"Many students aren't ready to retain information [about paying off loans] until actually going out into the world," she said.
"Defaulting can prevent you from buying a car or house, or renting an apartment," Parks added. "I think it can work against you when applying to law school [and other institutions]."
In May, Harvard plans to launch a website that provides the same services as the exit interview.
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Aaliyah N. Williams '02 of Dunster House said she is optimistic about her chances to repay her student loans.
"Hopefully I'll have a good job and be able to pay them off," she said. " I'm not planning on defaulting, and I don't know anyone who is."