<p>Be wary of staff members who speak in a brusque or “everybody does this” tone of voice. Take only the loans you have to have – just because everyone else takes the whole trough, you may not need to. </p>
<p>Ask lots of questions – I would do it by email so that you get a written response. See if you can get assigned to one fin aid officer so there is consistency. Be polite and appreciative – but be very particular. It was people uncomfortable with asking questions and comparing products that was one piece of the mortgage loan debacle. </p>
<p>There should be a lot of information on the college website – read through it carefully and make a list of questions – then read through it again. Keep after it as conquering this may save you thousands of dollars over four years. </p>
<p>Common errors: thinking you “need” the fanciest dorm or eating plan so student takes loans to cover those levels of spending.<br>
Thinking the “kick back” is free money (by this, I mean the university bills you too much and then refunds some of the overcharge and you go shopping on the refund).</p>