Headshot of man with glasses and blue button down shirt
MEET YOUR COLLEGE COUNSELOR

Scott Atherton

he/him
Scott (he/him), is a College Counselor who brings two decades of experience in university admissions and college counseling to his CEG families.

Core Values

Humility

Kindness

Respect

Scott (he/him) is a College Counselor who brings two decades of experience in university admissions and college counseling to his CEG families. This includes 8 years as an admission officer at Middlebury College and 9 years at independent schools in Hong Kong and Vancouver, Canada. Scott’s deep knowledge of admissions in the US, UK, Canada, Hong Kong, and Europe make him a go-to for many families! He believes in a “best fit” philosophy, using his unique perspective as both a parent and a counselor to make the process feel comfortable and low-stress. His students have been accepted at a wide range of colleges across the globe, including some of the most selective universities in the US, Canada, and the UK. Splitting his time between Hong Kong and New England, he brings a truly global lens, and a calm disposition, to his students.

EDUCATION

A few things about me

Born and raised in Maine, lived 25 years in Vermont (keep a house in Middlebury), now based in Hong Kong with visits to New England
Came to admissions work (first the college side, then moved to high school counselling) late in my career after positions in education and the non-profit sector
Worked as a radio announcer on Vermont Public Radio (VPR)
Father of two, both alumni of small New England liberal arts colleges

Quick Questions

What I love most about this work

I love getting to know the students and families I work with and forging a strong connection with them. I have their best interests at heart and enjoy helping them reach their goals while learning more about themselves in the process.

My best advice for students

Do the things you love, in terms of both academics and extra-curricular activities. There's no "checklist" or "must do's" - colleges simply want to know what you're interested in and to what degree you've taken those interests. You'll be more engaged in your pursuits if they're genuine and come from the heart!

Something families are often surprised to learn

That colleges still value and seek diversity, in all its forms, when putting together an incoming class. The more diverse a cohort - ethnic, religious, cultural, socio-economic, geographic, political orientation, etc. - the more potentially rich the educational experience for everyone on campus.