In my 27 years of financial aid planning I discovered that some parents with college-bound students wait until they are trouble to ask for help.  Unfortunately, parents and their college-bound students are misguided when it come to the financial aid process.   They are forced to make decisions when they are not fully prepared.  You can not do anything the last minute (60 seconds) to get  results that require a at least 6 months.  You have to learn the game ahead of time and be fully prepared.  You have to be PROACTIVE.