A new admin member has officially joined the Clark community for the 2024-2025 year! Ms. Anahit Barutyan, Clark Magnet High School’s first ever college counselor, has arrived to assist students through the complex and stressful college application process. From her first day, she has been a dedicated advisor who has been guiding students through their academic journey as they prepare for their future academic endeavors.
Ms. Barutyan assists students in understanding the different aspects of the college application process. She helps in selecting appropriate colleges, providing financial aid assistance, and providing guidance on how to write compelling college essays and resumes. She also helps students in decision-making after graduating high school. Additionally, she guides them on career paths, prepares them for job interviews, and offers much more support.
“It was really helpful having someone specifically designated to college related questions for me to talk to. It definitely helped relieve the stress and anxiety that I had throughout my application process,” senior Hrag Khatcherian said.
Before coming to Clark Magnet High School, Ms. Barutyan graduated UCLA in 2023, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Political Science. She has spent the last seven years tutoring students, leading to her discovery of her passion for education, which she claims is the most valuable thing to her. Post-graduation, she taught at UCLA’s Summer Discovery program—about technology and entrepreneurship—to international high school students. Through this, she learned the steps of becoming a high school instructor.
Currently, she is a full-time student at USC, where she studies education policy to earn her Master of Public Policy degree. Through USC, she is able to work at Clark and provide students with support, guidance, and resources for the overwhelming college application process. Having learned all on her own, she aspires to be able to guide students and offer the resources they need to easily submit and apply for colleges and universities. She aspires to offer the best guidance, enabling students to feel the thrill of acceptance at their dream schools.
“In my free time, I love reading, listening to music, watching movies, and playing video games—totally depending on my mood. I listen to everything, but everyone knows me as the biggest Beatles fan! I am also a huge movie buff,” Ms. Barutyan shared when asked about what she enjoys outside of work and academics. She also revealed that she had minored in film at UCLA. Her love for the arts is just one of the many aspects that make her an intriguing and relatable counselor to all students.
The best way to get Ms. Barutyan’s assistance is to schedule a one-on-one counseling session. The counselors’ Google Classroom provides a link for juniors and seniors to book appointments. If students happen to pass by the office, they are able to scan a QR code that is posted by her office to schedule an appointment or just drop-in.
Ms. Barutyan aims to support students on college readiness by providing opportunities for students to prepare for this stressful time. She has planned many college visits and workshops to assist many seniors who are currently trying to make it through this period of stress. With Ms. Barutyan’s arrival, Clark Magnet High School is confident that its students will be well-prepared for their future academic journeys.
