The college search and application process is an integral part of the Barstow experience. Our personalized program — built on relationships with students, parents and college representatives — yields impressive results.
More than 80% of Barstow seniors are accepted to their first or second choice school each year. That success is due to a highly effective program that incorporates academic planning, exploration, school selection and application. Counselors maintain frequent contact with each student to learn their strengths and interests. They assist with course selection, test preparation, construction of a well-balanced college list — and are readily available to answer questions.
Scott Hill, Director of College Counseling
“At other schools, you start meeting with college counselors during junior year. That’s not how we do it here. We provide guidance and answer questions every step of the way.”
Barstow students, parents and our experienced counseling team work together to build a well-balanced list of college options that take academic, social and financial fit into consideration.
Scott Hill brings 28 years of experience to Barstow students and families during their college search. He began his career at the University of Missouri – Kansas City in the Office of Admissions. Mr. Hill also sits on the Barstow President’s Council and serves as an AP Coordinator. He is a former member of the executive board of the Missouri Association for College Admission Counseling. Every year, Mr. Hill visits approximately 25 national and international campuses and welcomes about 130 admissions representatives to Barstow, developing relationships that benefit Barstow students as they explore their college options.
Caelin Anderson has 13 years of college admissions experience at public and private institutions, beginning as an admissions counselor at her alma mater, Western Kentucky University. She also served as the Assistant Director of Admissions and External Relations for the WKU Honors College. Before relocating to Kansas City in 2019, she was Associate Director of Admissions at Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. As an active member of the Kentucky Association for College Admission Counseling (KYACAC), she served two years as the College Fair chair. For eight years, she has served on the national scholarship selection committee for her sorority's foundation. Mrs. Anderson was recently selected to serve on the MOACAC Executive Board as the conference planning co-chair. She also serves as the an AP coordinator for Barstow alongside Mr. Hill.
The Role of College Counselors
Focus on finding a great college "fit" for each student.
Construct a well-balanced college list to ensure numerous options.
Get to know the personality of each student.
Advise students on scheduling, grades, leadership and community service.
Familiar with hundreds of campuses, programs, deadlines and applications.
Coordinate visits from over 130 colleges and universities annually to meet with students.
Counsel or administer PSAT, PreACT, ACT, SAT and AP Exams.
Assist students in uncovering their passions and potential.
Class of 2022
List of 4 items.
66
Students with 302 acceptances at 145 different institutions
1329
Class of 2021 mean SAT score
60%
of Class of 2021 who took ACT scored 28 or higher
6
Congressional Gold Award Medal recipients
Class of 2022
List of 1 items.
5
National Merit finalists 4 commended students 2 National Hispanic Scholars
Four-Year College Counseling Plan
Barstow’s highly successful approach relies on an individualized college search focused on the right academic, social and financial fit. Families have access to tools and resources that help students explore, visit and apply to the schools of their choice.
During a four-year timeline, Barstow’s college counselors get to know each student they serve. It is important that students develop a holistic profile that includes academic rigor, GPA, leadership, cross-cultural experiences, and campus and community involvement.