<p>could I get a few opinions please? Daughter filled out and signed a Master Promissory Note and another one page form (for subsidized Stafford Loan)that asked for the name of the lender and code. We got the name and code from a brochure the college sent. Both forms were to be returned to the school fin aid dept, which she did.</p>
<p>My question, was she supposed to contact the lending bank and apply for a loan or does the school do it using the forms she sent?</p>
<p>I know she will have a meeting with fin aid during orientation to complete papers for the Perkins Loan, but I feel like she/we have missed a step with the Stafford One.</p>
<p>In general, the school uses the forms that you send -- but you won't look like a fool by calling and asking. But generally all you have to do is fill out the forms the school sends you, as long as you are opting for one of their recommended lenders -- they do all the rest.</p>
<p>We have called our school fin aid several times - they were polite ALL times and did not seem to mind the questions. I think they would rather you understand where your $$ is going too. Their job is fin aid - that's what they are there to do and they are the experts!</p>
<p>cmbmom,
The only time we needed to contact the lending bank was when one of our kids' schools did not have our lender on their preferred list. For the other two kids, our preferred lender was on their list and DDs just signed the promissory notes.</p>
<p>I wouldn't feel shy about calling the FA office, however. I am sure they would much rather you clarify things now, in time to sort it out, than call in crisis mode in September with a real problem.</p>
<p>Never ever be afraid to contact your Financial Aid Office when you have questions. Even if you think it is a stupid question, or one which we have heard a million times!!! Our job is to make sure all students and parents understand what is going on and we understand that the financial aid process can be quite confusing at times. As I have told my students many, many times....If you didn't have questions, they wouldn't need live people sitting in the offices......and......the only stupid question is the one you do not ask but should have!!</p>