<p>I just applied for a stafford subsidized loan. The UCSD financial aid pages state that "If you are a first-time borrower, you must complete the online loan counseling under Mandatory Tasks and the Master Promissory Note (MPN) with your lender. Once completed, your MPN is valid up to a ten year period."</p>
<p>Would I complete the MPN directly with the lender? Does UCSD send information to my listed lender, or do I go to the lender's site and apply directly for a loan? Also, is the loan counseling specific to the lender, or is it the one offered on the UCSD page?</p>
<p>Also, is there a specific deadline for having the loans ready? Is this before the first day of school? </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>