Office of Student Aid : Applying for Student Aid 2008-09 : 2008-09 FAFSA Tips

***Complete the FAFSA on the Web.  It's secure, quick, and easy.***

Before You Begin:

• Access Before Beginning a FAFSA Overview on the FAFSA Web Site
• Review all instructions to determine what documents and information you need to gather in order to ensure that your FAFSA is complete and accurate.
• Print the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet before you actually begin entering your information on the FAFSA on the Web.
• Request a Federal Student Aid PIN (Personal Identification Number)

Review Aid Application Completion Dates
If possible, complete all 2007 Federal Income Tax Returns before completing the FAFSA on the Web.

If you (and your parents, if applicable) cannot complete your 2007 Federal Income Tax Returns before the Penn State recommended completion dates (to receive maximum consideration for all student aid programs) or Pennsylvania and other state grant deadlines, use estimated tax information.

Keep copies of all 2007 Federal Income Tax Returns, W-2 forms, and 1099 forms. Our office may request copies and responding quickly to our request helps ensure timely disbursement of your student aid.

Review Filling Out a FAFSA Overview on the FAFSA Web site

Checking your Penn State E-mail Account:
Review information on your Penn State Access Account and E-mail

Important communications are sent to you via e-mail from both the University and the federal government. Once you activate your Penn State e-mail account, you should check it frequently to ensure that you do not miss important information and updates. Remember to correct the e-mail address on the Student Aid Report (SAR) when changing e-mail providers.

You may access your Penn State e-mail account at any time through Penn State WebMail.

If you or your parent(s) filter your incoming e-mail, it is important that you not block communication from Penn State (...@psu.edu) or the Department of Education (FederalStudentAidFAFSA@cpsemail.ed.gov) or (FederalStudentAidPIN@cpsemail.ed.gov).

If you need assistance completing the FAFSA, contact the Office of Student Aid or speak to the student aid representative at the Penn State campus nearest you.