In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir navigates the complexities of high school admissions in New York City. She discusses the different types of screened schools, the admissions methods used, and the importance of understanding the process to empower families. Carolyn shares insights on portfolio and audition schools, the significance of research, and strategies for managing waitlists. The episode emphasizes the need for organization and proactive planning to ensure a smoother admissions experience for students and parents alike.

Key Takeaways:
The admissions process for NYC high schools can be overwhelming but is navigable with the right information.
Screened schools use a combination of academic performance and random lottery numbers for admissions.
Understanding the different tiers in screened schools is crucial for parents and students.
Screened plus schools require additional assessments, often in the form of essays.
Portfolio schools focus on artistic submissions rather than academic scores.
Audition schools require performance-based assessments, which can vary widely by program.
Researching individual school requirements is essential for a successful application.
Waitlists can be strategic; understanding how they work can improve chances of admission.
Parents should be proactive and organized during the admissions process to reduce stress.
Art schools offer unique opportunities but require commitment and passion from students.

For more info always head to the website www.schoolsmartsnyc.com

Disclaimer: In this episode, Carolyn mentions Applying to High School in NYC FB group. She is not a representative of this group however, is a member of the general parent community within & finds it very useful!