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The time to apply to college arrives and it can seem like a daunting task at first.  What colleges should you apply to?  How do you know if they will be right for you?  You can reduce the amount of stress involved by narrowing your choices in advance.  Read on to find out how.

An undoubtedly important part your entire college application packet is the essay. This component is integral to many college's decision-making processes for several reasons. One, it shows the representatives on the college’s admissions board that you are able to put your thoughts together – through the written word – in an organized, creative, and grammatically-correct manner; it demonstrates you have a grasp of the English language.  Second, the essay is the only time other than the in-person interview where you have the opportunity to share some personal and interesting information; the essay is the place to show the admissions office your personality. Third, the essay can significantly separate you from all the other student candidates vying for acceptance into the  college; it’s the opportunity for you to show how you will fit in with the college culture and be an asset to the school.

The cost of college is rising every year. But even as the sticker price goes up, discounts in the form of grants, scholarships and tuition waivers are also increasing. Planning your child’s college funding is not just a matter of putting money into savings. Considering you might be expected to pay $23,000 a year or more in out-of-pocket expenses for your teenager’s college tuition, fees, books, room and board, you may find saving that much to be an onerous task - and for good reason. Thankfully, you have a lot of options right at your fingertips, if you are adequately prepared.

• As a member of the prestigious Ivy League, Brown University has long maintained a reputation for academic innovation and excellence. It’s no surprise that in the cutting-edge field of Computer Science they regularly rank in the top 20 national programs. Their multidisciplinary approach allows students to select concentrations in related areas such as economics and computational biology. Thanks to Brown’s unique emphasis on research, undergraduates have unparalleled opportunities to participate and even co-author papers. Their Women in Computer Science group features mentoring and outreach programs to increase female participation.

• Right next door to Brown is Rhode Island School of Design with its highly acclaimed Fine Arts program. Majors are available on undergrad and graduate levels in a variety of media including film/animation/video, photography and sculpture. Students participate in internships with high-profile, creative organizations such as Google, Disney, Martha Stewart, Cartoon Network, and Museum of Modern Art. The school also has a reciprocal arrangement with their neighbor wherein students may cross-register for classes and have access to Brown’s academic and athletic facilities. RISD has an enviable job placement rate, with 96 percent of alumni finding employment within a year of graduating.

• Established in 1854 as a normal school, Rhode Island College has grown into a comprehensive institution but still maintains its excellent School of Education and Human Development. The program has been accredited by the National Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education since 1954, most recently confirmed in 2012. Degree programs cover the entire spectrum from elementary and secondary to specialized areas such as technology, art and music. If college costs are a factor for you, approximately 70 percent of incoming RIC freshmen have been awarded need-based aid. In recent years students completing the program here have had a 100 percent success rate in passing state licensing tests.

• If you’ve already decided on a career path, you may feel right at home at Johnson & Wales University. Students begin taking courses in their chosen major immediately, rather than spending their first two years exploring options as is the case at many liberal arts schools. As food-related careers have become more popular and sophisticated, the spotlight has focused on their College of Culinary Arts. Celebrity chefs and television stars Emeril Lagasse, Tyler Florence and Chris Cosentino received their training at JWU. The program also incorporates a multidisciplinary approach enabling students to develop their business and management skills.

• A business degree can open doors to a multitude of career options. Bryant University’s College of Business has been ranked in the top ten percent of accredited schools by Bloomberg Business Week. Five departments offer concentrations in fields such as accounting and computer information systems, while the recently instituted major in global supply chain management prepares students for the exciting and competitive international marketplace.