Our Story — Drumroll Prep Education Consulting

Code of Ethics & Professional Standards

As a PhD-led consultancy and former faculty at West Point and the U.S. Air Force Academy, Barrett Ward founded Drumroll Prep on the principles of academic integrity, leadership, and unwavering professional ethics. He adheres to the following mandates:

1. The Principle of Authenticity (Anti-Ghostwriting)

In alignment with the Honor Codes of the U.S. Service Academies, the student must be the sole author of their work.
Barrett provides PhD-level feedback, structural guidance, and narrative strategy.
He does not write, ghostwrite, or significantly rewrite student essays.
The final product must be an authentic representation of the student's own voice and intellect.

2. Integrity in Admissions (No Guarantees)

Consistent with the standards of the IECA, Barrett does not "guarantee" admission to any institution or the receipt of any scholarship.
He provides a strategic advantage based on historical success and institutional knowledge, but final admissions decisions rest solely with the colleges and academies.
He never implies "special pull" or uses personal relationships with admissions officers to influence an outcome.

3. Conflicts of Interest

Barrett works solely for the benefit of the student and their family.
He accepts no compensation, "finder's fees," or kickbacks from any college, university, or service academy for student placement.
He does not accept referral fees from test-prep companies or other vendors, ensuring his recommendations are always unbiased.

4. Confidentiality & Discretion

Barrett maintains the "military-grade" discretion expected by high-profile and international families. All academic records, financial data, and personal narratives are held in the strictest confidence and are never shared without express written consent.

5. Respect for the Educational Ecosystem

Barrett views high school guidance counselors as essential partners in a student's success. He strives to work collaboratively with school-based professionals and respects the institutional boundaries of the admissions offices he engages with.

Code of Ethics & Professional Standards

1. The Principle of Authenticity (Anti-Ghostwriting)

In alignment with the Honor Codes of the U.S. Service Academies, the student must be the sole author of their work.

Barrett provides PhD-level feedback, structural guidance, and narrative strategy.

He does not write, ghostwrite, or significantly rewrite student essays.

The final product must be an authentic representation of the student's own voice and intellect.

2. Integrity in Admissions (No Guarantees)

Consistent with the standards of the IECA, Barrett does not "guarantee" admission to any institution or the receipt of any scholarship.

He provides a strategic advantage based on historical success and institutional knowledge, but final admissions decisions rest solely with the colleges and academies.

He never implies "special pull" or uses personal relationships with admissions officers to influence an outcome.

3. Conflicts of Interest

Barrett works solely for the benefit of the student and their family.

He accepts no compensation, "finder's fees," or kickbacks from any college, university, or service academy for student placement.

He does not accept referral fees from test-prep companies or other vendors, ensuring his recommendations are always unbiased.

4. Confidentiality & Discretion

Barrett maintains the "military-grade" discretion expected by high-profile and international families. All academic records, financial data, and personal narratives are held in the strictest confidence and are never shared without express written consent.

5. Respect for the Educational Ecosystem

Barrett views high school guidance counselors as essential partners in a student's success. He strives to work collaboratively with school-based professionals and respects the institutional boundaries of the admissions offices he engages with.

Drumroll Prep Education Consultants