Senior families, if you’re in the fortunate position of receiving a need-based financial aid offer to help you attend your chosen college, here’s an item to put on your calendar right now:
December 1, 2012: Check your college’s website to see when financial aid paperwork is due for the 2013-2014 academic year.
You have to re-apply for need-based aid each year that you are in college. Colleges usually send reminders to students receiving aid, and I know you're not likely to forget that you need help paying for college. But that would be a painful deadline to miss. Don't risk it. Put it on your calendar now and you’re guaranteed not to forget next year.