Credit Score needed for LOC? Any advice on my situation?

[LocationAcademic]

Does anyone have any insight into approximately what credit score I would need to get approved for a PSLOC? I got into U of T but unfortunately my credit isn't amazing because I've been financially independent since I was 16, which is when I became homelessness until I was 18 and started my undergrad at UBC. I'm also a human trafficking survivor, and he took all the money I had saved for university when I left home (the amount is in the double digits) and really struggled to pay for living expenses after moving away for school because I didn't have savings. I also had to leave Toronto back then for my undergrad because of the dangers this individual posed, and It's been a struggle since then financially. I worked full-time though undergrad because of this. I've been working full-time in a decent-ish paying job and have 2 credit cards, and haven't missed payments in over a year, maybe longer, and haven't missed any student loan payments (been paying them off for 2 years). I will pay off both cards by end of this month, but my credit currently is not great and I don't have a co-signer because I don't talk to my family. I'm scared to talk to the banks and get denied, since I know it'll be hard to re-apply, so I was wondering if anyone had any insight into what I can do or whether I'll be able to secure the LOC I need to attend comfortably (I can't live with roommates due to long-term trauma, so I will need my own apartment, and also need to live close to school for now since I'm still not super comfortable commuting around Toronto although I think eventually I will be). Any advice would be appreciated!

[Taurobolium]

It's lower than you might imagine but it really depends on the bank and also the advisor you're dealing with. I recommend going with Scotiabank (they tend to be a bit more forgiving about low credit scores) and be sure to shop around for specific advisors who commonly handle PSLOCs. For reference I know of someone with a credit score in the low 600s who was able to get one just fine. I've anecdotally heard of lower. 

[Tesseract]

Apply broadly, thats your only hope. Everyones credit situation is different (credit age, repayment history, number of revolving lines, etc.), ultimately its up to the banks to decide if they want to give you a PSLOC. I got rejected from 4 banks before I got a large PSLOC from the 5th. I would also recommend trying at Scotia, but if you don't get approved there it isn't the end of the world, there are other banks.  

 

[SNAILS]

Double check that you don't have anyone who might co-sign your loan with you. If not, ask every bank and credit union out there, and approach the law school for guidance.

Edited March 23 by SNAILS