PREP SCHOOL ADMISSIONS

PREP SCHOOL ADMISSIONS

A college-preparatory school (usually shortened to preparatory school or prep school) is a type of secondary school. The term refers to public, private independent or parochial schools primarily designed to prepare students for higher education. Admission is sometimes based on specific selection criteria, usually academic, but some schools have open enrolment for some families, the college application process starts early–well before campus visits, entrance exams. These private educational institutions, colloquially known as “prep schools” in the United States, can be boarding or day schools, affiliated with a particular faith or completely secular. At the high end of the spectrum, they’re known for ultra-competitive admissions, high tuition and top-notch facilities. Their aim is to provide students with education that funnels them into the very best universities. (courtesy Wikipedia)

These institutions all offer high-caliber instruction and uniquely valuable experiences to their students. But in a world where education is so competitive and expensive, and where the name of your high school can open doors for life, it’s worth measuring the best of the best.

Tiny classes, individualized attention–and in the case of boarding schools, 24 hours access to faculty–certainly help students earn their way into the best colleges.

Pre requisites to get in to a prep school is as follows

• Scholastic performance
• Standard Testing methods
• Various online and offline application
• Personal Interview
• Extracurricular activities
• Seriousness and Integrity of the student
• Social support

Scholastic performance: Commitment to extra effort is the key for success for any high schooler. The admission committee would want evidence of the same; hence the student should be able to show good grades and advanced coursework to support the same. 

Standard Testing methods: Most private schools require standardized testing. The two most commonly used independent school tests are the SSAT or Secondary School Admission Test and the ISEE or Independent School Entrance Examination. These tests help schools assess language and mathematic skills which include reading comprehension, vocabulary, reasoning, mathematical concepts and problems. Just like with the SAT and ACT, there are tutors who help with test prep. (https://www.teenlife.com/blogs/6-things-required-get-top-private-school-one-may-surprise-you)

Various online and offline application: Excellent Recommendation letters, Admission Essays and standardised exams are a pre requisite for application.

Personal Interview: General awareness is a must for all aspiring students as the desired school might ask questions about any activity that a student has listed in his or her essays, incase the child is deficient in some areas they will have to take extra coaching to enhance the same, for eg public speaking or extra reading 

Extra curricular activity: Academic load of the student will be very high when they aspire to go to prep school the child has to be all rounded despite his jam packed day. At sometime the child looses focus and has to be very determined to achieve what he needs. 

Seriousness and curiosity of the student:  A curious student will be having lot of questions in their mind, a good school should be well equipped to handle the same, hence they must have very competent teachers and faculty so that the calibre of the child can be understood and he can contribute to the society.

Social Support: Social support will be mainly from the parents of the student as they would play an important role in supporting the child in his various activities, right from drop pick to taking care of the childs nutrition alongside keeping a positive approach even at times the child fails is the key to any students success.