<p>The book would be most useful far in advance of the college years - I think middle school parents should be reading it. It gives some great advice on (legally and ethically) preparing for the financial aid applications during the “base” year - the calendar year previous to starting college.</p>
<p>It also has some useful parts even if you use it right now about looking at your offers and possibly approaching the schools about adjustments - as oxolojo is considering. The part about “The Offer” (Part Four) is just one chapter, so you can actually probaly get all you need by reading that chapter right there in the bookstore.</p>