NYS TAP college edu loans? question about that money/checks

Question

the loan check that you receive for NYS TAP... is that just like a cash check and can cash it at a bank? or can it only be cashed at the college or somehting? i havent received mine yet but i wanna get my books and stuff before they get the cheaper ones sold. can i buy them with my own money then just keep the money from TAP when ever i get that check in the mail? im not too sure how that works. can anyone explain?

Answer 1

NYS TAP is sent directly to the college.