Admissions

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How to Apply

Prep for Prep was established in 1978 with the objective of providing educational access and opportunity to New York City’s most promising students to enable them to become leaders in their communities and in the country’s major institutions. Rooted in the founding values of Excellence, Integrity, Commitment, and Courage, Prep for Prep uses a comprehensive approach that supports students in accessing exceptional educational, leadership development and professional advancement opportunities. Prep for Prep’s approach prepares students to thrive in independent schools, colleges and universities, and in their professions.
Eligibility Requirements
Prep for Prep’s application process seeks to identify students and families who would benefit most from our programming and support. The ideal applicant is a top student in 5th, 6th, or 7th grade who loves learning and is motivated to make the most of every opportunity.
To that end, applicants must:
  • score above the 90th percentile on statewide English Language Arts and Math exams,
  • average at least 90% or mostly 4s on at least the last year’s final report card,
  • demonstrate significant financial need to attend an independent school*,
  • exhibit strong character, leadership potential, and a desire to engage fully and proactively with the Prep Community and experience, and
  • be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
*Prep for Prep considers family income, overall financial status (including assets), and each family’s individual circumstances when making admissions decisions.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Application Checklist

☑ Student name and date of birth
☑ Parent/Guardian name(s)
☑ Family address, phone number, and email address
☑ Student is in 5th, 6th, or 7th grade 
☑ 2023-2024 final report card
☑ 2024-2025 final report card
☑ Student’s most recent ELA, Math, or alternative standardized exam score in 90+ percentile

Admissions Process Timeline

List of 5 items.

  • Nominations & Applications

    SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER: Nominators 
    Nomination forms for educators are available to submit online. 
     
    SEPTEMBER-JANUARY: Applicants and Families
    Application forms are available for parents and guardians to submit online. Please note that a student who is nominated is still required to submit a separate application form via our application portal. 

  • First Level

    OCTOBER-FEBRUARY

    Information Sessions
    Applicants and their families are strongly encouraged to attend a Prep for Prep or PREP 9 virtual information sessions to learn more about the program for which they will be applying. The one-hour session covers the basics of the program and includes a live Q&A. 

    Open Houses
    Families are also invited to attend in-person Open Houses that focus more on specific areas of the program. Applicants and families applying for both Prep for Prep and PREP 9 are invited to attend all Open House events. 

    First Level Decisions
    Students are evaluated to move on to the Second Level after a review of their essay, most recent state exam scores, and their report cards from the past two years. Parents and guardians are notified of the First Level Decision via email.

  • Second Level

    DECEMBER-MARCH
    Students who move on to the Second Level are asked to submit all Second Level required documents online via our application portal. A student's file will only be considered complete and ready for review when all required documents have been received. 

    Students are evaluated to move on to the Final Level after a review of their academic and attendance history, their family’s financial status, and a short video response to our “Teach Me Something” prompt. 

    Parents and guardians are notified of the Second Level Decision via email.

  • Final Level

    MARCH-MAY
    Students who move on to the Final Level of our admissions process are invited to participate in a one-on-one interview. 

    Families are asked to submit additional documentation, including teacher recommendations, via our online portal. 

    A student’s file will only be considered complete and ready for review when all required documents and recommendations have been received. 

  • Notification

    MAY-JUNE, Final Decisions
    Final Level decisions are issued via email. 

    The Admissions team admits 125 students to Prep for Prep and 75 students to PREP 9. 

    LATE JUNE
    The Preparatory Component begins for all admitted students.
If you are having trouble with the application process, please contact us at application_help@prepforprep.org.

ADMISSIONS & 
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS 
163 West 91st Street
New York, NY 10024
P: 212.579.1470
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS & 
ADMINISTRATION 
328 West 71st Street
New York, NY 10023
P: 212.579.1390
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