Student loans

[WSnurse2b]

How do you know how much to ask for when taking out a student loan? Can I apply for student loan (stafford) before they tell me if I get my financial aid? I haven't been told how much financial aid I will get other than my EFC is 1229, because I had to file an appeal in order to get my financial aid and they don't meet until January. How do you get extra money to help pay expenses when taking out a loan? I am hoping to get into nursing school Fall 09, but I have a few pre-reqs to finish up. I have three kids, a husband, a mortgage and all of the normal expenses so I really don't have any out of pocket money to put towards my education. Also, my oldest daughter graduates in 09 and I'm wondering if by me going to school if that will affect any financial aid, ect that she may be eligible for? I don't want to mess up any of her chances at all. I am getting quite frustrated. I wanted to early register so the good classes wouldn't be filled up but I was told I won't be able to do that because the financial aid people don't meet until January and that I may be late starting my classes which doesn't make any sense. Why would they not go ahead and meet so people could get registered in time for classes.

[Adams_Mommy_07]

Before you get Stafford Loans, you need to complete an "Entrance Interview". It's something that is or can be done online (I just did mine online). Basically, look at a few webpages and answer a few questions along the way. It informs you that student loans are never forgiven and you have to pay them back. After you're about to leave school, you do another "Exit Interview". I think that I did in person in 2002, when I was leaving college. Same thing.. I don't know why they call it "Interview" when it just seemed like an information session.

Now that I understand what that entails, I realize that I did do that afterall. Thanks