students and families as they work toward their educational goals.

If you are unsure about what to do next, reaching out is always the right step.

Your Future Is Growing!

Spring is a time of growth, new opportunities, and forward movement. Every advising meeting, application completed, and plan put into action brings students closer to their future.

Say Yes Syracuse exists to remove financial and systemic barriers so eligible students can pursue higher education with confidence and support.

The path forward starts with the steps you take today.

Learn more about eligibility, FAFSA support, advising services, and participating colleges here.