| DCLPublicationDate: 8/1/95 DCLID: GEN-95-41 AwardYear: 1995-1996 Summary: This Action Letter introduces the 1995-96 FAFSA EXPRESS, a financial aid software package that allows applicants to complete and submit an electronic Free Application for Federal Student Aid using a personal computer equipped with a modem. Action Letter #12 August 1995 GEN-95-41 SUMMARY: This Action Letter introduces the 1995-96 FAFSA EXPRESS, a financial aid software package that allows applicants to complete and submit an electronic Free Application for Federal Student Aid using a personal computer equipped with a modem. Dear Colleague: The U. S. Department of Education (ED) is pleased to introduce FAFSA Express, a financial aid software package created specifically for students to apply for Federal financial aid for the 1995-96 application cycle. FAFSA Express allows applicants, without assistance from a financial aid administrator, to complete and submit an electronic Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using a PC, modem and printer. In late September 1995, ED will distribute FAFSA Express to postsecondary institutions that request the software. Also, ED will provide FAFSA Express to selected public libraries, Guidance Offices,TRIO, and Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC). We encourage organizations that receive the software to install it in libraries, computer facilities and labs or other locations which are easily accessible to students. FAFSA Express has an easy to use Windows format, extensive on- line instructions, pull-down menus with multiple choice information and institutional Title IV Codes. Additionally, FAFSA Express automatically transmits applicant data directly to the Central Processing System (CPS). Applicants have electronic access from any IBM compatible PC with a modem. Before transmitting the application record, FAFSA Express automatically edits data entered by the student. This is designed to improve data quality and reduce rejection rates. Although FAFSA Express offers an alternative to the paper application, students will need to sign and submit an original signature to fully complete the application process. If the student has a printer available, the software will print a copy of the applicant data and the signature page. The signature page must be signed by the student and mailed to the FAFSA Processor. If the student is dependent, his or her parent must also sign the signature page before mailing it. If the applicant does not have access to a printer, s/he will receive a SAR that requires a signature. This SAR will be sent to applicants who do not immediately submit a signature page. The student and parent (if applicable) must sign and return the signature page attached to the SAR. Like all ED financial aid software products, FAFSA Express is free. If students have PCs equipped with a modem, they may install copies of FAFSA Express on their own PCs and apply for financial aid from home. In an institutional setting, FAFSA Express can accommodate an unlimited number of users, allowing students to apply from the financial aid office, library, computer lab or Guidance Office. We strongly recommend that students have access to a printer in order to expedite the application process, which is explained in detail in Enclosure 1. Additional information concerning hardware requirements is located in Enclosure 2. ED will provide assistance to FAFSA Express users through a customer service 800 number. Users will be able to: - Check the status of their FAFSA Express application - Request a copy of the software - Receive assistance with hardware, software, installation and transmission. The Department of Education is interested in hearing your comments regarding the 1995-96 FAFSA Express, which will be useful to enhance the software for 1996-97. Please FAX your comments to the attention of the FAFSA Express Coordinator at (202)401-1637. If you are interested in receiving a copy of FAFSA Express, you may order by calling the customer service 800 number listed on Enclosure 2. Sincerely, Leo Kornfeld Senior Adviser to the Secretary Attachment A Attachment B |