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.
Episodes
13 episodes
IEPs, 504s & NYC High School Admissions + Top 10 NYC High Schools for Students with Learning Differences
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,...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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1:01:51
Tour Season: The Other NYC Marathon
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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57:51
"If you don't know, now you know" (Dear 6th and 7th Grade Families)
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 sh...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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25:17
How to Research NYC High Schools Like a Pro (with NYC-SIFT Creator Adrian Liang)
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 c...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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51:07
Back-to-School Meets High School Admissions
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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36:06
Digital SHSAT Deep Dive With Kenny Tan
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 studen...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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56:36
What Matters More—Tier or Lottery?
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 bal...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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30:22
Does Size Matter? Choosing The Right-Sized High School for your Kid
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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37:20
“So… Where Do They Go to College?”
“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 bas...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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29:30
Starting Your High School List (Without Losing Your Mind)
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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50:59
Screened, Screened+, Essays, and Portfolios and Auditions (oh my!)
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 importan...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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30:13
NYC High School Admission Process From Start to Finish
This conversation provides a comprehensive overview of the New York City high school admissions process, detailing the complexities and nuances involved. It covers the application timeline, various admission methods, the significance of the ran...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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51:35
It's Summer What Should I Be Doing Now?
In this inaugural episode of the School Smarts NYC podcast, host Carolyn DeFir introduces listeners to the complexities of navigating the New York City high school admissions process. She shares her personal experiences as a parent and ...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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17:28