Prep School Articles (Complete Archive of Articles)
We put our experience as students, teachers and administrators, to work for applying families. At AQ, we work to develop and find focused tools that help families navigate the private school and boarding school world.
Below are AQ articles and thoughts on independent schools, as well as links to other online resources that we like.
by Brian Fisher
We often hear the question, “what’s the difference between private and public school?” Here’s twenty five important distinctions that are often overlooked.
by Peter Baron
Andrew Churchill, former Dean of Admission at New Hampton School, answers questions and makes recommendations about beginning a school search.
by Brian Fisher
As a follow up to our PG article, we've put together a list of Gap Year Programs and resources that provide a starting point for the kinds of experiences that many students and families seek.
by Brian Fisher
Navigating and planning the private school admission process when time is of the essence.
by Brian Fisher
A look at the unique qualities and perspectives available only in small boarding schools.
by Brian Fisher
AQ looks at the reasons for repeating a grade in boarding schools.
by Brian Fisher
Thinking about a PG or Post-graduate Year at a boarding school? AQ's overview provides a look into the reasons students elect to ‘PG’ before heading off to college.
by Brian Fisher
Considering a post graduate year? AQ examines the history of the 'PG' year and why they're offered by prep schools.
by Stewart Dunlop, former Director of Admission, Brewster Academy & New Hampton School
AQ's step-by-step look at the admission process.
by Marylou Marcus
Private school educational consultant Marylou Marcus offers tips for students who have been accepted at a boarding school or private school.
by Marylou Marcus
Educational consultant Marylou Marcus offers tips for students who have been waitlisted at their first-choice school boarding school or private school.
by Brian Fisher
Looking for a job in a boarding school or a private day school? AQ provides a list of resources to consider as you begin your prep school teaching search.
by Brian Fisher
Boarding School interviews are of great importance to the admission process. AQ provides a set of tips to consider as you prepare for your boarding school interview.
by Brian Fisher
Highlighting one’s talents and interests applies to all prep school applicants. AQ looks at how an applicant should highlight his or her strengths.
by Brian Fisher
AQ prep school application checklist gives you a month-by-month breakdown of the application process.
by Brian Fisher
Joining a new boarding school community can be an exhilarating experience, but it can evoke feelings of homesickness. AQ examines the problem with the help of residential life experts.
by John Connolly
Parents and their children benefit from the high academic standards, values-added education offered by Catholic Schools. AQ examines the many benefits associated with Catholic Schools.
by Brian Fisher
Trying to decide between 7-day & 5-day boarding schools? AQ breaks down the differences between the two to help you decide which is the best fit for you.
by Peter Baron
A collection of links to boarding school & private school resources.
by Brian Fisher
Which boarding school is best? It all depends. Set aside notions of a school quality hierarchy. Each school is unique. The goal when researching and applying to schools is finding the best match between student abilities and school strengths.
by Brian Fisher
A simple straightforward list of the kinds of boarding schools available and the terms used to define and describe each.
by Brian Fisher
10 tips to consider as you search for the right boarding school.
by Brian Fisher
10 tips to consider as you apply to boarding schools.
by Brian Fisher
Students choose boarding schools for multiple reasons. Small classes, extracurricular opportunities and an edge in college admissions rank highly in the minds of many. The list below offers key reasons for attending boarding schools.
The benefits of attending a small boarding school are examined in this article by the Small Boarding School Association.
by Brian Fisher
An accepted student visit (AKA 'student re-visit day') is very different from your tour and time on campus as part of the application process. It's an opportunity to spend a day on campus to gain a feeling for how things work.
by Brian Fisher
AQ provides an overview of things to consider as you move into the fall admission season.
by Brian Fisher
The day has arrived. Are you ready? AQ offers advice on how to manage this time of year.
An overview of military schools provided by The Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States.
by Brian Fisher
An inside look at how to assess where you stand in the admission process.
by Peter Baron
A big part of the boarding school search is a visit to campus for a tour. AQ offers tips to keep in mind as you're touring schools during the admission season.
by Rie Otani
A Japanese student describes her experiences in a US boarding school.
by Brian Fisher
A look at how to bridge the gap between submitting your application and the school's decision.
by Tim Weymouth
Tim Weymouth, a boarding school lifer, talks about the benefits of the boarding schools.
by Brian Fisher
Late to the admission process? Here are some items to consider when researching & applying to prep schools.
by Brian Fisher
What does it involve? Almost every prep school produces a summer reading list, has a summer reading requirement, and has some type of student evaluation upon arrival to school in the fall.
by Brian Fisher
A Mental Health Professional in Concert with an Educational Consultant.
by Brian Fisher
The first in a five article series looking at the therapeutic school placement process.
by Brian Fisher
Therapeutic assessments and environments provide the opportunity to step back and examine a child’s fundamental building blocks.
by Brian Fisher
Tips for finding the right educational consultant to help with your therapeutic placement.
by Brian Fisher
Suggestions on how to build a plan for finding the right therapeutic program for your child.
by Brian Fisher
What will happen and what might happen...
by Peter Baron
A conversation with Marylou Marcus, the former Director of Admission, Dublin School.
by Brian Fisher
Advice and perspectives about getting the most out fall parent visits.
by Brian Fisher
A systematic guide to the admission process from consideration to final selection.
