<p>I am starting the boarding school admissions process with my daughter. I am trying to determine if a program like ABC or Prep for Prep would be beneficial. We are African-Am., but not economically disadvantaged. Does anyone know what the pro's and con's are of using these programs during the admissions process?</p>
<p>Well I got a letter from, dont know who to this day signed me up, Prep for Prep, but I never followed through in the 4 and 5th grade. One of my friends from seventh grade did the program and the schools she got, wanted her so badly they offered her to be transferred. I think she chose Nitingale Bamford or something like that. Well, she left in november. I know it's very rigorous a lot of testing and test-prep and some are chosen for extra courses. I know she was very tired very often but it paid of. Last I heard from her she was very happy she did the program and she got her younger brother to do it too. Ill call her and ask her about it, ill post more info as soon as possible.</p>
<p>Thanks. We don't live in the Prep for Prep area, but am trying to figure out if ABC is better than just applying to the schools on our own.</p>
<p>You can look at ABC's web site and find out where their closest office is to you. I'd make an appointment and ask them. I think they are predominately for students who require complete FA but I don't think it would hurt to ask how they work, etc.</p>
<p>ABC is not a FA orgnization.
But my district head told me that ABC students have an advantage, not only because we're students of color, but because we also come with a very heavy recomendatiom fron the ABC orginizaion.
As for if it's beter than applying indivusually. I'll tell you march 10th. :)
What it does do is eliminate the need to fill out multiple apps.and pay multiple app. fees. This may or may not be a problem for you though.</p>
<p>I think it can help- no doubt about it. I believe the more advocates that are in your child's corner the better. Needless to say ABC, Prep for Prep, Oliver Program and others are great resources to open the "halls of priviledge" to your child. Many of the admission counselors at the top schools, specifically minorities, are themselves graduates of these same programs. Look at the bio's for the admission counselors at schools like Choate, SPS, St Andrews, Andover and you'll get your answer. I hope this helps.</p>
<p>I would suggest a two prong approach -- work with ABC (I believe that they don't necessarily end up accepting all kids). See how it goes. Keep in mind that ABC may have different goals than your family does. they may have partnerships with particular schools who they will recommend over others (which may or may not be a better fit). </p>
<p>Also do some research on your own -- what is most important is a good fit for you, your daughter and your family. You may find that some schools that are an excellent fit do not participate in the ABC program -- and it would be a shame to not consider them.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that finding a school that meets your qualifications (academics, social, activities) and is the perfect fit for your D is what your goal is. ABC's goal (in partnership with the participating schools) is to increase diversity at the schools and to give highly qualified "students of color" a chance at better educational opportunities. These two goals may not always intersect at the same school.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>This advice has been really helpful. Thanks.</p>
<p>Hey I am actually a prep for prep alum. I actaully was in a terrible public middle school, going nowhere, and I joined in 7th grade, got placed into one of the best prep high schools in the country --hotchkiss. I am now attending Cornell as a junior, and just got a sales and trading internship at one of the top investment banks in the country. It really really works. Prep for Prep has a strong network and good post-secondary programs. It is really a life long program. While your child will have to work hard while in it, the rewards are tremendous. They prepare you extremely well. I truly reccomend it. I faced the same option in 6th grade between ABC and Prep and went with Prep. I definitely do not regret it at all</p>
<p>My friend though her chances of getting in were VERY LOW! Only 150 kids get in! Well she studied her tail off everyday and sent regular progress reports to Prep For Prep. She was chosen to take extra courses to make up for her lack of academic success, she was bright but lazy. She finally got it after a while that she needed to step it up. She had regular meeting with Prep for Prep with her parents andthey talked about what schools they wanted. Then the application process came around and she got into her 1st choice Nightingle Bamford came around and she got into her 1st choice, Nightingle Bamford, which to her was a total miracle considering she was not maybe the best of the best. Prep for Prep really presses for kids that show dedication and great potential. Being part of prep for prep gave her the chance to go to a good school, without them her chances were zero, she said everything was worth it. </p>
<p>Hope this helps</p>
<p>When I'm older, I'm going to start a program like Prep for Prep, but for students of all races and income levels. I don't think it's fair that there are only programs like this limited to URMs.</p>
<p>URM'S? What is that?</p>
<p>under represented minority (african american, hispanic, native american)</p>
<p>Hmmm...you have a good point but don't you think some people of higher income levels may have a slightly better chance of getting into a school and paying, then someone applying for F/A? I agree with all races though.........</p>
<p>Hi, my son was accepted and placed with a private school through ABC. The problem is we just got accepted into Prep for Prep. Which is a 14 month intensive summer program and sometimes during school days. they also place the child in independent day schools but not until 7th grade. after completing the second of 2 summer intensive programs.</p>
<p>If you are already placed through a Better chance, can you still participate in the summer intensive with Prep for Prep?</p>
<p>Thanks a lot,</p>