Is it worth it???

panpacific
Thu, 12 Nov 2015 05:49:36 +0000

I have a different opinion about whether a good prep school helps in college admission. Having been following college admission in multiple private schools, both day and boarding, for quite a few years. I think prep schools that are “well-established” with solid reputation locally or nationally do help. What helps? 1. Academic training, which most top colleges do still consider as their top priority. They have the safest bet in choosing vetted students from schools known for great academics, particularly the ones that are highly competitive, which to them reads if you are a top student there then you should be a top student almost anywhere else, and if you are an above average student in your rigorous prep school, then you should still be able to handle the academics in their college just fine. 2. EC opportunities. Prep schools invest heavily in sports, art and other ECs because they are an integrated part of their program. These opportunities help you stand out and become attractive to top colleges. 3. Great college counseling and long standing trust and understanding with top colleges.

If you are getting all of the above in your local school, then you don’t need to go to a prep school. Or if you have a major “hook” such as high achieving URM, majorly recruit able athlete, faculty/celebrity kid etc., then it probably won’t make any difference where you go. But if you are a “well-rounded” student with a mediocre local public high school, yes, a great prep school will help.