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 31 years of experience in college admissions and counseling, guiding Barstow students and families through every stage of the college search process. He began his career in the Office of Admissions at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Mr. Hill also serves as an AP Coordinator and is a former Executive Board member of the Missouri Association for College Admission Counseling. Each year, he visits approximately 25 national and international campuses and hosts more than 130 college admissions representatives at Barstow, cultivating relationships that directly benefit students. He currently serves on the High School Counselor Advisory Board for the University of Iowa and has previously held advisory roles with Washington University in St. Louis, Pepperdine University, and Iowa State University.
Caelin Anderson brings 16 years of experience in college admissions across both public and private institutions, beginning her career as an Admissions Counselor at her alma mater, Western Kentucky University. She later served as Assistant Director of Admissions and External Relations for the Honors College at WKU before becoming the Associate Director of Admissions at Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. After relocating to Kansas City in 2019, Mrs. Anderson has continued her work in college counseling and admissions advocacy. A former Executive Board member of MOACAC (Conference Planning Chair), she currently sits on the Counselor Advisory Board for the University of Tulsa. Mrs. Anderson also served on her sorority foundation’s national scholarship selection committee from 2013 to 2021. Mrs. Anderson previously held leadership roles with KYACAC (College Fair Chair) and currently serves as an AP Coordinator for Barstow.
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 5 items.
6
National Merit Scholarship Award Finalists
62
Class of 2024 graduates 422 acceptances at 186 different institutions
28.1
Class of 2024 mean ACT score
64%
of Class of 2024 who took ACT scored 28 or higher
10
Congressional Gold Award Medal recipients
Class of 2022
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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.