Student loan recommendations?

[Cornellian]

Hey guys,

I'm starting law school at UCLA, beginning in Fall '08. I also have no financial resources, and UCLA has declared me financially dependent on my parents, so I don't qualify for their loans.

Unless I can overturn that bullshit decision, I will need to take out a 3 year student loan.

I concede that I've done very little research on the topic. What are some things that I should be looking for? Has anyone had any really good experiences with any particular banks?

[treydawg]

It's all the same for the most part. Try and get the most federal money you can as it will be at a lower interest rate AND it won't accrue interest while you're in school. Congrats on getting into UCLA Law, very good school.

[BuffaloRedleg]

i agree with Trey man interest is KILLER. Sit down with someone who really knows how loans work and what the best is. Not your dad, an accountant or something. These companies are basically criminal organizations in my opinion with the amount of interest that I have paid on my loans.

I made the mistake of not understanding what was going on really when I got the loans from Sallie Mae. DO NOT MAKE THAT MISTAKE. Be a master of your finances if you cant explain it to someone else you are wrong. They take advantage of young college wannabes. Debt is fine and necessary just understand how principal and interest and all that jazz works and create a firm plan on how many years it will take you to pay it off. Plan Plan Plan.

[Buffalo1]

Apply for every grant and scholarship you can also. Look for jobs or internships that may consider paying for your schooling, thats what I have done. I got a couple grants and I got an internship with the federal gov't while I was in school and they paid for the remainder of my schooling, it cut my student loans more than in half. I would have paid over 30 G's for grad school but I ended up only 8 G's in the red.

[sabredan17]

Assistantships, residencies and AmeriCorps were the way to go for me. I wound up paying $2,650 TOTAL in loans from both undergrad and grad school. I've been out for less than a year and am 100% paid off.

[comericatigers]

University and Student Loan Companies are some of the most corrupt institutions in this country. The cost of college is so inflated it is disgusting and impossible for average and poor people to afford. Student Loan Companies and University like it this way so they can work together and maximize their profits. I am sorry you have to take out the "necessary evil" student loan. Do everything you can to take out as little money as possible. Make sure you take out federal and not personal loans. You cannot lock in fixed interest rates with personal one's--these one's really **** you. Good Luck Man!