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PODCAST

School Smarts NYC

Your trusted guide to New York City high school admissions, special education support, and finding the best-fit school for your child.School Smarts NYC gives parents expert tips, guidance, and real talk on navigating the NYC school system—from applications and screened admissions to IEPs, 504 plans, and beyond.Because student success starts with informed families—and maybe a little humor to get you through it.

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

27:58

(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #5: The Beacon School

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/22

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir discusses the recent changes in the admissions process at The Beacon School, one of New York City's most talked-about high schools. She shares her personal experiences attending an open house, insights into the school's academic structure, and the vibrant student life. Carolyn emphasizes the importance of the new leadership at Beacon and how it aims to create a supportive environment for all students. The episode concludes w...

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31:46

You Asked, I Answered: The Most-Asked Questions (So...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/16

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, Carolyn addresses frequently asked questions regarding the school application process in New York City. She discusses the importance of ranking schools based on true preference rather than strategy, the complexities of lottery numbers and waitlists, and the challenges of interpreting chance predictors. Carolyn also provides insights on applying to art schools, navigating open houses, and the flexibility of changing school preferences before de...

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13:02

(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #4: Millennium Brooklyn...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/13

This episode provides an in-depth look at Millennium Brooklyn, a small yet vibrant screen school located in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Carolyn highlights the school's unique academic philosophy, commitment to inclusivity, structured curriculum, and the vibrant student life that fosters community engagement. The principal's dedication to a full schedule of instructional classes and the emphasis on research throughout the students' high school years are particularly noteworthy. Overall, Millennium B...

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13:03

(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #3: Brooklyn Technical...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/12

In this episode, Carolyn shares her experience visiting Brooklyn Tech, the largest high school in America, during an open house. She discusses the school's impressive size, the various programs offered, and her observations during the visit. Carolyn also reflects on the overwhelming nature of the open house and provides insights for parents navigating the application process for specialized high schools in New York City.

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40:24

Now What? The Post-Application is Open Pep Talk

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/09

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir guides parents through the complex process of school applications for the 2026-2027 school year. She shares her personal experiences and insights on navigating the application landscape, understanding lottery numbers and tiers, and making informed decisions about school choices. Carolyn emphasizes the importance of using available tools and resources, dealing with disappointment, and exploring alternative options, including ...

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13:57

(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #2: Millenium Manhattan

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/04

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir provides an in-depth review of Millennium Manhattan, a small screened high school in New York City. Through a virtual tour led by the principal, Carolyn highlights the school's vibrant environment, academic rigor, supportive structures, and the admissions process. She emphasizes the importance of advisory programs, college readiness, and the overall positive atmosphere of the school, making it a compelling option for prospec...

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17:52

(Bonus Episode) Tour Report #1: Bard High School...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/02

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir takes listeners on a detailed tour of Bard Early College High School in Manhattan. She shares her personal experiences and insights as a parent navigating the high school admissions process with her daughter. The episode covers the unique curriculum, academic structure, campus environment, student life, and the admissions process at Bard, providing valuable information for families considering this school for their children.

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26:07

The Calm Before The Lottery Numbers

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/10/02

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the high school admissions process in New York City. With the application opening soon, she discusses the importance of understanding the lottery number system, the updates in admissions data, and the changes in essay and audition requirements. Carolyn emphasizes the need for parents to manage stress, stay organized, and make informed decisions while supporting their children thro...

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25:48

"Applications Open In Less Than 2 Weeks, What Should...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/09/25

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir guides parents through the complex process of navigating high school admissions in New York City. With the application period approaching, she discusses essential steps such as understanding school tours, the significance of lottery numbers, and the importance of building a balanced school list. Carolyn also addresses special considerations for students with IEPs and those preparing for auditions, while emphasizing the need ...

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61:51

IEPs, 504s & NYC High School Admissions + Top 10 NYC...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/09/18

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir guides listeners through the complex landscape of New York City high school admissions, focusing on special education designations, the differences between IEPs and 504 plans, and how to find supportive school environments. She shares insights on the application process, what to look for during school tours, and highlights several schools known for their support of diverse learners. The episode aims to empower parents and fa...

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57:51

Tour Season: The Other NYC Marathon

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/09/11

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir provides insights on how to prepare for tours, what to expect during the visits, and how to engage with schools and students effectively. Carolyn emphasizes the importance of research, communication, and reflection post-tours to ensure families make informed decisions about high school admissions. The episode also touches on the significance of IEPs and 504 plans in the school selection process.

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25:17

"If you don't know, now you know" (Dear 6th and 7th...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/09/04

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir emphasizes the importance of building foundational skills in sixth grade, the high stakes of seventh grade, and strategies for preparing for high school admissions. Carolyn shares practical tips for parents, including how to support their children academically and emotionally during these critical years, while also addressing the significance of IEPs and 504 plans. The episode concludes with advice on how to effectively use ...

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51:07

How to Research NYC High Schools Like a Pro (with...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/08/28

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir speaks with Adrian Liang, the creator of NYC-SIFT, a free tool designed to help families navigate New York City high school admissions. They discuss Adrian's background, the challenges he faced while building NYC-SIFT, and how the tool aggregates data to assist parents and students in making informed decisions. The conversation also covers the importance of keeping an open mind during the admissions process, the value of com...

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36:06

Back-to-School Meets High School Admissions

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/08/21

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir shares insights on preparing for the back-to-school season, strategies for managing the admissions process, and tips for staying organized and grounded during this hectic time. With a focus on family support and practical advice, Carolyn emphasizes the importance of communication, planning, and self-care throughout the journey.

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56:36

Digital SHSAT Deep Dive With Kenny Tan

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/08/14

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn speaks with test prep expert Kenny Tan about the upcoming digital format of the SHSAT. They discuss the changes in the test format, preparation strategies, accommodations for students with IEPs, and common misconceptions about the SHSAT. Kenny shares insights on scoring, the admissions process for specialized high schools, and offers advice for parents and students navigating this challenging journey. The conversation emphasizes t...

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30:22

What Matters More—Tier or Lottery?

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/08/07

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn focuses on the importance of understanding tiers and lottery numbers. She breaks down how these factors influence admissions decisions and offers strategies for creating a balanced school list. Carolyn emphasizes the need for research and preparation to navigate the admissions landscape effectively, ensuring that students have a fair chance at their desired schools.

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37:20

Does Size Matter? Choosing The Right-Sized High...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/07/31

In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir explores the complexities of the New York City high school admissions process, focusing on the significance of school size. She discusses the pros and cons of big, medium, and small schools, emphasizing that the right fit for a student depends on their individual needs and personality. Carolyn provides insights into how school size affects various aspects of the educational experience, including course offerings, social dyna...

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29:30

“So… Where Do They Go to College?”

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/07/24

“So… Where Do They Go to College?” What College Acceptance Lists Actually Tell You (and What to Ask Instead) In this episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, Carolyn addresses a listener's question about evaluating high schools based on college outcomes, emphasizing the importance of understanding what college acceptance lists really mean. Carolyn also explores the current landscape of college admissions, including the impact of the enrollment cliff and the significance of finding the right ...

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50:59

Starting Your High School List (Without Losing Your...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/07/17

In this episode of the School Smart NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir shares her insights and experiences as a parent navigating the high school admissions process in New York City. She discusses the importance of building a draft list of schools, the research involved in understanding different schools, and how to involve your child in the process without overwhelming them. Carolyn emphasizes the need for flexibility, open-mindedness, and the importance of gathering information to make informe...

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30:13

Screened, Screened+, Essays, and Portfolios and...

School Smarts NYC ·

2025/07/05

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 ...

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42 results

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