The Application Process for a MN SELF Loan
Please review and print off these instructions before applying for your SELF Loan.
***The SELF Loan application system requires the use of Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 or higher. No other internet browser is accepted.***
Before Applying for the MN SELF Loan:
Complete SELF Loan Online Counseling Session:
1. Go to the MN SELF Loan website: www.selfloan.org
2. Click the red text on the left hand side that says "Apply Online"
3. Select The Travel Academy
4. Choose "No" and click "Continue" then click the link "Begin Online Counseling"
5. Read the instructions and click "Begin"
6. Select The Travel Academy and click "Proceed to Counseling Session"
7. Read all of the information presented to you. These are your obligations and responsibilities as a borrower.
8. Complete the 20 question form.
9. Fill in your name, email, and social security number.
Double check to make sure everything is typed correctly!
This counseling session is reguired by the State of Minnesota before you can apply for a SELF Loan. Please allow 30 minutes to read all of the information and complete a 20 question form. You must get 100% on the questionnaire to continue to apply for the SELF Loan. Three chances are given to answer all of the questions correctly. If the questionnaire is not correctly passed after the three chances, a chance to review the information will be given. Once the online counseling session is completed, you may then begin the application of the SELF Loan.
YOU ARE NOT DONE: You now must apply for your SELF Loan
Begin SELF Loan Application:
1. Click the "Apply Online" link
2. Click "Click Here to Start Application Process"
3. Choose The Travel Academy
4. Choose "Yes" and enter your social security number
5. Answer if you have previously applied online for a SELF Loan
6. Create a User Id- click the link "I am a new user"
7. You must agree to the Terms of Use
8. Fill in the requested information. Double check everything is entered correctly!
9. Fill in your contact information. Double check everything is entered correctly!
10. Click "New Loan Details"
11. Select The Travel Academy from the drop down menu if it is not already entered
12. For "Loan Start Date" you will enter the date class begins
13. For "Loan End Date" you will enter the date class ends
14. Enter your requested loan amount. Tuition and fees will be a total of $5,900, but SELF will loan up to $7,500 for other related expenses. You are not required to ask for the maximum amount, but take into consideration if you will need extra money for housing, transportation, supplies, or personal expenses while you attend school. (Do not use "$" "." or "," when entering the number (Ex: 7500)
15. Enter the co-signer contact information. Make sure you enter their information correctly. Please make sure that you have talked to your co-signer before applying and they agree to co-sign the loan.
16. Click "Add"
17. Verify all information is correct! IF not, choose "Edit". If it is correct, choose "Submit".
18. Read and print the Promissory Note Terms Agreement, then click "Agree".
19. Choose "I Agree to Electronically Sign" and then click "Close my Browser."
YOU ARE NOT DONE: Your co-signer must complete your application:
Your co-signer will now receive an email with your Application Reference ID and a log-in link to follow to complete the application. Your co-signer must log in and complete the application within 90 days or the application will be cancelled. Your co-signer must also know your date of birth to log in. Please communicate with your co-signer to ensure the quickest completion of the application.
Co-Signer Comples the SELF Loan Application:
1. They must click the link in the email they receive
2. They must create their own User Id- they will not be able to use yours.
3. They will be asked to enter your name, date of birth, and application id (in the email they received)
4. They must agree to the terms of the loan and their responsbilities as a co-signer: if they decline you will receive an email and will need to find a new co-signer.
5, They also must agree to the Promissory Note Terms Agreement: If they do not, your application will be cancelled.
6. Ask them to choose "I Agree to Electronically Sign" -It will be a faster process. If the co-signer chose to forgo this option, they have to print the application, sign it in the presence of a notary, and mail it to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education before yoru loan can be processed.
7. They also will be asked authentication questions to verify identity (based on their credit report).
YOU ARE NOT DONE: Once your co-signer has completed their part, you will receive an email (check your junk email folder also). This email will direct you to accept your loan.
Accept your loan (more complex directions will soon follow for this step)
1. You must click on the link in the email
2. Sign-in using your username and password originally created during the application process
3. On the left side click "Accept Loan"
4. Here you will electronically sign your loan
The Travel Academy will now certify your loan.
1. The Travel Academy will receive notification that your loan is pending certification
2. We will certify your loan and update your loan period and recommended disbursement dates
YOU ARE NOT DONE- The Travel Academy has certified the loan, you need to:
SELF Certification of your loan (more complex directions will follow shortly)
1. You will receive an email stating you need to sign the borrowers self-certification form
2. Follow the link provided in your email to certify your loan
Final Sate Approval
1. Once you have 100% completed your loan including the co-signer information, the State will process your loan for a final approval or acceptance.
2. Your loan enters a "pending disbursement" or "Pre-Approved" status (This means there is nothing else for you to do, the loan has been accepted).
3. If for whatever reason your loan is denied at this point please call 1-800-657-3866 option 2. They can inform you on where your loan currently stands.
If you have any questions about your loan after you have applied, contact the Minnesota Department of Education 1-800-657-3866, Option 2.
