Admissions
“How do I apply to HEOP at Siena UNIVERSITY?”
Students can apply using the Common App (preferred) OR Siena Express app -- both are free, but be sure to check the HEOP box either way!
“What materials do I need in order to be considered for HEOP?”
In order for your application to be considered complete and ready for review by the HEOP Team, students must provide all of the following documents:
1) A submitted application;
2) Transcripts reflecting 3 years of high school grades;
3) A essay/personal statement – supplemental essays are welcome but not required. If you choose to submit one, it should speak directly to your interest in HEOP, and willingness to take advantage of program services.
4) At least 2 letters of recommendation - 1 of which must be from a school or college access counselor; and
5) A completed HEOP financial eligibility form. This form is linked here and is sent out to students physically and electronically once their application is submitted with the HEOP box checked.**
**Note that if your application is reviewed and selected to move along through the HEOP admissions process, additional financial documentation will be requested to confirm the accuracy of the information provided on the HEOP financial eligibility form. The most common financial documents needed are: a completed FAFSA, the family's state and federal tax returns and W2s for the certifying year (2024 for the 2026-2027 school year), and statements for benefits or public assistance the family received.
While these documents are not officially needed until later in the admissions process (and will be explicitly requested by HEOP), we strongly recommend submitting them alongside your HEOP financial eligibility form. This will allow us to review your application and provide a decision much faster.
“Can I transfer into HEOP?”
HEOP at Siena reviews transfer applications every year!
However, in order to be considered for transfer admission into HEOP, you must be transferring from another New York State-sanctioned opportunity program, such as EOP, HEOP, SEEK, or College Discovery. If you are not transferring from one of these programs, unfortunately your application cannot be considered for HEOP at Siena.
Likewise, prospective HEOP transfer applicants are advised that an offer of admission will only be extended if:
1) A completed application with all required materials is received;
2) The Program has an available seat for them based on its current full-time enrollment (FTE); and
3) The student is able to successfully complete their intended program of study within their remaining semesters of eligibility as determined by the opportunity program transfer form (a required application material that must be completed by the transfer institution’s opportunity program director) and Siena.
“Can I still get into the college if I don’t get in through HEOP?”
If a student is deemed economically ineligible for HEOP at Siena University, it may be possible to enroll at the University via the traditional admissions process. Such applications will be reviewed by the Office of Admissions on a case-by-case basis.
The same is true for students who are ineligible for HEOP because their application and academic record meet or exceed the University's traditional admissions standards.
However, if a student’s HEOP application is rejected based on an academic record that is too low for HEOP, they cannot be considered for admission to Siena University via the traditional admissions process.
“Can I join HEOP later on after I’m already accepted via traditional admissions?”
As Siena University's only college access program, students who are accepted to the University via the traditional admissions process – regardless of enrollment status – are unfortunately ineligible for consideration to enter the program after the fact.
“What high school GPA do I need to be in HEOP at Siena University?”
The typical high school GPA range for incoming HEOP students at Siena University is about 75-83. However, our application process is holistic and thorough, so students who fall outside of that GPA range may still be eligible for consideration depending on a variety of factors, including high school curriculum and standardized test scores.
FINANCIAL AID
“How much will Siena cost me as an HEOP student?”
HEOP students at Siena University receive an extremely generous financial aid package composed of funds from Siena University, HEOP, federal and state grant aid, and a reduced federal student loan amount.
While students’ final financial obligation is based on financial need (as determined by FAFSA each year), many of our students who accept their entire aid package often pay nothing out of pocket! Please note, however, declining the federal Stafford loans that are part of your financial aid package may lead to an outstanding balance that must be paid out-of-pocket OR through an outside scholarship.
“How do I prove I’m financially eligible for HEOP?”
You’ll follow the HEOP Admissions process. Specifically, you’ll need to complete the HEOP financial eligibility form, and provide supporting documentation for nearly every item listed on it.
The most common financial documents needed are: a completed FAFSA, the family's state and federal tax returns and W2s for the certifying year (2024 for the 2026-2027 school year), and statements for benefits or public assistance the family received.
“I live with someone other than my biological parents. How do I fill out my FAFSA and HEOP eligibility form?”
These situations are highly individualized. The following are general guidelines for navigating them, but students in these situations are encouraged to to contact heopadmissions@siena.edu for guidance as soon as possible
Students who are in Foster Care or legal guardianship should file their FAFSA as Independent, and note on their FAFSA that they are in foster care or guardianship. Likewise, when filling the HEOP financial eligibility form, students in foster care or guardianship should only report their financial information, NOT that of their foster families or guardians. Students will then need to provide official legal/court documentation of their foster care or guardianship status. Please note that this documentation must contain the words “foster care” OR “legal guardianship.” Apparent synonyms such as “custody” or “power of attorney” are not sufficient to prove foster care or legal guardianship status for financial aid purposes.
Students living with friends or other relatives who are not their biological parents and who do not have court or legal documentation that use the exact words “foster care” or “legal guardianship” that wish to claim financial independence may or may not be able to do so.
If a student submits a FAFSA and is considered “provisionally independent,” they may be asked to send the following to the Financial Aid office:
- Letter explaining the student's situation
- Letter from a 3rd party who is aware of the student's circumstance and
- A letter from a professional on a official letterhead confirming the student's circumstance (included but not limited to a high school counselor, therapist, pastor, principal, teacher, psychiatrist, etc) OR a court/legal document that uses one of the apparent synonyms of “foster care” or “legal guardianship” (i.e., “custody”)
Likewise, the documentation provided may be insufficient to establish financial independence. In this case, a student will be advised who to list as part of their household for financial aid purposes.
Again, these situations are highly individualized, so students, families, and support network members are strongly advised to connect with us as early as possible.