Prep School Access Program

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College prep is a confusing term because it can refer to three different things!

Sometimes, calling something a college prep class is just a way to differentiate it from remedial classes on the one hand, and honors/AP classes on the other. Other times, college prep is a way of describing a bunch of government or private programs that are designed to increase access to college for those who would ordinarily be unlikely to go. And finally, college prep is a short name for high schools that place an overwhelming emphasis on getting their students into college.

But don’t worry. Whether you want to read about standard high school classes, learn about programs that will make college easier, or are curious about public and private high schools that really stress college admission, you've come to the right place.

#1: College Prep = Standard Core High School Curriculum

Since the goal of high school is to prepare students for college, it makes sense that the classes that you take in high school are called 'college prep classes.' After all, the way you get ready for college is by learning what there is to learn in high school!

Actually, those are books - they're for reading, not chinups.

So, the first and most common definition of the term 'college prep' is the core requirements of a high school education. They differ from school to school, but typically go something like this:

4 years of English
3 years of math
3 years of science
3 years of social studies

In states and districts that require a high school exit exam in order to graduate, these are the subjects that this exit exam is based on. For example, Massachusetts doesn’t let students graduate unless they can pass the MCAS exam in English, math, and one science or technology subject.

College Prep vs. Honors/AP vs. Remedial Classes

Because 'college prep' refers to the core set of high school classes, this term has basically become the way to identify the standard class level. College Prep is the class you will take when you are not being challenged by the honors or AP version of a class, and when you are not placed into the remedial version of the class for catch-up.

College Prep Classes and the Big Decision

When you start planning your high school curriculum, you'll face a tough decision. Should you stick with the standard (or college prep) classes in order to have a higher GPA, or should you challenge yourself and take the Honors or AP course where you’ll probably do a little worse?

The answer is: challenge yourself - within reason. Typically, you should go with the harder level class if you think you can earn a B or higher because generally, most colleges would rather see a B in an Honors or AP course than a set of straight A's in college prep classes. Straight As in all college prep courses looks like you are avoiding the challenge of honors/AP, and colleges don’t like challenge-avoidance in their applicants.

Don't get trapped by the lure of easy A's!

The idea is to demonstrate that you are challenging yourself, and also that you are mastering the material. Getting a B grade says “I’m just very slightly reaching past my grasp.” On the other hand, avoiding honors or AP classes where you will most likely get a C or D shows self-knowledge and mature judgment - another thing colleges tend to value. Taking too many honors and AP classes and ending up with mostly C's and D's implies that the standard classes would have been a better fit.

So what should you do? Our advice is to try to take 1-2 of honors or AP courses, maybe in subjects you feel most comfortable in, or those where your strengths lie, or those you’re most interested in pursuing further. To check out the different options, check out our guides that break down each core subject progression:

The high school math classes you should take
The high school English classes you should take
The high school science classes you should take
The high school history classes you should take

#2: College Prep = Programs to Increase College Access

Sometimes the term 'college prep' is a way of referring to a set of programs that work to increase college access, especially for students who are least likely to enroll. These programs focus on building academic skills, handle college admissions or financial aid, involve families and mentors, and sometimes incorporate service projects.

With the right support, anything is possible.

Here are some examples, divided into federal, state, university, and community-based categories.

The Federal TRIO Programs

These programs are targeted to assist low-income, first-generation, and disabled students.

Upward Bound is for students from low-income backgrounds that have inadequate secondary school preparation. Students from traditionally underrepresented groups are exposed to a simulated college experience that is rich in academic and motivational support. Students receive tutoring, counseling and individualized instruction to help get ready for college.

Talent Search serves low-income, first-generation students. The program provides a range of counseling services to help students graduate from high school and earn a college degree.

The Student Support Services Program (SSS) helps low-income, first-generation and disabled students attain a college degree. Support services provide students with needed help through academic advising, career counseling, mentoring, tutoring, financial aid guidance, and some financial aid.

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). GEAR UP works to increase college awareness and preparation among low-income and minority students from seventh grade through high school graduation, providing them with intensive tutoring, mentoring, college/career planning information, and sometimes also scholarships.

State Programs

New York, California and New Jersey's Educational Opportunity Programs serve students who have shown potential for success in college but have not completed typical college preparatory programs in high school due to economic or personal disadvantages.

New York also has the Pre-Collegiate Preparation Programs which develops collaborative partnerships between colleges, schools, community organizations, parents, students, business, and government so that students in New York State have every opportunity to be successful learners.

California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) seeks to raise the achievement of low-income and first-generation K-12 students and provide them with the opportunity to attend higher education.

Florida’s College Reach-Out Program (CROP) provides educational support to low-income, academically disadvantaged students in sixth through 12th grade by helping students develop and maintain the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to successfully pursue and complete a college education.

University Programs

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The University of California Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) is a pre-collegiate student academic development program that provides academic enrichment, entrance exams preparation, academic advising, and college knowledge.

The University of Colorado's Pre-Collegiate Program is an academic enhancement program designed to motivate first-generation and underrepresented students middle and high school students to pursue higher education.

Community and Nonprofit Programs

Sometimes a little local support is what you need.

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a program to prepare mid-rank fifth to 12th grade students for college, bringing out the best in students and closing the achievement gap.

The 'I Have a Dream' Program helps children from low-income areas reach their education and career goals by providing a long-term program of mentoring, tutoring and enrichment with an assured opportunity for higher education.

ENLACE increases opportunities for Latinos to enter and complete college.

#3: College Prep = Schools Focusing on Successful College Application

School Access Bilingue Armonia

Finally, 'college prep' can refer to a specific type of high school, where lots of focus is placed on the concept of college. These schools can be public, private, boarding, parochial, and charter schools - just as long as what they most emphasize is getting into and graduating from college.

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College admission - and graduation - makes the world your oyster.

Here are some examples of these kinds of schools:

At Gateway High School, a charter school in San Francisco, all 9th graders visit a college on their first day of school.

At Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School in St. Louis, students earn up to 18 hours of college credit before they leave high school.

At the Gary Lighthouse Charter Schools, every student researches colleges and develops a list of reach and safety schools and writes a paper outlining their plan for applying to college. In fact, students don’t earn a high school diploma if they aren’t accepted to at least one college.

What’s Next?

Prep School Access Program Handbook

Interested in learning more about college preparatory programs in your state? The best place to start is searching NACAC's directory of college access programs.

School Access Cep

Want to see how rigorous a curriculum you should go for? Check out our discussion of what makes course load challenging.

High School Access Program

Worried your GPA is too low to try for an honors or AP course? See how your numbers stack up in our good GPA/bad GPA roundup.

Exploring your less-competitive college options? Learn about your options for the best colleges with low GPA requirements.

Prep School Access Programs

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: