<p>If you are talking about the prep school located at the academy. As long as you don't too anything crazy/bad you are guaranteed to get in the next class. By accepting you to the prep school they are saying that they want you but they just couldn't fit you in this year or you needed to improve on something. As for the money... they pay for it. I also believe you get paid not as much as a cadet though... but still. Also while you are there they will take care and tell you when to do your application.</p>
<p>my understanding is Prep School is just that " prep school " - not college, or junior college.
Therefore there is no college credits. It is to prepare you and increase your chances of success at the Academy</p>
<p>And for athletes it does not count against future NCAA eligibility.</p>
<p>If my understanding is not correct, somebody please tell me.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>There are no college credits since it is NOT an accredited institution. Its only reason it exists is to prepare you for the academy. If you do go to the hill there are a few classes you can take here to help validate some credits, but they won't transfer elsewhere unless you go to the hill first.</p></li>
<li><p>There is no loan but you do have some initial expenses (books and supplies). Yes we are paid, better than the fourthclassmen (which is a point of contention), so you can save for that paycut. I think the direct entry guys here (I am prior enlisted) get 35% of an 0-1's pay, which should be a bit over $800. The freshman, or so I am told, get closer to $150 after the loan payback deductions. [note to cadets: I am only informing, not gloating. I will be paid the same as everyone else next year]</p></li>
<li><p>Realistically you don't. You still need to secure a nomination, so that you can start on as soon as you want, but you never apply to the academy again. You are judged completely on your military, academic, and athletic performance. Officially speaking if you pass the CFA here, get a 2.5 GPA, and don't do anything to get on military or honor probation you will get a nomination. A few sneak by that don't meet those requirements but usually that is because they excell so much in one of the mission areas that the dean of that department pushes for them to get an appointment.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>If you have any other questions you can PM me.</p>