Sophomores | The Barstow School

College Counseling Plan for Sophomores

Network, prepare and evaluate.

Network with the 130+ college representatives that visit Barstow each fall.
Prepare for the PreACT and PSAT tests, administered in the fall. Discuss results with parents and college counselors.
Continue to challenge yourself by including rigor in your curriculum when appropriate.
Register for the June or July ACT. Include Barstow’s CEEB code 261-605.
Continue involvement in extracurricular activities and seek leadership positions.
Visit a college during spring break.
Prepare for Advanced Placement (AP®) tests when appropriate.
Conduct a self evaluation; identify your goals, strengths, values and interests.

How to Conduct a Self Evaluation

A self evaluation can help you begin and refine your college search process. Identifying your personal values, goals, strengths and interests can guide you in your search for the right fit school. Consider these categories in your evaluation:

Goals and values
Academic interests
Abilities assessment
Activities inventory
Outside interests
Career awareness
Learning style
Strengths and weaknesses
Short-term & long-term goals
Relationships with others
Personality
Likes & dislikes

Testing Timeline

List of 3 items.

Sophomore Year
- PSAT & PreACT in fall
- ACT in June
- AP Exams when appropriate
Junior Year
- PSAT for National Merit Scholarship Competition
- ACT/SAT/TOEFL in fall, spring and/or summer
- AP Exams when appropriate
Senior Year
- ACT/SAT/TOEFL
- AP Exams optional

Testing Information

A growing number of institutions are now test optional or test free. Our college counselors can discuss whether this is a suitable option for you.

College Counseling

Curriculum for College-Bound Students

25 credits required for graduation

List of 8 items.

English

4 credits
Mathematics

4 credits
Science

3 credits
History & Social Sciences

3 credits
World Languages

3 credits
The Arts

2 credits
Physical Education

1 credit
Leadership & Service Learning

½ credit

Prepare Yourself Academically

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

Decide on your program of study.

Choose from College Prep, Honors or Advanced Placement/Honors College options.
Choose extracurricular activities and seek leadership roles.

In addition to robotics, theatre and debate signature programs, students will find a wide variety of clubs and organizations that align with their interests. These may include Knowledge Bowl, Cybersecurity Team, Agathon, B-Line Newspaper, Young Playwright’s Roundtable, Amnesty International, French Club, Pretenders, Weathercock Yearbook and many more.
Consider offerings from local colleges.

Enhance your academic preparation with classes at a community college or a four-year institution.
Check out summer enrichment programs and internships.

Online and in-person summer enrichment programs are offered at many colleges and universities. They vary in content, length, deadlines, cost and dates.
If there is a particular college of interest to you, check out their website to see what may be available on campus this summer.
Consider adding a Certificate of Emphasis.

The Certificate of Emphasis (COE) program gives highly motivated upper school students the opportunity to conduct advanced, hands-on student in an area of special interest. Students who complete the program’s three main components (rigorous coursework, mentorship by a professional in their field and a capstone project) receive a designation on their transcript.
Job Shadowing and Mentorship

Short-term work-based learning experiences allow students to observe a professional in their field of interest. Professional mentors can offer advice and expertise as a student considers a major and career path.

For Academic Accommodation

List of 1 members.

Jessica Chanos

Director of Social and Emotional Counseling Services & ID+E Co-Director

(816) 277-0372

Admission Factors

The college admission process varies with the type of school you consider. Many factors influence admission decisions, including:

Grade point average
Rigor of curriculum
Standardized tests (or test-optional)
Leadership experience
Letters of recommendation
Community service
Activities outside of the classroom
Application short answers & essay
Character
Reputation of high school
Major
Special talents, skills, interests
Diversity
Audition or art portfolio
Legacy
Engagement
Admission cycle
Cross-cultural experience
Special traits (entrepreneurship, research, global education)
Digital reputation

Types of Applications

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

Early Decision (ED)

Early decision plans are binding — a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college.
Early Action (EA)

Early action plans are nonbinding. Students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1.
Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA)

Applying SCEA indicates to a college that it is a student’s first-choice school. Student signs an agreement that they will file only one early application at a private institution.
Regular Decision (RD)

The normal process by which students apply by published deadlines, with an admissions decision received no later than April 1 of their senior year. Students make their acceptance by May 1.
Rolling Admission (RA)

Schools evaluate applications as they are received versus waiting to evaluate all applications after a deadline. They process applications until they fill all slots for an incoming class.

College Campus Visits

As you visit college campuses across the country, it’s important to make the most of your time on each campus. Keep in mind that you don’t need to do all of these things on every campus, but remember, the student should take the lead on these visits. Here are some important tips.