Consolidation quesion

[angeleyeskkhr]

I'm not exactly sure what I should do to consolidate my loans (I'm in school, but did have a 6 month break).

 

Should I call my lender (all loans to date are through the same lender), or do I need to contact someone ELSE, and if so who?

 

Will the rate I have NOW become fixed, or will they give me a NEW/DIFFERENT fixed rate, or will it be a variable rate, or does it depend on your credit history/score?

 

Sorry if I sound dumb, but I just saw that other post about the interest rates and FREAKED (I like my 2.77% interest)

[angeleyeskkhr]

also, does the consolidation have to be COMPLETED before July 1st to keep the rates, or just initiated because I've read on another site consolidation can take 4-8 weeks?