Overview of NYC High School Admission Process PSIS

Overview of NYC High School Admission Process PS/IS 276

We just started middle school-why do we have to start thinking about this already? � 7 th grade is an EXTREMELY important year! �Get a head start! This can be an overwhelming process if started too late.

Why is 7 th grade so important? �Admission to many schools is based on 7 th grades, state test scores in reading and math, attendance and lateness.

Types of Schools/How schools select students �Specialized High Schools �Audition Schools �Choice Schools

Specialized High Schools �Admission is based on the Admission Test only (SHSAT) �Test is usually given towards the end of October �Schools include Bronx Science, Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Technical H. S. ) �Everybody is eligible to take this test �Manhattan youth will be offering a test prep class as part of the after-school program �Kaplan- http: //www. kaptest. com/

Audition Schools �Admission is by audition or portfolio �For example, if a student auditions for a drama program, he/she may have to prepare a monologue as part of the audition. �Portfolio examples include preparing 10 -20 pieces of original art. �Other areas include musical theatre, vocal music, dance, drama, instrumental music, fashion design. �Grades, exam scores and attendance will be looked at as well. �Join BPC Portfolio club with Julie!

Audition continued… �If your child has a particular interest, nurture that interest now. Vocal lessons, enroll in dance classes, etc. �Audition schools include La. Guardia High School, Art & Design, Frank Sinatra, etc.

Choice Schools �Screened- may require interview, essay, academic portfolio, other diagnostic test. �Education Option (Ed. Opt) �Limited Unscreened �Zone (Manhattan does not have zoned high schools)

How does the admission process work? �The high school admission process is a “match” process. Students rank school choices and schools rank students. Where the two meet, we have a match! �Screened schools may require an interview, academic portfolio, essay, diagnostic test, letters of recommendation, etc. �While you apply to many high schools (up to 12), you will only be matched (receive admission) to one. That is the school you must attend. �If you apply to the specialized high schools, you will also be accepted to one other school on your list of

What should I consider? �Location- What schools are nearby your home? How long is the commute? What is the area near the school like? �School Size: large school with many extracurriculars, small school with close knit feel? �Interest Areas, Curriculum and Courses: What are your academic interests and strengths? Are you looking for a particular focus? �Special Ed. Services: What does their program look like? �Extracurriculars: What types of clubs and sports are offered?

What is the Best Fit for you… �Discuss with your child his/her interests, goals and talents. �Review extra-curricular activities and clubs at the school �Take note of special programs, advanced placement (AP) courses, etc. �Reputation of college office �Can you picture yourself there? �Do the kids look like they could be your friends?

How do we learn about the schools? �School tours! These typically take place in the fall of 8 th grade, except for some schools that offer tours in the spring of 7 th grade (Beacon, Bard) �Parents are responsible for contacting the schools and arranging tours on their own (look on schools website for dates/scheduling). �Start contacting the schools no later than September 2012 �Walk by the schools to get a sense of

Resources �High School Fairs �High School Directory (comes out fall 8 th grade) �NYCDOE on-line directory and other resources http: //schools. nyc. gov/Choices. Enrollment �Check out http: //insideschools. org/ �New York City’s Best Public High Schools: A Parent guide by Clara Hemphill

7 th grade preparation �Focus on study skills, organization, time management, and homework completion �Strong attention to lateness/attendance �Start preparing portfolios (save graded projects and papers as some schools require academic portfolios) �Spring school tours �If interested in arts schools- join BPC portfolio club with Julie