Applying to college can be a complicated process.

Now, through a partnership with Roger Williams University, the Cranston Public Library is working to help individuals and families navigate college admissions.

Representatives of the university visited the Central Library on Saturday for the first of three sessions, dubbed the “Prep for Success” series, aimed at providing advice and guidelines for college applicants. The session, titled “College Admissions: Steps to Success,” drew an audience of high school juniors and seniors and their families.

Topics covered ranged from application essays to financial aid and residential costs. The presenters were Pam Pereira, RWU’s assistant director of admissions and enrollment management, and Raksmey Pen, a career pathway specialist from the university.

“Thinking about college can be scary,” Pereira said, adding that she hoped students and parents would leave with a “better understanding” of the admissions process.

Pen spoke about the importance of an application essay.

“Give them a sense of what you are really passionate about,” he said. “What are you going to bring to that school?”

Pen also advised that high school students begin writing their essays during their junior year once they are finished taking the SATs. He advised students have as many people read their essay as possible.

Additionally, Pen said some colleges and universities require supplemental essays or responses that are specific to the school’s application process. He said those are typically shorter than the college essay. He said admissions officers carefully review these responses.

Regarding financial aid, Pen said students should weigh which institution provides the best package. Aid can come in different forms, he said, including through grants and subsidized loans.

Pereira advised students and their families to look at all the “little fees” that pop up when applying for colleges, such as lab fees. She recommended families not borrow money for such expenses through a student loan. She also said loan forgiveness can be available for some families under certain circumstances.

“Don’t be afraid to ask financial aid officers questions,” she said.

Pereira said students should not worry if they change their major during college, and noted that there are no defined starting and ending points for each individual’s college journey.

“Do what’s right for you, do what makes sense,” she said.

The second session in the “Prep for Success” series will be held in the Central Library’s James T. Giles Community Room on March 2. Registration is required by emailing central@cranstonlibrary.org. More information on the second session will be available soon, according to a press release from the library.