The Cranston Herald

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"We help them with the forms from beginning to end. We explain everything to them and why the questions are asked," she said. Swain said the center is an important resource for parents and students because it takes the pressure off of the whole process. "Students have enough going on with getting good grades and filling out college applications," she said. Swain said the center employs between nine to 10 counselors during the busy season, all of who have had previous experience working at colleges and universities, "so you're getting expert advice." Swain said the most important thing people need to understand about the services provided by the center, aside from being free, "which is huge," is that the counseling is done on a one-on-one basis. "That provides them with an extended version of a seminar setting," she said. Rose-Marie Coates, of West Warwick, who was looking for assistance with the FAFSA form, said she found the center to be a wonderful resource. "I have two going to school right now," she said. "I did one [FAFSA form] on my own the first time and it was very confusing." This is Coates' third year coming to the center for advice on the form. "As soon as I call and make the appointment, the pressure is relieved right away," she said. Coates said the center has also assisted her with student loans and helped her to get the best interest rates. "Tuitions are going up each year and that makes it complicated," she said. "The people at the center are professional and they know what they're doing, plus it's free of charge - you can't beat that." Walter Ensign III, of East Providence, who is in his second year in college, returned to the Center after finding the services "really helpful" last year. "I was lost with everything and the people there helped us through it all and told us what we needed to do," said his father, Walter Ensign II. Walter's father said they were mainly looking for help with all the paperwork and how to file for different loans and scholarships. "You get sent in all different directions and don't know where to go, but they know how to do it all so easily," he said. "They're very helpful. It takes a lot of pressure off, especially when you don't understand the procedure." "Some of my classes are easier than the paperwork," added Walter Ensign III, who is attending Oral Roberts University. The center not only helps people that come in to make an appointment, but also provides assistance over the phone and makes regular visits to schools. "That's how we heard about them," said Walter Ensign II. "They came out to the school one evening and gave a presentation."

• 12/8/2013
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