Smart City Kids

11/26/2025

“What makes a student stand out?"

Emma Katznelson from Masters School says:
"Simply being themselves. Too often, students feel they need to recite a list of achievements or what someone else thinks they should say - but authenticity always shines brighter."

At Masters, they want to imagine the real student in their classrooms, not a rehearsed version. So take a deep breath, relax, and just show you!

For the full panel, click here: https://youtu.be/VUF9_1N96Ks?si=vMJ-15upQOEMfAAc

11/24/2025

Navigating NYC public school admissions can feel like cracking a secret code—especially when it comes to the random number (RAN). 🎲

This computer-generated number acts as a tie-breaker when multiple students share the same admissions priority. While the string of letters and numbers might look confusing at first, here’s the key insight: only the first two digits really matter. Lower numbers give students a better shot at securing a seat, while higher numbers make offers less likely when priorities are equal.

Curious how this plays out for elementary, middle, and high school applications? Or want to estimate your child’s odds at their top-choice schools? There’s a smart guide that breaks it down, updated each year with data on past applicants.

Get the full breakdown here:

In New York City public school admissions, a random number (sometimes called the lottery number or RAN) is a computer-generated number assigned to every student’s application. When multiple students have the same admissions priority – for example, zoned, sibling status, grades, or test score –...

11/22/2025

With so many independent school options in NYC, it’s completely normal to feel both excited and overwhelmed. After dozens of tours and conversations, many families suddenly find themselves comparing notes, second-guessing preferences, and wondering which school is truly the “right” one.

But here’s the grounding truth:
The best school is the one where your child will thrive.

As you narrow your list, consider the questions that matter most:
• Does the learning environment spark curiosity and engagement?
• Can you see your child connecting with the school’s community and culture?
• Is the environment—both physical and social—one where they’d feel confident and supported?
• Does the day-to-day logistics of the school fit your family’s reality?

If you’re feeling pulled in different directions, you’re not alone—and a little clarity can go a long way.

Take a deeper look at what truly matters when choosing a school:

The number of independent schools in New York City can be both daunting and exciting. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the range of choices, but all these options also offer families a unique opportunity to find a school that is just right for their child.

11/21/2025

Thinking about transitioning from public to private school?

As Calhoun’s Lindsay Sisson shared, don’t let a different learning environment hold you back. If a school accepts your child, it's because they see their potential and are ready to support their growth. Public school background or not - your child can thrive.

11/15/2025

How Much Do Parents Matter in Admissions?

“We actually don’t do parent interviews — for any grade level.”

Brad Walters, Admissions Director at UNIS, explains how their admissions process prioritizes getting to know the child over formal parent interviews. Instead, students participate in engaging activities — like playing a simple game — so the admissions team can observe collaboration and communication in a natural setting.

It’s all about seeing who the student really is.

For the full panel, click here!
https://youtu.be/VUF9_1N96Ks?si=qGF2KmQapKyfH07v

11/10/2025

We’re looking for what lights a kid up — their passion. It might be Taylor Swift, the Mets, or even lunch. Whatever it is, we want to see that spark.”
Andrew Weller from Birch Wathen Lenox School shares what interviewers really look for during Middle & High School Admissions — curiosity, courage in conversation, and the ability to listen and disagree respectfully.

Passion and thoughtful dialogue make a lasting impression.

11/06/2025

Parent interviews aren’t just formalities - they’re opportunities. Ask questions, explore programs, and see if the school aligns with your child’s needs. At Trevor Day, this process ensures families and schools are the right fit for each other!

09/03/2025

How honest should you be in the admissions process?
The short answer: very.
Admissions teams want to know your child as they really are. Honesty helps everyone find the right fit, and authenticity is what makes the process meaningful.

Sign up for our next admissions panel! https://www.eventbrite.com/o/smart-city-kids-15639372606

08/26/2025

How does admissions view DEIB?

According to Devin LaSane (Allen-Stevenson) and Jenna King (Riverdale), it means:

- Meeting students’ evolving needs through affinity groups and support systems
- Creating safe, welcoming spaces for families and communities
- Encouraging diverse voices to join and thrive
- Teaching kids how to engage in respectful, productive conversations—even when they disagree

At its core, DEIB in admissions is about ensuring that every student and family feels a sense of belonging.

Register for one of our next free and virtual admissions panels! https://www.eventbrite.com/o/smart-city-kids-15639372606

08/22/2025

What Makes a College “Good”?

For many families, “goodness” in a college is often tied to opinions of friends, school reputation, famous alumni, admissions selectivity, or rankings. These factors certainly influence perception—but they don’t tell the whole story.
A deeper evaluation of a college should include:

- Academic quality: graduation & retention rates, faculty focus on undergraduates, class size.
- Affordability: financial aid and average indebtedness at graduation.
- Experience: campus life, student support services, dining and housing quality.
- Opportunities: study abroad, internships, undergraduate research.
- Outcomes: graduate school admissions and job placement rates.

Rankings will always play a role in how schools are perceived. But the ultimate question is: Will this school help your student thrive academically, socially, and personally?

For the full college admissions workshop, visit our youtube channel here!
https://youtu.be/r01VwU1sVZM?si=d4iSNdneyd_AKs0n

Smart City Kids | Navigating College Admissions: A Guide to Mastering the ProcessWelcome to the Smart City Kids College Admissions Workshop hosted by Erica P...

08/21/2025

Defining Academic Reputation in Rankings:

When families look at college rankings, one of the biggest factors is “academic reputation.” But what does that actually mean?

According to US News, this reputation is determined by an academic peer assessment survey, where presidents, provosts, and deans of admission rate other schools. Their evaluations emphasize “intangibles”—like faculty commitment to teaching and perceived academic quality—rather than student outcomes such as job placement or graduation rates.

This survey carries significant weight in rankings, shaping how institutions are viewed nationwide. But reputation is inherently subjective. That’s why it’s important to see rankings as a starting point, not the whole story, when determining what’s best for a student.

How much weight do you think families should give to rankings when making decisions?

For our full college admissions workshop, click here!

Smart City Kids | Navigating College Admissions: A Guide to Mastering the ProcessWelcome to the Smart City Kids College Admissions Workshop hosted by Erica P...

08/19/2025

Independent schools come with a price tag, but the return is priceless: extraordinary teachers, strong communities, and relationships that last a lifetime. The value goes well beyond the classroom walls.