For many students, this academic year marks the first year they are virtually on their own when picking a lender. With schools and financial aid offices staying out of the selecting process, this new-found independence can be both freeing and daunting. No matter where you stand on the changes that arrived this fall, doing your own legwork when picking a lender has its ups and downs. So speak up on what you’ve learned and how you’ve fared. Maybe your fellow students will learn something from your experience.