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    Making it Into the Prep for Prep Program

    posted by Karen Quinn, The Testing Mom - November 14th, 2014

    If you’re a parent in New York City searching for top-tier educational opportunities for your child, you may have come across the Prep for Prep program. But what exactly is it—and how can your child qualify?

    A Pathway to Elite Education for High-Achieving Minority Students

    Founded in 1978 by Bronx public school teacher Gary Simons, the Prep for Prep program in NYC was created to give academically gifted students of color access to the best private and boarding schools in the country. According to its mission, Prep for Prep “develops leaders through access to superior education and life-changing opportunities.”

    The program is highly competitive and focused on identifying future leaders from underrepresented communities across New York City.

    How Selective Is Prep for Prep?

    Each year, Prep for Prep conducts a citywide talent search, beginning with approximately 6,000 students who score in the 90th percentile or above on standardized state tests. These students are nominated by their schools and invited to begin the application process.

    From there:

    • Around 1,000 students advance to the second level, which includes:

      • Individual academic testing

      • Teacher recommendations

      • Interviews with the student, parents, and teachers

    • Ultimately, about 120–150 students are accepted into the Prep for Prep program (for 5th and 6th graders), while 75 students are selected for PREP 9 (for 7th graders interested in boarding school).

    Those accepted are awarded full scholarships to attend prestigious independent day or boarding schools.

    What to Expect: The Prep for Prep Bootcamp

    Students accepted into the Prep for Prep program NYC must complete a rigorous 14-month academic preparation course. This includes:

    • Two intensive 7-week summer sessions

    • Weekly after-school classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the school year

    The goal is to ensure that students can enter elite schools with the confidence and preparation needed to thrive among their high-achieving peers. About 75% of students who start the Prep for Prep coursework successfully complete the program.

    Why Prep for Prep Matters

    The Prep for Prep program is more than just a scholarship opportunity—it’s a life-changing top-tier educational opportunity and pipeline designed to empower high-potential students with access to the academic, social, and leadership skills needed for long-term success.

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    9 Responses

    claude

    how much does a families annual income play into the selection process…
    my son was selected, & our income is over $150k a year
    i was wondering if that would disqualify us
    if not, will we be given admission into prep academies @ a discounted rate?
    or is every child selected, given free tuition into these prep academies?

    TestingMom.com

    Hi Claude – it depends on where you live and if they take the socio-economic status of the student into consideration for admission in the the gifted and talented program in your area. Some school districts do while others don’t. Please check with your school on their policy for admission requirements.

    Mark

    Do you provide testing support services for the Prep test? Are there sample tests available? Thanks!

    Marcelo

    Hello! Does the prep for prep take place at only on location or they have locations throughout the city? Also, is a every day prep course and if so how many hours a day?

    Thanks you

    Dolkar

    What IQ test students have to prepare for Prep for prep IQ test?

    TestingMom.com

    The test given for Prep for Prep is called the Prep for Prep Entrance Exam. It is a rigorous standardized test that assesses students’ academic skills in reading, math, and writing. The exam is designed to identify students who show exceptional academic promise, intellectual curiosity, and leadership potential. The test is typically given in the fall of a student’s 4th-grade year and includes multiple-choice questions as well as a written essay. The exam is just one component of the Prep for Prep selection process, which also includes teacher recommendations, parent interviews, and student interviews. Students who are accepted into the program go through a rigorous 14-month preparation program before beginning their independent school education. Testing Mom has practice materials for all academic skills that will help prepare a child for the Prep for Prep test.

    Naz

    If the child missed the opportunity to take the test in the fall of 4th grade (we only found out about the program at the end of the 4th grade), would there be another opportunity to enter the exam?Thank you!

    TestingMom.com

    Typically, the Prep for Prep program targets only students in 4th grade for the admissions process. However, we understand that exceptions may arise. We recommend reaching out to the Prep for Prep admissions office directly to discuss your child’s specific situation. They will be able to provide guidance on whether there are any alternative entry points or possibilities for your child to be considered for the program at a later stage.

    Isabella

    Hello, my name is Isabella and I am a prep for prep student( I’m a second summer). Since my time at prep is almost over, my advice to the students who are new to the program is don’t give up, no matter how hard it gets. In the end, it will pay off, trust me.
    Also, don’t stress out during the school year. Even though it’s the hardest point of prep for prep, do your best to manage your school work and prep work.

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