| I understand the concern of the OP: money gives an advantage.
Frankly I think it helps less in some areas than in others, and the two examples mentioned by the OP are the big two where it is less important than imagined: test prep and leadership trips.
I say it because I'm one of the people who grew up with little money, but have done alright financially since then. My own test preparation was a single study book, but I've sent my kids to Kaplan, PR, and a highly-regarded local tutor. I've found that I was better off with my book than they were with all the extra stuff, and I would love to have the money back.
I've found that the most effective test prep is that I sit down with my kids and either quiz them on vocabulary, or sit with them while they do math problems from *real* SAT / ACT tests (essentially, the Xiggi method). It takes 15 - 30 minutes per session, and we manage to do it about three times per week. My vocabulary is improving, too.
The *best* test prep is desire.
As for leadership opportunities, my junior found hers for free in school. I expect that my freshman will do the same. Frankly, that *is* an area where it helps to have some money; we can afford to live in a district where the school offers plenty of activities. I wish that every school provided similar opportunities.
Please don't think I'm saying money doesn't matter. But with respect to test prep and leadership trips, I think the current offerings exist mainly to fleece the sheep. |