Actually i am in the same boat as you are. I currently am in a Chapter 13, and i am currently getting my bachelors degree. I was apporved for a Chase and a Wachovia private student loan. They just require you not to have any baddies on your credit report within the last two years. I choose Wachovia, but Chase sends the money directly to you and Wachovia send the money to your school. So try either one of those companies and see what happens. My credit score is in the mid 500's, so that wasnt an issue as well. Good luck with your studies.
I can address Question 2 : re early bk 13 payoff. Yes, when I filed chapter 13 in July 2002, I was able to pay in off in 3 years( July 2005) discharge. In addition to the payment automatically taken from my paycheck, I was able to mail additional payments ( money order only) to my Bankruptcy Trustee( the court appointed person who oversees and manages your plan).
I was told by my attorney that I had to at least stay in the scheduled plan plan at least 3 years. If I wanted to pay it off in 2 years - the payments would still be deducted from my paycheck until I fulfill the 3 year requirement stated by the court ( which is absolutely crazy!
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)The bankruptcy Trustee makes sure your payment is allocated to your each of your creditors- and also ensures you are making your payments on time. Try contacting your bankruptcy trustee to find out the procedure for sending additional payments to your bk plan.