# Managing Your Student Loans ## Understanding your responsibilities As a federal student loan borrower, it’s crucial to fully understand your loan terms and responsibilities. You’ll need to complete required steps as a borrower and develop habits that will help you manage your loans through your education and repayment period. ### First-time borrowers: Steps to get started 1. **Submit the Permission to Hold Funds form.** [Download and complete the Permission to Hold Title IV Fund form](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2024-08/permission_to_hold_form.pdf) to allow loan funds to cover discretionary charges like health insurance and housing. 2. **Complete your master promissory note (MPN) and entrance counseling.** - Go to [studentaid.gov](https://studentaid.gov/). - Log in with your FSAID. - Click on "Complete Aid Process" and select "Complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN)". - Choose “Subsidized/Unsubsidized” and follow the steps. - Return to the “Complete Aid Process” screen, select “Complete Counseling,” and complete the Entrance Counseling. 3. **Attend in-person entrance counseling.** You’ll receive instructions during orientation on how to schedule this required session with the director of financial aid. ### For all borrowers: Loan tracking and financial aid refund - **Track your loans.** Regularly visit the [National Student Loan Database System](https://studentaid.gov/) to review your federal loans and ensure all information is accurate. - **Use the AAMC/ADEA Dental Loan Organizer and Calculator (DLOC)** Use the DLOC to keep track of your borrowing and explore repayment options. You can register at [AAMC Services](https://www.aamc.org/services/fao-first/godental/). ### Financial Aid Refund Request If you’ve borrowed for living expenses, request a refund from Financial Aid. The amount will be split between fall and spring semesters. - **Direct Deposit (Recommended)**: Enroll through the [student term bill website](http://sfs.harvard.edu/direct-deposit) for funds deposited within 3 business days. - **Check by Mail**: Ensure your address is updated in the student account, and funds will be mailed within 3 business days. ### Quick links [ arrow\_forward Preliminary financial aid application ](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2025-01/PreliminaryFinAidApplication25to26_0.pdf) [ arrow\_forward Financial aid appeal application ](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2025-01/FinancialAidAppealApplication26.pdf) [ arrow\_forward Permission to hold funds form ](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2025-01/permission_hold_form.pdf) ## Consumer information disclosures In accordance with federal Consumer Information regulations, the following information is available to all current and prospective students at Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM). If you have any questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office. ### HSDM Financial Aid Process Information expand\_more For information on the application procedures, awarding aid, types of aid available, and other financial aid details, please refer to the following resources: - [Financial Aid Manual](/hsdm-financial-aid-handbook "HSDM Financial Aid Handbook") - [HSDM Student Handbook](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2024-12/handbook_and_appendices_8.14.24_0-compressed_1.pdf) These resources include important topics such as: - **Cost of attendance (COA)**: Details on tuition, fees, and living expenses for both DMD and AGE programs. - **Federal student loan terms and conditions**: Understand loan requirements, including disbursement, distribution, and repayment. - **Financial aid programs**: Explore state, local, and private aid options. - **Eligibility and application procedures**: Guidance on how to apply for and maintain aid eligibility. - **Student rights and responsibilities**: Information on your obligations as a student receiving financial aid. - **Satisfactory academic progress (SAP)**: SAP standards and appeals processes. - **Leave of absence and refund policy**: Procedures and policies for student leave and refund schedules. ### Academic programs and student resources expand\_more - **Information about academic programs, student attainment, and institutional research** Information regarding the names of associations, agencies, and/or governmental bodies that accredit, approve, or license the school and its programs, and the procedures by which a student may receive a copy for review of the school’s accreditation, licensure, or approval may be found on Harvard University’s [Office of Institutional Research & Analytics](https://oira.harvard.edu/) website. - **Plans by the school for improving academic programs** [Visit the Office of the Provost](https://provost.harvard.edu/) - **Cross registration and transfer policy** Consult the Student Handbook or contact the registrar. - **List of faculty and instructional personnel** [Visit the HSDM directory](/hsdm-directory "HSDM Directory") - **Facilities and services for disabled students** [Visit Disability Services](/disability-services "Disability Services") - **Laboratory and physical plant facilities** Visit the Office of Research ### Accreditation, policies, and legal compliance expand\_more - **Terms and conditions for federal loan deferments** Get information on student loan deferments in the HSDM Registrar webpage. - **Policies and sanctions related to copyright Infringement** Review our copyright policies in the HSDM Student Handbook. - **Harvard University student code of conduct** Read the [student loan code of conduct.](https://sfs.harvard.edu/files/student_accounts/files/harvard_university_code_of_conduct.pdf) - **FERPA compliance and FERPA blocks** Learn more about [FERPA rights](https://registrar.fas.harvard.edu/student-information-privacy) on Harvard University’s website. View HSDM-specific FERPA policies in the HSDM Student Handbook. ### Campus services, safety, and policies expand\_more - **Prevention of drug and alcohol abuse** Review the Harvard University Police Department's [alcohol and drug policies](https://www.hupd.harvard.edu/drug-and-alcohol-policy). - **Campus security statistics and security policies** Access campus security policies and statistics on the [Harvard University Police Department website.](https://www.hupd.harvard.edu/crime-statistics-clery) - **Missing persons procedures** View our missing persons procedures in the HSDM Student Handbook - **Emergency response and evacuation procedures** Read emergency response and evacuation plans in the HSDM Student Handbook - **Harvard University fire safety report** View the [Fire Safety Report](https://www.ehs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/hea_fire_safety_report.pdf) - **Harvard vaccination policy** Visit Harvard University [Health Services](https://huhs.harvard.edu/). - **Consumer information for student athletes** Visit information for [current student-athletes](https://gocrimson.com/sports/2020/5/5/information-compliance-current-sa.aspx). - **Constitution Day** Learn more about [Constitution Day (September 17).](https://www.constitutionday.com/)