AF Prep School comparisons... how to choose?

W

WAM

5-Year Member
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Dec 3, 2012
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While waiting for appointment news, I wonder if those who know could discuss the strengths and distinctives of the different prep schools? I've heard most about Northwestern, some positive and negative about MMI. When the cadet hopeful is reapplying for the academy, must they then request nomination from the state the prep school is in? Many thanks for helping to distract a mother from the weight of the wait.
 
My daughter received a Falcon Foundation scholarship and attended Northwestern. She had a very positive experience this past fall and if you have specific questions about the program I would be happy to answer them. As for nominations, the student applies from their home district and for her that meant phone interviews because of the distance. She was fortunate to receive a nomination from our representative and one of our senators.
 
Tigger said:
My daughter received a Falcon Foundation scholarship and attended Northwestern. She had a very positive experience this past fall and if you have specific questions about the program I would be happy to answer them.
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What classes did your DD take at Northwestern? Will she be attending a university close to home for her second semester and what classes will she take? I have a DD that is applying to USAFA this year, but fear her SAT/ACT scores are not high enough. She has been taking college classes at a local cc and 4-yr university since 11th grade and has most of her freshmen classes knock out. I was just curious if she was told what classes she had to take!
 
shellsea said:
What classes did your DD take at Northwestern? Will she be attending a university close to home for her second semester and what classes will she take? I have a DD that is applying to USAFA this year, but fear her SAT/ACT scores are not high enough. She has been taking college classes at a local cc and 4-yr university since 11th grade and has most of her freshmen classes knock out. I was just curious if she was told what classes she had to take!
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At NWP the kids take math, chemistry, physics, English (grammar/vocab) and current events. They also do lots of PT:)

She is home now and is at a local university taking calculus, chemistry, computer programming and an upper level English lit class for a total of 16 hours.

Our daughter had also taken college classes and several AP classes during her junior and senior years. The Durbecks advise the students on what classes they should take before they come home. Of course none of these classes will transfer to USAFA but she may be able to validate a few classes.
 
NWP

At NWP they have a strong focus on the standardized testing. They take the ACT 3 times there and The SAT twice. Every student their is in the same boat (no pun intended), needing to polish up those test scores. She will improve her test scores.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
My son is currently at Greystone Prep at Shreiner University. I can say enough good things about this program and Commander David Bailey. I so feel your pain about weight of the wait. Last year this time was just heart wrenching and especially when nothing worked out. Fortunately I found Greystone in my search of prep schools. I highly encourage you to call and speak with Commander Bailey. The coursework is patterned after the first year at the academies. Feel free to message me and I will be glad to speak with you.
 
Tigger and Navy Seal Mom

Thank you both for your replies. I've pmd you both.
 
Positives for MMI: Helpful instructors, military school environment, challenging academics, good people. A good place to be for those leaving home for the first time (aka, the cord is cut. This is how it'll be at the academy, and I feel well prepared in this aspect). You will develop a family here.

Negatives: It is literally in the middle of nowhere Alabama, which is tough sometimes. No surprisingly, cadets want to get out periodically and it is at least 30 minutes to civilazation, so to speak. :rolleyes: Some of the technology is out of date as well.

Feel free to PM me if you want to more.
 
My DS at MMI probably agree with what Haley said.

He likes the school and the military environment.

It is slightly isolated:biggrin:...not that you have a lot of time to hang out, anyway...
 
thanks, MMI faithful

This is why it is good to get many opinions. Each school seems to have it's strong suit and happy parents. If the privilege presents itself to my DS, it will be hard to choose. Thanks for helping prepare us for that possibility.
 
I HIGHLY recommend choosing NWP if you do not get an appointment this year. Northwestern Prep was an amazing experience as it prepared me both mentally and physically. The NWP family is huge and the friendships that you create there are will last forever. You get the opportunity to meet many amazing people who will inspire you to work hard to get to the Academy.
The main emphasis is put on raising your test scores. My ACT scores were in the mid 20's before I arrived and left with my ACT scores 10 points higher in each section! It's the magic on the mountain! But don't get me wrong, you have to push yourself hard to get the results you want, but could not have done it without going to NWP. The friends you make there, who are also going through the same situation, will back you up everyday.
I have yet to hear back from USAFA, but I have high hopes this year :smile:
If you want to improve academically, physically, and overall as a person, go to NWP. You won't regret it.

Oh Goody! Another Day in Which to Excel!
 
I also went to NWP this fall on a falcon scholarship.
Though almost everyone's standardized test scores do improve, it's important to note that there is very little traditional test prep for those tests. Granted, in math and English we studied material very similar to that on the ACT/SAT. You're not going to learn any sacred testing techniques that will supercharge your scores, but you will go back to some basic math and English and get a chance to relearn some basic concepts that are usually neglected in a lot of high school honors and AP courses. This being said, my scores went from CR - 610, math - 690, writing - 560 to CR - 670, math - 750, writing - 670.

NWP was a very positive experience for me.
 
NWP

I attended NWP fall of 2011. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about the prep school or the application process. It is a fantastic school! 100% recommend it.
 
Zdowning, thank you for the recommendation. I had an hour long talk with Suzanne Durbeck yesterday. It would be an incredible opportunity if that door opens for my DS. Being in Lake Arrowhead was enough to get my attention. :)
 
WAM said:
Zdowning, thank you for the recommendation. I had an hour long talk with Suzanne Durbeck yesterday. It would be an incredible opportunity if that door opens for my DS. Being in Lake Arrowhead was enough to get my attention. :)
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Glad to hear it. If you go that route let your DS know they're free to PM me about any questions they have regarding NWP.
 
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