College Help 360

05/28/2025

The college essay and application season starts soon. Two tips came to mind when I saw a recent LinkedIn post that started this way: “I am a Harvard alum whose lived abroad for 10 years.” We all make errors, but please: 1) check your grammar; and 2) remember, it’s not the college name that counts—it’s finding a good fit and using what you learn to be successful.
I am a college admissions consultant who (or who’s) helped students from many towns and states find the right college fit and complete the application process.
(No AI in my writing, or my sentence might have mistakenly used the possessive form of who, “whose.” Happy writing, and make sure to let a trusted person proofread your essays.)

03/03/2025

2025 Canton Dollars for Scholars and Avon Dollars for Scholars applications are due soon. Here are the links to apply:
Avon CT, March 29: https://avon.dollarsforscholars.org/index.php?section=chapterWebsite&action=student_parent&fwID=1879
Canton CT April 1: https://canton.dollarsforscholars.org/index.php?section=chapterWebsite&action=main&fwID=1881

Canton Dollars for Scholars focuses on helping a wide range of students living in Canton or attending Canton High School achieve their goals of higher education. We are looking for the well-rounded student who is doing their personal academic best and is involved in school and community service. Can...

03/19/2024

2024 Dollars for Scholars applications are due soon. Go to your local Dollars for Scholars websites for details:
Avon CT, March 29: https://avon.dollarsforscholars.org/index.php?section=chapterWebsite&action=student_parent&fwID=1879
Canton CT April 1: https://canton.dollarsforscholars.org/index.php?section=chapterWebsite&action=main&fwID=1881

Canton Dollars for Scholars focuses on helping a wide range of students living in Canton or attending Canton High School achieve their goals of higher education. We are looking for the well-rounded student who is doing their personal academic best and is involved in school and community service. Can...

03/19/2024

The next Roadmap to College class is scheduled for April 8, 2024. Register through the Canton CT Parks & Recreation website; scroll down to find "Classes & Activities: https://cantonct.myrec.com/info/activities/default.aspx
In this class you will learn how to find the right college fit, plan ahead for a strong application, and navigate the steps of the process.
Topics include: how to build a college list, plan visits, understand the competitive factors for admissions and scholarships.
We'll discuss choices concerning high school curriculum, the value of the activities you enjoy, whether or not to submit scores, who, how and when to ask for recommendations, the importance of visiting schools, alternative ways to connect, and the possibility to interview.
We'll discuss the application process that begins August 1 and, time permitting, a sensible approach to college essays. The way we allocate the time depends on the topics that attendees prioritize.

Choose a program and register online without lining up at the office when registration opens.

02/02/2024

https://www.collegefairguide.com/hartford-national-college-fair

Representatives from over 200 two-year and four-year colleges, nursing schools, business schools and trade schools will participate in the 2024 Hartford National College Fair which will be held on Wednesday, March 20 and Thursday, March 21 at the Connecticut Convention Center.

01/12/2024

The next Roadmap to College class is scheduled for February 2024. Register through Canton CT Parks & Recreation website: https://cantonct.myrec.com/info/activities/default.aspx?type=activities
Select PROGRAMS / CLASSES & ACTIVITIES / ROADMAP TO COLLEGE

In this class you will learn how to find the right college fit, plan ahead for a strong application, and navigate the steps of the process.

Topics include: how to build a college list, plan visits, understand the competitive factors that influence your chance for admissions and scholarships, make choices concerning high school curriculum, activities, whether or not to submit scores, who/how/when to ask for recommendations, and how to approach essays and interviews.

Footnote: I also offer individual consultations and support services to applicants and families for all aspects of the application process. (Since 2009)

Choose a program and register online without lining up at the office when registration opens.

04/03/2023

Students can build critical thinking skills, applicable to all future careers for a lifetime, in small classes with meaningful discussion across disciplines (common at venerable, small, traditional liberal arts colleges). WHAT IS CRITICAL THINKING? This article from Wheaton College (Mass.) demonstrates how it works: https://wheatoncollege.edu/news/the-business-of-science-the-science-of-business/
While the price of college has caused students to look for specific career programs, job skills can have a narrow application and change over time. The best college choices today will provide both career preparation and critical thinking skills that transcend those limits.

The official news source for Wheaton College (MA). Read articles about students, faculty, alumni, staff and all the exciting things happening here every day.

03/07/2023

2023 Dollars for Scholars applications are available online and due soon.
Avon CT: Request transcripts by 3/24, submit application by 3/31.
Canton CT: Follow Canton instructions, submit application by 4/2.
Instructions differ by town.

12/02/2022

Most important: Your GPA, the rigor of your curriculum, an essential load of core classes (at least 5 in senior year), and your demonstrated match! Learn everything you can about a college in order to communicate sincere interest and a good fit.

Admissions officers look beyond academic standing to make tough rejection decisions. Consider these seven reasons.

02/17/2022

Avon and Canton Seniors - Use the Dollars for Scholars online app for your town to meet upcoming deadlines. Also, check for scholarships outside the Dollars for Scholars process, through affinity groups to which students or parents belong, clubs, churches, employers and colleges.

02/17/2022

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN ON MARCH 1

Get a head start and begin to build your profile on our website.
Please direct any questions to [email protected]

Good luck to all our Canton High School Seniors!

02/17/2022

https://www.commonapp.org/blog/2022-2023-common-app-essay-prompts

The Common App essay prompts will remain the same for 2022-2023. Because as we enter the third year of a global pandemic, consistency is not a bad thing.