Admissions

Prep (5th and 6th Grades)

Prep helps the brightest and most hardworking African American, Latino, and Asian American students in the New York City area prepare for success at leading independent schools (commonly known as private schools) in New York City. Current 5th and 6th grade students apply to Prep for entry into independent schools in 7th or 8th grade. Space in the Prep for Prep program is reserved for students who demonstrate very strong academic performance and high financial need. As such, Prep for Prep considers family income and financial assets as part of its application process.
Eligibility Criteria

List of 3 items.

  • Grade Level

    Currently in 5th or 6th grade
    Attends a NYC area public, charter, or parochial school

  • Ethnicity

    African American
    Latino
    Asian
    Middle Eastern
    Multiracial

  • Citizenship

    Student must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or hold asylee or refugee status

List of 3 items.

  • Exam Scores (5th graders)

    Scored 3's and 4's on previous state ELA and Math exams

  • Exam Scores (6th graders)

    Scored 3's and 4's on previous year's state ELA and Math exams

  • Academic Achievement

    Average 90% or above, or mostly 4's, on last year's final report card

Admissions Process Timeline

List of 5 items.

  • Nominations & Applications

    SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER, Nominators (Educators) 
    SEPTEMBER-JANUARY, Applicants (Parents)
    Nomination and application forms are available to submit online. Please note that a student who is nominated still needs to submit an application. Please have the child’s final prior year report card on hand to submit the application.

  • First Level

    OCTOBER-FEBRUARY
    Families who submit an application are invited by email, with the applicant, to attend a Virtual Information Session. Families are strongly encouraged to attend an information session.

    The session covers the basics of the Prep for Prep program and is about one hour, including a live Q&A. Applicants will be invited to Open Houses throughout the process that focus more in specific areas of the program. 

    Students are evaluated to move on to the Second Level based on the essay portion of the application, prior year report card, and their most recent state exam scores. Parents 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 required documents online. Please note that your child's file will only be complete and considered ready for review when ALL required documents have been received. 

    Included in the Second Level submissions is a short video response to our "Teach Prep Something" prompt. 

    Students are evaluated to move on to the Final Level based on the review of the required Second Level documents and video activity. Parents are notified of the Second Level decision via email.

  • Final Level

    MARCH-MAY
    Students in the Final Level of the Admissions process are invited to participate in a one-on-one interview. 

    Families are asked to submit additional documentation, including teacher recommendations. 

    All students in Final Level will be reviewed.

  • Notification

    MAY-JUNE, Final Decisions
    Final Level decisions are issued via email. The Admissions team notifies and admits 125 students to Prep for Prep. 

    Late June
    Preparatory Component begins for admitted students.
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
We envision a nation guided by ethical and effective leaders that reflect our diverse society. 

Prep for Prep's mission is to develop future leaders by creating access for young people of color to first-rate educational, leadership development and professional opportunities.