February 22, 2008
Contact:
 Anna Gustafson
717-787-2637
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Senate Update
by
Senator James J. Rhoades

For many young people, earning a college degree is an important step toward pursuing a rewarding career. Students planning to enroll in baccalaureate degree programs this fall, including those enrolled in college transfer programs at community or junior colleges, must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by May 1, 2008 to be considered for a number of valuable grant and loan programs.

Most students require some sort of financial aid to afford a college education, and completing the FAFSA is the first step toward making a post-secondary education more affordable with state grants, Federal Pell Grants, Keystone Stafford Loans, regular Federal Stafford Loans and other federal and institutional programs. Since students are often faced with finals and a number of end-of-the-semester projects each spring, I encourage students to complete their FAFSA now before these assignments begin to pile up.

Students who filed 2007-08 applications will automatically receive renewal forms from the U.S. Department of Education. Students who took the SAT or ACT test during their junior year in high school will also automatically receive an application booklet. Students may file the traditional paper forms, or they may download applications online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Students can complete their entire application online, making the application process quicker and more convenient for many students. A PIN number, which can be requested at the FAFSA website, is required to complete an online application. For security reasons, a PIN number must be mailed to a student, so applicants should request a PIN at least a week or two before they expect to complete the application.

Students who plan to attend business, trade and technical schools; hospital schools of nursing; or two-year non-transferable programs at community, junior or four-year colleges have until August 1, 2008 to file the FAFSA. More information and applications are available at my district offices. I would encourage students and parents to contact me to learn more by calling toll-free 1-866-418-0367.

Senator Rhoades represents the 29th Senatorial District, which includes all of Schuylkill County and parts of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe and Northampton Counties.