* Rigorous academics: Prep schools typically have challenging courses, often including Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
* College counseling: They provide extensive college counseling services, helping students with applications, essays, and test preparation.
* Extracurricular activities: A wide range of extracurricular activities are offered, aiming to enrich the student's profile for college applications. These might include athletics, arts, debate, and community service.
* Smaller class sizes: This allows for more individualized attention from teachers.
* Emphasis on standardized tests: Many prep schools place significant emphasis on preparing students for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT.
It's important to note that while prep schools often lead to prestigious colleges, it's not a guarantee. Admission to a prep school itself can be highly competitive. Also, many high-achieving students attend public schools and go on to top colleges. Prep schools are just one pathway to higher education, and a considerable investment in terms of tuition.