ILR Application - Questions

I am a Turkish National and would like to apply for ILR in person based on 4 year continuous employment this November.

Here is my background:
- First entered UK as a student in 94 to do my 3 year Bsc degree (94 - 97)
- Msc degree 97 -98
- TWES employment 98 - 00
- Work permit employment 27 Nov 00 - Current

There are two questions in the SET (0) form which I need clarification on:

- Question 3.1 "When did you first enter UK". My current work permit was issued while I was in the UK (in-country application). I first entered the UK in 1994 as a student however I do not want to base this ILR application on long term residence.

- Question 3.2 " Since then have you had any absences of 3 months or more outside the UK". Depending on what I answer in Q. 3.1 the answer can be YES or NO. I have never had an absence of more than 2 weeks between 98 -04. However, there have been periods where I have been outside the UK for more than 3 months between 94 -97 (student years), but are these absences really relevant for this application ?

I want to get my ILR on the day of application without any complications and would appreciate your help.