"If not me...Who?
If not now...When?"
WHY PREP
In a world rushing towards academic milestones and career paths, our program stands out as a beacon of individual growth and purpose. Explore why it's the ideal choice for those seeking more than a conventional academic journey.
Ivy League School Recommended
Embracing wisdom from Harvard and Ivy League traditions, our program echoes their four-decade endorsement of delaying college entry—a key step for personal and academic development.
OUR UNIQUE PROGRAM
• An intense experience, not a course.
• A great deal of learning, but no professors.
• There are deliverables, but no homework.
• There is much reading, but no required text.
• There is reflection on experiences, but no tests.
This is not a year off, but a year very much on...
01
Cohort Composition
Each cohort has 180 students coming from the following regions:
• India
• Europe
• China
• Africa
• Middle East
• South East Asia & Australia
• South & Central America
• US, Mexico & Canada
02
The Base Cities
Students spend 20 days of each month in each of the Home Based Cities participating in conferences that immerse the students in the culture, politics, arts, businesses, and economies of each region.
03
The Fellows
Modeled after the Oxford/Cambridge tutorial system, the students attend a weekly one-to-one session with their Fellow, to provide students with life design techniques, college preparation, and inspiration for their independent projects.
04
The Morning Program
The TED-like conferences are 3 hours each day from Monday to Thursday, leaving enough time for the students to discuss among their cohort the discussed topics, reflect on the expertise shared by the speakers, and still have enough free time to interact with the other members of their traveling group. This allows time for the unplanned.
05
The Fellowship
Students can choose from 105 different Fellowship programs around different interests from innovation to civilization, from nature to culture.
BENEFITS
Real-World
Experiences
The Program provides hands-on experiences, whether through volunteering or internships. These real-world experiences can provide insights that traditional classroom settings may not offer.
Clarifying Goals
The Program allows individuals to reflect on their goals and aspirations. It can be a transformative time to clarify career objectives, academic interests, or personal passions.
Road to a More Desired College
Graduates will be highly sought after as they begin their college careers with maturity and a wholly different set of experiences, enhancing their chances of admission to more prestigious colleges.
Networking Opportunities
A diversified cohort composition leads to valuable connections and networking opportunities. Building a global network can be advantageous in both personal and professional spheres. The basis for long-lasting friendships.
Health & Well-being
A Gap Year can also serve as a break from academic or career pressures, promoting mental health and overall well-being. It offers time for self-care and reflection.
CREATORS
Benno Schmidt
Distinguished scholar and educational visionary has left an indelible mark on academia and public service. As a former president of Yale University and Dean of Columbia University Law School, Schmidt's commitment to excellence in higher education has been unwavering. His influential contributions extend beyond the realms of academia, encompassing significant roles in legal scholarship and public policy. Mr. Schmidt also co-founded the Edison Project and Avenues: The World School.
Chris Whittle
Trailblazer in the field of education and media entrepreneurship. Former CEO of Whittle Communications of of America’s top 100 media companies publishing Esquire and broadcasting daily to 8 million students through the Channel One Network. Renowned for founding the Edison Project, the pioneer of the charter school movement in the US, launching 100 schools with 60,000 students. Mr. Whittle also co-founded Avenues: The World School, one of the largest New York City private schools with campuses in Sāo Paulo, Shenzhen, and Silicon Valley.
PREP ADVISORS
• Valentina Bach, Secretary General, United World College of the Adriatic, Duino, Italy.
• Britt Bøymo, Principal, Bøler School, Oslo, Norway.
• Mohamed Abdallah, General Manager, Medenter, Investment Banking Consultancy, Rome, Italy.
• Carolina Franco Vasco, Head of School, Newman School, Bogota, Colombia.
• Diana Bebek Ivankovic, Professor & Researcher Anderson University, South Carolina, USA.
• Alvaro Diaz, Managing Director, Creasys, Santiago, Chile.
• Ali Suat Urguplu, Editor, Yapi Kredi Kültür, Istambul, Turkey.
• Elena Morettini, Global Head Sustainable Business, Globant, London, UK.
• Laura Amescua, Coordinator English Department, Instituto Cumbres, Mexico City, Mexico.
• Sigrid Arzt Colunga, Executive Director Priva (DATA) Mexico City, Mexico.
• Juan Pablo Di Pace, Actor & Awarded Film Director, Los Angeles, USA.
• Gonzalo Lopez Jordan, CEO, Patagonia Financial Holdings, Miami, USA.
LOGISTICS
Traveling Team
Consists of the professionals accompanying each cohort:
• Fellows, one every 12 students
• Dean
• Associate Dean
• Medical Officer
• Security Officer
APPLICATION
1
Apply
The Program offers Early Applications and Regular Application process, and as in the case in many universities, the probabilities of admission are somewhat higher for Early Application candidates.
2
First Round of Selection
The Program has a selective admission process run by an Admission Committee. Applicants are encouraged to present themselves and their accomplishments but also to make “their case” to the Admission Committee, and explain why and how do they think they can benefit from this experience.
3
Interview
After a first round of selection, finalist applicants will be invited to a one-on-one interview with a member of the Admission Committee, either in person or via Zoom, to further understand their character, interests, and suitability.
4
Final Selection
The Admission Committee looks for participants' accomplishments in something that they care about art, coding, music, athletics, writing, entrepreneurial endeavor, or any field of study. Though not determinative, academic performance will be taken into account. The Program is well suited to participants who are still discovering themselves but have creative minds and a strong desire to strengthen their work ethic.
We firmly believe in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of the most exceptional applicants. Therefore, the Program has established several scholarships to ensure that the most talented and driven individuals, hailing from every corner of the globe, have the opportunity to join this extraordinary adventure.
SCHOLARSHIPS
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Empowering Your Immigration Journey
PREP's Exclusive Partnership with ARCG. We are thrilled to announce our strategic alliance with ARCG, unlocking a seamless pathway for families to leverage our project to meet their immigration strategies and needs. This groundbreaking collaboration combines the expertise of PREP with the proven success of ARCG, ensuring a comprehensive solution tailored to your unique immigration goals. Explore the possibilities, navigate your journey with confidence, and let PREP and ARCG be your trusted partners on the road to a new chapter filled with opportunities and success.