A BETTER CHANCE
WELLESLEY
Opening the door to greater educational opportunities since 1972
Applying To Wellesley ABC
Wellesley A Better Chance is a Community School Program (CSP) under the umbrella of A Better Chance, a national non-profit whose mission is to increase substantially the number of well-educated young people of color who are capable of assuming positions of responsibility and leadership in American society. National ABC coordinates the initial application process and refers applicants for consideration to independent day and boarding schools and CSPs.
Wellesley ABC provides an outstanding public college-preparatory education, participation in a residential program, and an incredible network of support to help ensure scholars reach their academic, personal and community-oriented goals. Wellesley High School is a nationally ranked, innovative high school with exceptional music, theater, art, athletic and club activities.
Applicants referred to Wellesley ABC must be in the top ranks of their class, demonstrate academic motivation, and seek meaningful participation in extracurricular activities. In addition, applicants must possess the maturity to leave home, adjust to life in a new community and promote a cohesive residential experience.
How To Apply
1st Step – You must initiate an application through the national A Better Chance organization.
2nd Step – Applications referred by National ABC to Wellesley ABC are thoroughly reviewed by the Selection Committee.
3rd Step – A number of applicants are singled our for Skype/FaceTime interviews with one or more members of the committee.
4th Step – Several top applicants will be invited to visit Wellesley ABC and Wellesley High School sometime between January and March.
5th Step – Prospective students will be notified about the status of their application about a week following the visit..
Selection Visits
The goal of the visit is for both applicants, their families and Wellesley ABC to determine if the program would be a good fit. The applicant and a family member will have the opportunity to meet many members of the ABC community, tour Wellesley High School, meet the principal, attend a class with one of our current scholars, tour the Wellesley ABC House, and meet the Resident Director. There will also be additional interviews and assessments, as well as more casual opportunities for the current and prospective scholars to get to know each other. Wellesley ABC provides housing for the prospective scholar and their parent/guardian. Throughout the process we encourage applicants and their parents to ask any questions they may have. It is always a fun, informative and energizing process!
A Day in the Life of a Wellesley ABC Scholar
6:45am Catch the bus to WHS
7:30am First class of the day
2:30pm School day ends
2:30-5:00 Extracurricular Activities
6:00pm Family dinner at the ABC House
7:00-9:30 Mandatory Study Hall
11:00pm Lights out!
In addition:
* Weekly meetings with Academic Advisors
* Monthly weekends with Host Families
* House chores on a rotating schedule