You can switch plans but each time you do, the interest capitalizes. If you are getting forgiveness it will be discharged regardless at 120 payments but it's worth knowing. You can compare and estimate payments for plans here https://studentloanhero.com/ which should give you ballpark figures. Source: almost 2 years ago

When do you finish school? If you have loans with multiple levels of forgiveness, consolidating will bring them all to the highest count. At this point it needs to be done before October. I wouldn't consolidate the Perkins loans because qualify employers can allow you to defer and forgive a percentage annually until they're forgiven over 4 years. I think the only disadvantage is that if you were to pursue an... Source: about 2 years ago

Ownup.com only a soft pull until you start underwriting. Source: 11 months ago

Ownup.com. got a 6.25 with no points and 5.75 with $1800 in points, credit score is 750. Source: 11 months ago

Boston local here -- yeah, take a look! I had a similar situation -- saw a condo, put an offer in the next day. I did not have pre-approval prior to looking, but I used ownup.com and they worked with me ASAP. (I don't get a kickback or anything for recommending them -- I just had a good experience with really good turnaround time and most importantly -- the lowest interest rate!). Source: almost 3 years ago