You are not a citizen until you are sworn in. If you are denied because of failure to pass the English or the civics test, you will be automatically rescheduled within 90 days. If you are not approved for some other reason, you may be given time to overcome the problem.
For 2009, the American Opportunity Credit--which is a variation of the Hope Credit--will be allowed for 4 years. For years before and after the new credit is allowed, the Hope credit is supposed to be for 2 years.
HOPE Scholarship recipients must have a cumulative 3.0 HOPE GPA at the end of each spring semester to continue eligibility. In addition to these requirements traditional and nontraditional students must have a 3.0 cumulative HOPE GPA after the 30th, 60th and 90th attempted hour.