ISAC Welcomes New Executive Director
Andrew A. Davis becomes the fourth Executive Director in the 50-year history of ISAC, succeeding Larry Matejka who retired on December 31, 2006 after 26 distinguished years of service. Davis' invaluable experience from serving as both an ISAC Commissioner and a senior ISAC staff member made him the ideal candidate to lead the state's college scholarship and loan agency into the future. He served as an ISAC Commissioner from October 2005 through September 2006, when he was named Special Assistant to the ISAC Executive Director. "ISAC has a great track record of serving the students of Illinois," Davis stated in his Executive Director's report. "It is essential that any changes we make continue that mission and tradition." Prior to joining ISAC, Davis spent 15 years on the Beloit College Board of Trustees, which included five years as Chairman. Davis earned his BA in Economics from Beloit College in 1979.

Partner Corner
(College Zone and College Illinois!)
College Zone -- The College Zone remains an excellent tool for students, parents and ISAC business partners. Whether it's information on planning for college, figuring out ways to finance college or even learning more about loan default prevention, it's all available at collegezone.com.

College Illinois! -- The state's 529 prepaid tuition program recently announced two very exciting new features. The rollover express program is up-and-running, and so is the drawing to win a free semester of college tuition.The rollover express program waives the fee when transferring your existing 529 plan into the College Illinois! program. The drawing to win a free semester of college is accessible on the College Illinois! Web site's "what's new" page.

Anniversaries
ISAC, IDAPP, and College Illinois! are celebrating anniversaries in 2007. We have some exciting things planned and will keep you updated as more details are known. Check out idapp.com for the most current information.

Benefits For 2007-08
Ticket prices, stamps... everything is rising in cost these days. But the IDAPP Low Cost Borrower Benefits Program remains the same since last year. No changes, just the same excellent benefits you've come to expect from IDAPP. We offer the terrific benefits highlighted below. Because you receive them much earlier than other benefit and saving programs, you'll save more of your hard earned dollars during the loan's life span. We encourage you to view the Low Cost Borrower Benefits Program in more detail by clicking here.

Origination Fee Rebates
Zero origination fees for Federal Stafford Loans guaranteed after May 1, 2006.

For Federal PLUS Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2003 and Graduate PLUS Loans, IDAPP will rebate 1% of the principal balance when the loans enter repayment status.

Direct Debit Program (DDP)
By utilizing our automated payment feature, you can opt to have your loan paid directly from your checking or savings account. Selecting this feature will reduce your interest rate by .25% for Stafford, Parent / GradPLUS, and Consolidation loans. Never worry about missing a payment again!

On-Time Payments Interest Rate Reductions
Reduction schedule for
Federal Stafford and Parent / GradPLUS loans

When your first 24 consecutive on-time monthly payments are received, IDAPP will reduce your interest rate by 1%.

Don't Forget About Your Loan
Now That You've Graduated
Your graduation marks the conclusion of your collegiate career. You'll be moving on to the next phase of your life, but we at IDAPP want to give you a final friendly reminder: Don't let your loan repayment slide off of your radar. It's crucial that you payback your loan in a timely manner and we strive to make that as easy as possible for you.

Learn about loan repayment here.

Just a few tips to help keep you on top of your loan repayment:

1. Keep your loan papers together, in an accessible place.
2. Make sure you know who is currently
   servicing your loan.
3. Make sure your lender has your current contact information and is made aware of your graduation.
4. If you are unable to make your payments or would like to discuss your repayment schedule options, contact your lender.

Helpful IDAPP Links
Apply for a Loan
Easily apply for an IDAPP loan here.

Loan Rates
Stay up to date on the current rates.

Loan Consolidation
Consolidate your loan now. Click here.

FASFA Application
Are you planning on returning to school? If so, now is the time to complete the FAFSA online at idapp.com.

Real World Tips
-Retirement-
Right now, retirement planning is probably on the bottom of your "to do" list. Searching for jobs and updating resumes is stressful enough. Retirement seems like a pipe dream at this point. But believe us, it is very wise to consider your options in retirement. Always know what your employer's retirement options are. Do they offer a 401(k), Roth IRA, 401(k) Roth? Retirement isn't something you can neglect. Become more knowledgeable about your options by checking out this article.

Read more about retirement planning here.

Read about 401(k) plans here.

Headhunters
We're not talking about movie characters. We're talking about using industry specialists who have access to job openings that are not posted. These recruiters are available to aid you in finding a great career opportunity.

Learn more about contacting a headhunter here.

Networking
There's a saying that states, "It's who you know." It's a tad cliché, but often holds true when looking for jobs. The more people that know you are searching for a career, the better your chances are that someone in a hiring position will hear about it. Do yourself a favor and attend social networking events. There maybe no better way to get the word out about yourself and also chat with people from companies that are looking to fill a vacancy.

Office Etiquette
Showing up early for work is one thing, but how you conduct yourself between
8 a.m. and 5 p.m. is what will make the difference in your young career. There are a lot of little things that are encouraged or frowned upon within the walls of your new office. Get a leg up on being a professional by knowing a thing or two about conduct.

Read about office etiquette here.

Buying a House
or Condo
With a new job comes new responsibilities and adventures. It also means you might be ready to purchase your first house or condo. You'll need to educate yourself on down payments, mortgages, monthly payments, and more. The more you know now, the easier it will be to search for that perfect place to live.

Read about the financial aspects of buying a home here.

Cool Gifts For Grads
You're set to walk across the stage with several of your best friends, and will be attending numerous graduation parties. Check out some cool gifts to give to your friends here...or feel free to compile your own "graduation gift list" to give to others.

Hot Jobs For 2007
Take a look at a few articles detailing the hot jobs of 2007. Discover which cutting-edge jobs have a great outlook for the future, which professions are hiring at the highest rates, etc.