Office of Student Aid : Parents of Students : Parent Newsletter

Penn State Office of Student Aid Parent Newsletter

December 2007

2008-09 FAFSA Applying Tips

As you prepare to complete your part of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA on the Web) after January 1, keep in mind that we recommend using actual 2007 Federal Income Tax results when completing the application. Using actual tax information for parents and students is essential to ensure that students receive appropriate financial aid award assessment. You may use estimated tax information only if you have not completed your 2007 Federal Income Tax Returns prior to Penn State's recommended FAFSA on the Web submission dates:

• New Students--February 15, 2008
• Returning Students--April 15, 2008

If you use estimated tax information, you must update the FAFSA once actual tax information is available.

In addition to the recommended FAFSA completion dates, be aware of filing deadlines for state grants. Pennsylvania resident students will be considered for the Pennsylvania State Grant if their completed FAFSAs are received by May 1. For other state grant filing dates, check the listing on the FAFSA on the Web . Non-Pennsylvania residents from certain states may be able to receive grants from their respective states. A list of state grants for out-of-state students is available on our Web site.

To begin, access and print the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet from the FAFSA Web site. Also, review the information on the applying section of our Web site before beginning the 2008-09 FAFSA.

We will have additional information and advice to help with FAFSA completion in our January newsletter. However, it is important to note early that you and your student should be certain to **use your complete names as they appear on your Social Security cards.** The Department of Education matches FAFSA data with Social Security Administration records. If a middle initial is missing or a name suffix like "Jr." or "III" is not included, it will delay awarding of your student's financial aid and require verification of the information. Additionally, when submitting the FAFSA, be sure to continue through the application until you receive a confirmation page. If you exit before receiving a confirmation number, your student's application incomplete. You can also have your student watch for a reply from the Department of Education when the FAFSA has been processed (via e-mail, if you provide an e-mail address on the FAFSA).

Finally, this is a good time of year to take a look at the financial aid calendar. Reviewing the calendar periodically will help keep you in tune with important financial aid dates throughout the year.