PHILADELPHIA, MARCH 4, 2008: State Sen. Mike Stack is reminding Pennsylvania families that the deadline for most college-bound students to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is fast approaching.

“Financial aid makes the goal of higher education possible for countless students, and theFAFSA is the first step toward achieving that goal,” Stack said. “I encourage students to fill out the FAFSA now so that they can meet the upcoming deadline without worry.”

The deadline for submitting the FAFSA to determine eligibility for a Pennsylvania State Grant is May 1; however, families should submit their FAFSA as early as possible to ensure meeting earlier financial aid deadlines.

The FAFSA is used to determine if students qualify for almost all forms of need-based financial aid, including the Pennsylvania State Grant, federal Pell Grant, many scholarships and institutional awards and low-cost student loans.

Families can access the 2008-09 online FAFSA and a FAFSA on the Web Worksheet online by visiting the senator’s Web site www.senatorstack.com and clicking the “PHEAA” link.
The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) prefers that students file electronically since it is faster and easier. USDE will only send paper FAFSAs to individuals who personally request a paper form by calling 1-800-443-3243.

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