<p>The OP asks “Does Prep School help college admission chances??” Based on my experience with our PS I’d have to say an unequivocal “yes.” At our PS the college admission process is largely a high stakes do-it-yourself project. The guidance counselors (note I didn’t say college counselors) – spend very little of their time on college counseling and in fact are largely ignorant of the range of choices available to meet the needs of their students. They typically steer the kids to the local state and community college options and appear shocked if you mention an out-of-state school (why would you want to venture outside the borders?). The role of the PS guidance counselor as regards the college admissions process is largely administrative (e.g. compiling the paperwork – transcripts, recommendations, etc.). You’re not going to get one-on-one strategic advice about the best fit for your child because they have too many kids assigned to them and they are ill-equipped to provide valuable counsel. That’s the depressing reality which is why we are looking at boarding school options. One of the biggest differences between boarding schools and public schools is the role of and qualifications/experience of the college counseling staff. Of the top 10 in last year’s graduating class at the local public high school – I believe seven went to the state college (which has an abysmal 40% graduation rate in four years). You can’t tell me that was the best option for all those kids.</p>