High school admissions can be confusing. We’re here to help. We’ve created a bite-sized guide to navigating the NYC high school admissions process.
16 Free SHSAT Tests (And How to Use Them!)
16 full length SHSAT tests (and how to use them) – updated for 2021
While there is a ton of excellent free SHSAT study material out there (in the form of the official SHSAT handbooks), there has been a lack of guidance on how and when to utilize these resources. In this post, you will find links to every (unique) handbook as well as important information about each exam.
Download the 2020 - 2021 SHSAT handbook!
Coronavirus and College Admissions: Tracking Changes in Admissions Policies
As a result of Covid-19, we’re seeing seismic changes within college admissions. In fact, these changes are happening so fast, it’s hard to keep up. To help out students and families, we will update this page with key changes to the admissions process.
4/10 – Middlebury and Colgate announce test optional trials.
4/7 – Northeastern and Williams College introduce test-optional policies. Amherst announces 1 year test optional policy and will no longer consider SAT II scores.
4/3 Update – Pomona and Vassar have both announced 1 year test-optional pilot programs.
The University of California is going test optional, temporarily…
The entire UC system will waive its ACT/SAT requirement for 2021 applicants.
Students applying for fall 2021 are not precluded from taking standardized tests (SAT or ACT) and sending scores if they are able. Doing so can support their statewide UC eligibility, application for certain scholarships, and help them fulfill some University graduation requirements. Campuses will adjust their internal processes accordingly to ensure that no student is harmed in admissions selection should they not submit a test score. This modification to the test requirement is not intended as an admissions policy shift but is rather a temporary accommodation driven by the current extraordinary circumstances.
Tufts is piloting a test optional program.
MIT has dropped its SATII requirement.
Boston University is piloting a test optional program for 2021 applicants.
Davidson College is adopting a 3-year test optional methodology.
Clarkson Colleges will drop its ACT/SAT requirement.
Trinity College is going test optional.
Amazing Resources for the Stuck-at-Home: Distance Learning, Creative Expression, and More...
Many of us are facing new and unfamiliar challenges at home: working from home while keeping children on task with remote learning; supporting students who feel detached from their communities and academics; navigating the sheer frustration of being cooped up…day after day.
At City Smarts, we work hard to support our community holistically. Even amidst these circumstances, this has not changed. We’ve scoured the internet and curated a list of online resources that may help to support your family through this uncertain time.
COMMUNICATION:
We are all struggling with the day-to-day impacts of Covid-19, and it may be hard to explain this to kids. Cope with School NYC has information on how to talk to your kids about the virus.
If you or your kids are adjusting to Zoom for meetings or online learning this tutorial offers some great tips!
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT AT HOME:
Wide Open Schools provides an invaluable resource to help both educators and families create daily routines, engage in dynamic academic lessons, and enjoy fun creative and physical activities.
Scholastic is offering enrichment activities for kids in K-6. All levels include different subjects, including history, science,and reading. Interactive videos and projects will help keep kids focused and excited about learning.
Taking their name from the C.S. Lewis’s Oxford literary circle, the Inklings Book Contest offers young writers (grades 3-9) a chance to be published! The best part is that every child who submits something will receive real feedback.
If your child is learning a language, or shows interest in doing so, DuoLingo is great for practice. Kids can set goals for lessons, and earn rewards to unlock bonus lessons.
With everything going on, it’s great to engage in critical thinking activities. The NYT Learning Network offers writing prompts in response to photos, articles, and interviews every week.
+Pool has fun, hands-on science experiments that require minimal materials. Kids can learn about water filtration, and the importance of clean water. Check back regularly as they update their activities!
Libby offers access to hundreds of thousands of books for all ages. Whether you’re an avid reader yourself, or it’s a good time to start that family book club, there are tons of titles to choose from for wide audiences.
If you’re interested in some long term learning, Coursera offers free classes in subjects from business marketing to memoir writing. Weekly assignments and lessons keep you focused and on a schedule, with something fun to look forward to.
Last but not least, we’re offering small-group online courses for the SHSAT and high school admissions essay writing. We promise the same individualized, holistic approach that has always been our hallmark.
THE ARTS:
With many museums and cultural centers being closed, consider Virtual Field trips. Your kids can visit museums, zoos, and international destinations.
The NYTimes compiled some story-time and and drawing tutorial videos by authors you may know and love.
For our visual learners and film buffs out there, the New York Times Film Club is a great tool. Every 10 minute film comes with prompts for writing and discussion. They even offer a special film club journal to help kids structure their thoughts. This could be a fun and engaging family activity!
If breaking out in song would cheer you up, Playbill has a list of musicals you can stream online. They’re also offering TV show and documentary recommendations along the same theme for those of us who are missing Broadway a little extra right now.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:
If your child is a budding yogi, this blog lists tons of different youtube channels with recorded sessions. Incorporating music, meditation, and strength building. There is a practice for everyone here.
For a more intense workout, Church Street Boxing is streaming classes live on its Instagram account (@churchstreetboxinggym). Trainers will coach you through footwork, punches and conditioning exercises.
To connect to your inner gymnast, Gotham Gymnastics is streaming an assortment of its Quaranteam classes on Instagram (@gothamgymnastics). The free sessions include strength and conditioning, injury prevention and stretching. Find the schedule here.
Another yoga option is hosted on You Tube by Amanda Kerpius, a yoga instructor and massage therapist from Brooklyn. She’s posting daily videos focused on 3 categories: advanced power vinyasa yogis, long-distance runners, and people experiencing anxiety or insomnia.
For circuit training, Charlee Atkins streams free workouts on her Instagram account (@charleeatkins). Ms. Atkins says her workouts are designed for the “at-home athlete,” using body weight or minimal equipment, such as chairs, bands or small dumbbells.
And finally, some easy and helpful techniques to integrate into your home-bound daily activities form the NYT.
