Oh the PreK crazies of NYC. Have you heard of it? Have you done it? It’s not for the faint of heart. I swore I was never going to get into the circus of all that is involved (refreshing your browser the moment apps become available online, calling, asking friends and acquaintances for letters of recommendation, writing essays, 2 year olds being interviewed) and yet here I am. Knee deep in applications, deadlines and essay writing.
The deadlines have now passed for private school applications in NYC but in true mom fashion I got mine in just barely on time (ok a little late). I was in a panic and messaging my mom group of friends in need of help when one suggested I reach out to Admit NY. Their entire business is coaching families through the admissions process. I know what you’re thinking “I don’t need someone to coach me! C’mon how hard could this be?”. I thought that too. And boy was I wrong. Each school has a slightly different approach to the process. And that’s once you’ve actually decided which schools to apply to! In the current climate when you can’t actually tour schools you truly do need someone with intimate knowledge of the schools, their facilities and their philosohophy. As well as what are the best choices for your child, your family and your longer term goals. Overwhelmed yet? Yeah, it’s A LOT. I used to think it was absolute insanity to stress about string your 3 year old into the “right” school for fear of ruining their entire academic future. But you know what? It’s actually something to think about. Not so much about the right preschool will ensure they get into Harvard but more about finding a place where they thrive and grow their imaginations, their curiosity and love of learning as well as socialization. From a parenting perspective, it’s also important to me to find a community that will embrace and nurture my journey as well. It’s a whole family choice.
Admit NY does just that. They want to know you and your child and to help you find the best place- private or public. I spoke with Whitney and Taryn, the founding duo behind Admit NY and instantly realized that they are admissions doulas. It clicked. That’s my goal as a doula too- to guide families agenda free to the choices that are right for them. And that’s what Admit NY does! They were both so warm and easy to talk to. I kept picturing them in my doula role, giving out encouraging words of support at just the right moment and having a stack of resources at the ready for those tough questions. Admit NY knows the ins and outs of the process, the questions you didn’t know you had or to ask as well as what schools may be the best fit for your family. I personally hadn’t even thought of my long term goal for Baby P in terms of school and how certain choices I make now can impact that.
They got me considering whether private PreK, and which ones, would lead us to the path we envision next for our kiddo. They’ve even created new packages to help you navigate school decisions during the time of a global pandemic. Honestly the school that was last on my list was because we had not seen it in person but after speaking with them have moved it up my wish list. ((Fingers crossed)).
Admit NY can support you, just like a doula, with as much or as little help as you need. Not sure what to include in an essay? Just ask! Need help formulating follow up emails? Got into your top choice and need to write acceptance and rejection letters? They got you. From PreK- grade 12, public and private, Admit NY can help guide you agenda and STRESS free (ok maybe not totally stress free but certainly far more confident). My only regret is not working with them sooner. Don’t be like me and get on this process far earlier than you think. Because just like having a baby, the time to research is not when you’re in labor!