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.
The T/P used up all 4 of his HOPE/AOC years up. But, only got a $200 benefit in from the HOPE in 2007. If I remove the HOPE from 2007, the T/P can take the AOC for 2012. Thereby getting a $1845 tax credit for 2012, minus the $200 that would be owed for 2007, the T/P would be up $1645.