KatMT

Private loans do accrue interest from the start of the loan. I have had students in the past (not BOCO students... I do not teach at BOCO.. actually these were not students where I currently teach either.. but at other schools where I have taught) who took out private loans and when they graduated were not able to take advantage of some of the wonderful (but lower paying) performance opportunities that were offered them because they would not be able to, make their loan payments.

I could be wrong... is there someone on here that confirm or deny?... but my understanding is that it is difficult to impossible to defer private loans for more than 6 months and they are not eligible for student loan consolidation... federal students loans give you additional deferral periods, I believe...

I could be wrong... my understanding is from my experience paying for graduate school with assistantships and loans, and from undergraduate students I have taught who were juggling loan repayment after graduation.

I do not say this to discourage you from attending your "dream school" but to encourage you to make sure that you ask the questions that will help you to make a more informed decision.

Congratulations on your acceptance!