Self Preppies

I know little nothing about prep schools. However, I applied to Northwestern back in November just in case USAFA, USNA, or West Point didn't work out. I was accepted to Northwestern but not to any academies. USAFA also said that I was not able to be admitted to one of their preparatory programs this year. So now I've got two options; attend a state school for a year and reapply or attend Northwestern as a self prep and go that route.

So for any self preps who went this route:

1. Would you do it again?
2. Obviously, were you accepted to your academy of choice?
3. Pro's and con's of Northwestern/any prep school
4. Daily life at the prep school
5. Were you prepared once you got to whichever SA you attended?
6. *Random Question* Were you able to leave campus?
7. What can I do to prepare myself for Northwestern?
8. What all did you take to prep school?

I guess I'm at a pretty big crossroads in my life. And I'm not sure what to do. Any help is much appreciated!

I may be heading to NWP as well, stuck in the same position as you.

Can't answer all your questions, but essentially, prep school makes sense for those who need additional academic prep. This could be due to any or all of the following: less than stellar grades in h.s., less than stellar h.s., less than stellar SAT/ACT scores, lack of academic prep (e.g., study skills), not taking the most difficult courses (e.g., taking pre-calc vs. calc, not taking AP courses).

If any of the above reflect your situation, prep school could well help. If you did really well at a good h.s., and were basically a victim of the "numbers game," you're best off attending a 4-yr college.

got_milk said:

I know little nothing about prep schools. However, I applied to Northwestern back in November just in case USAFA, USNA, or West Point didn't work out. I was accepted to Northwestern but not to any academies. USAFA also said that I was not able to be admitted to one of their preparatory programs this year. So now I've got two options; attend a state school for a year and reapply or attend Northwestern as a self prep and go that route.

So for any self preps who went this route:

1. Would you do it again?
2. Obviously, were you accepted to your academy of choice?
3. Pro's and con's of Northwestern/any prep school
4. Daily life at the prep school
5. Were you prepared once you got to whichever SA you attended?
6. *Random Question* Were you able to leave campus?
7. What can I do to prepare myself for Northwestern?
8. What all did you take to prep school?

I guess I'm at a pretty big crossroads in my life. And I'm not sure what to do. Any help is much appreciated!

Click to expand...

got_milk,
My DS did NOT attend Northwest Prep, however I can pass on his answers to your prep school questions. He is now a MIDN at USNA. He chose to attend Greystone Prep instead of Northwest Prep. They both exist to help those who want to attend a SA become a better candidate, but where they differ most is that Greystone is at a 4year University and Northwest Prep is not. Greystone is also a full college year long program and Northwest is 1 semester prep and then you attend a community college.

Here are his answers to your questions.
1. Yes, I'd do it again.
2. Yes.
3. Pro's - Having a smaller group, working together on the same goal. A group that studies together, works on physical fitness (the CFA) together. It was beneficial to not be alone in this process.
Cons - He said there was nothing negative about it.
4. Daily life 5:40 P.T., shower, change to khakis and greystone shirt, breakfast, classes, etc, lunch classes, dinner, study hall 6-10pm M-Fri, and Sun. other activities see Greystone prep website for better detail
5. It made me better prepared, better study habits, time management, better CFA scores.
6. Yes local trips okay, but have to notify if traveling far.
7. Can't talk about NWP, for Greystone talk to admissions or Cmdr Bailey.
8. They'll give you a list of things you'll need for your dorm room.

got_milk, I hope the above posts help you a little. I am not trying to sell you on Greystone Prep. It was a good fit for my DS, but NWP might be a good fit for you. It is always good to look at more than one program so when you attend whichever prep school or college, you know you researched and made the best choice for you. There are many prep schools. Figure out what it is that you need to work on to be a better applicant next year and then figure which school/prep best meets your individual needs. My DS needed college courses for USNA reapplication. That is what his TWE stated specifically. He needed to take a freshman/plebe year technical classes like Calculus, Chemistry, Physics etc. Greystone works with a university which provides that. He also wanted to be a part of a group of college reapplicants just like him with the same dreams of a service academy appointment, and a career as an officer in the US military.

got_milk, just for clarity, my DS was a high school student with good, but not great grades. Some B's, a C in Spanish. Lot's of A's, but he could have been better. SAT's were pretty good, 740 in Reading, 650 in Math, 710 in writing. He lacked in leadership. Only 1 year of sports. Greystone polished him, made him better. Earned an appointment to USMA and USNA. He earned a 4.0 both semesters. NO VIDEO GAMES!!! NO Distractions!! Another great benefit to attending prep schools is that you will be a part of a team of like minded young men and women and when you go off to R Day or I Day you will have some friends there with you. My DS has friends at USMA, USNA and USAFA!! Good luck with your big decision, and hopefully we'll hear good news from you next year!

Good post

So for any self preps who went this route:

1. Would you do it again?
2. Obviously, were you accepted to your academy of choice?
3. Pro's and con's of Northwestern/any prep school
4. Daily life at the prep school
5. Were you prepared once you got to whichever SA you attended?
6. *Random Question* Were you able to leave campus?
7. What can I do to prepare myself for Northwestern?
8. What all did you take to prep school?

My daughter was a free agent at NWP this year and she loved it:

1. She absolutely loved her time at NWP and feels blessed and thankful for the opportunity to attend.
2. She has been accepted into the AFA c/o 2018.
3. Can't comment on other prep programs, but she liked that NWP was a family atmosphere. There is a relatively small number of kids, all in the same position, all with the same goal.
4. Check some other posts for details, but I will say daily life for her was extremely busy. She got a small example of the need for time management.
5. Won't know for another 75 days, but she is infinitely more prepared now compared to before NWP. One of the big advantages is the loyalty that NWP grads have. Several came back and gave talks to the kids and gave them a lot of good information about their experiences. I think that will help a lot in preparing them for this June.
6. You can leave on certain weekends after your SAT or ACT, I believe. They really didn't have a desire to leave. They make great friends, they are very busy, and they have fun there.
7. To prepare yourself, I would say there are two things. First, there is no excuse for being out of shape. Don't be that guy who holds up the group. Second, come in with a good attitude. Be humble and willing to learn. The Durbecks know what they are talking about - listen to them!
8. NWP will send you detailed instructions about what and what not to bring.