With excelsior being a last payer scholarship , TAP and PELL l would kick in first. Once they have been exhausted then Excelsior would kick in
Did you get your financial aid package. Are you eligible for a SUNY credit
What is your rank at your high school? Hoe large is your class. The person ranked number 1 is eligible for a $1500/yr academic scholarship. The next minimum 3 people are eligible for $500/year.
Your 3500 scholarship and your loan can be used toward room and board. You would probably need another 5k from your parents. If you work over the summer maybe you can split the cost woththem(provided you can put aside $2500 from summer earning).