Many college graduates today leave school with large debts from student loans. Though the loans must be repaid, the time to do so and the monthly payment are determined by the lender. With a touch economy making it harder to find a job, students may also find it harder to repay loans. Many lenders, however, expect them to start doing so upon graduation. You plan to request a deferral to start paying back your loan.

To do so, answer the following questions about your audience:

1. What is at stake for the lender if it defers the loan?

2. What regulating bodies (e.g., state and federal government) govern how a lender may alter the terms of a loan agreement?

3. What objections might a lender raise to deferring the loan?

4. What other resources might the lender suggest tapping in order to repay the loan?

5. What might the lender expect from you as a guarantee that you will repay the loan after the deferral?

6. What channel is the best way to reach the lender?

7. What tone will work best in the message to the lender?

8. How long of a deferral are you requesting?