I don't know if it's different now, but when I took it the student aid entrance counseling was taught by a representative that worked at one of the banks funding the loans. He started by asking "How many of you are borrowing to maintain a standard of living?" and then went on to explain how it's totally normal, and encouraged, to borrow more than you need. He said it'd make college easier as you wouldn't have to work, you'd have a computer, you could relax by going out to movies when you were done with homework, etc.