Getting a loan, explaination/help?

Ladyariande, your case is very different to the OP's. I haven't been through grad school myself but everyone that I know here internationally from America seemed to have qualified for all of the loans necessary to be financially stable and be able to afford their tuition fees. That included grad plus and stafford (no private loans necessary).

I can also confirm that Sallie Mae seems to no longer allow the option of full deferment until school finishes. They charge monthly interest payments (private loans). This wasn't the case last year but this year things have changed. Pandaz keep in mind that you will need to take out huge amounts of money to get your tier 4 and therefore will be paying back IMO, a huge amount every month in interest and that's just for your first year. Every year, it increases since you take more money out.

The boy thing makes a lot of sense as to your eagerness to come (I've moved here for a boy after all) and obviously do what makes you happy. But also try to make the most out of your sacrifice of moving here to be with him rather than vice versa. Don't just settle for any first college that accepts you.

What are the chances of NOT getting the GradPLUS loan for an independent student?  For what it's worth, I have good credit scores, but I don't know if that makes a difference.  Would I need a cosigner?  Eeesh, life is complicated... 

I was independent and 24 when I applied for my Stafford and GradPLUS loans in 2009.  I had no trouble at all and didn't need a cosigner.  I don't even think I had all that much credit to speak of, as I've only ever had other student loans and utility bills in my name.  I wouldn't worry too much. 

This is all scaring me just a bit. My situation is, of course, rather different than the OP's.  I am heading to Scotland (pending loans) for a one year Masters degree.  I am independent and 24 years old.  I have pretty much refused to think of this as something that WILL happen and have been thinking of it as more of a 50/50 because I had no idea if I could get the loans I needed.  I have hated not knowing where I am going to be come September.

I then spoke with a good friend who is currently studying in Glasgow and she told me that getting the loans would not be a problem at all with a Stafford for about half and the GradPLUS for the rest, and I should have no trouble at all getting them.

What are the chances of NOT getting the GradPLUS loan for an independent student?  For what it's worth, I have good credit scores, but I don't know if that makes a difference.  Would I need a cosigner?  Eeesh, life is complicated... 

Gradplus + Stafford is pretty easy, just to set your mind at ease It's much more set up to accept the idea of foreign universities and they seem to like lending for Grad School (probably because they know you're likely to finish and pay it back, and will be working almost immediately). I would think you would likely have minimal problems and wont need a cosigner, we managed to get all tuition and living expenses covered by Stafford and Grad plus with no cosigner and simple application.
Very different to what the OP is trying to do.

Good luck!

Just wanted to check in and see if the OP found out any information about personal loans/her eligibility/ whether her college course was eligible for a T4 visa.  I'm just curious as to whether things are looking good or bad, as I know how (extremely) determined you are to get to the UK. Let us know!

Unfortunately i just missed the age gap for the grad plus loan so i had to take out private sallie mae loans! I wish i would have been able to get the grad plus  I am 25 and i had to have a co-signer to take out the private loan. I really wish i wouldn't have had to do so, and i know later on i will most likely pay the price for it. You will need a co-signer for sure, and sallie mae is probably your only option if you go with a private loan.

I was a year 2 transfer after having done some schooling in the US. It will help the cost compared to all 3 years, however, i will still have a nice little debt to pay off  Its not so much the tuition fees that will get me (or you) its the maintenance living fees! I should have already found a job months ago to try and help! <gulp>. It will be interesting to see how this all works out. At any rate really weigh out all your options first before going to England and taking a private loan out.