abacusmom Admissions, Books, Brooklyn Private Schools, Educational Consulting, ERB Prep, ERBs, Hill Schools, ISEE Prep, Manhattan Private Schools, NYC Private Schools, Private Schools, Westchester Private Schools

Definitive Guide to the New ISEE and SSAT by Top NYC Tutor

I asked my old friend Jonathan Arak of The Princeton Review to fill Abacus Mom readers in on what’s happening with middle school and high school admissions tests.  Jonathan and I, who work with some of the same families (he tutors for the tests, I edit essays and do interview prep), both noticed very early on … Continue reading Definitive Guide to the New ISEE and SSAT by Top NYC Tutor

abacusmom Books, Children's Books, Children's Classes, Parenting

City Kid New York: Great Guide for NYC Parents

I just picked up Alison Lowenstein's new guidebook, City Kid New York.  Unlike many other New York City guidebooks I've read, which are outdated and limited, Lowenstein includes up-to-the-minute, comprehensive listings of parenting websites, enrichment activities, camps, theater and concert performances, museums, and lice checkers, among other vital parenting subjects.  One very interesting and unique section … Continue reading City Kid New York: Great Guide for NYC Parents

abacusmom Admissions, Books, Brooklyn Private Schools, Educational Consulting, Educational Toys, ERB Prep, ERBs, Hill Schools, Kindergarten, Manhattan Private Schools, NYC Private Schools, Parenting, Private Schools, Riverdale Private Schools, Westchester Private Schools

ERB: More on ERB Prep: Should You Do It and How?

People keep calling and asking me how they should prep their children for the kindergarten ERB test. There are different ways to skin this cat. All we know right now is that the private schools are upset about all the WPPSI prepping, and while supposedly they will discriminate against a child who has prepared, at … Continue reading ERB: More on ERB Prep: Should You Do It and How?

abacusmom Admissions, Books, Brooklyn Private Schools, Educational Consulting, Educational Toys, ERB Prep, ERBs, Hill Schools, Kindergarten, Manhattan Private Schools, NYC Private Schools, NYC Public Schools, Parenting, Private Schools, Riverdale Private Schools, Westchester Private Schools

Thoughts on New York Times’ “Tips for the Admissions Test to Kindergarten”

Today Sharon Otterman of The New York Times brings to light what's happening behind parents' closed doors:  Tips for the Admissions Test ... to Kindergarten  As I've discussed before, test prep for four year olds is rampant.  Otterman profiles a new test prep company that focuses on both gifted and talented public and private school admission … Continue reading Thoughts on New York Times’ “Tips for the Admissions Test to Kindergarten”

abacusmom Books, Children's Classes, Educational Consulting, Educational Toys, ERB Prep, ERBs, Manhattan Private Schools, Private Schools, Riverdale Private Schools, Westchester Private Schools

Does Your Four Year Old Need a Professional ERB Prep Tutor?

No. Any mother, father, or bright, interested babysitter is qualified to handle preschool level material, thank you. Here's an email I just received from a 2009 Abacus Guide Preschoolers' Prep Program client (details obscured to protect client's confidentiality): Hi Emily, Just wanted to provide you with an update.  <Child's Name> got <top ERB score>.  Your … Continue reading Does Your Four Year Old Need a Professional ERB Prep Tutor?

abacusmom Admissions, Books, Brooklyn Private Schools, Kindergarten, Manhattan Private Schools, NYC Private Schools, Private Schools, Riverdale Private Schools, Westchester Private Schools

The Basement Interview, Continued: Excerpt from Where Does Caitlyn Go to School?

John strode out into the waiting room.  “You’re the Greens, I presume?” “Yes, we are,” said Chris and Jessie at the same time, standing up and energetically shaking his hand. “I’m John MacLaine, a senior at Navy School.  I’ve matriculated at this fine institution for thirteen years.  I’ll be interviewing you.” “Great,” said Jessie, thinking this was normal … Continue reading The Basement Interview, Continued: Excerpt from Where Does Caitlyn Go to School?

abacusmom Admissions, Books, Brooklyn Private Schools, Kindergarten, Manhattan Private Schools, NYC Private Schools, Private Schools, Westchester Private Schools

The Basement Interview: Excerpt from Where Does Caitlyn Go To School?

Willa, the admissions director, had her secretary bring John, the admissions intern, into the office.  “John, it’s clear to me from your work so far that you understand our goals in the admissions office.  I believe you have the maturity to handle a parent interview.  I’d like to give you a special opportunity today to meet the Green … Continue reading The Basement Interview: Excerpt from Where Does Caitlyn Go To School?

abacusmom Admissions, Books, Educational Consulting, ISEE Prep, NYC Public Schools

Getting into Stuyvesant (SHSAT Test Prep)

Back in the day, the people I knew who attended Stuyvesant liked to program, build bridges, play chess, and smoke pot. It's not so laid-back anymore.  Have you seen all the storefronts devoted to Stuyvesant Specialized High Schools Admissions Test prep? If you can afford it, get a tutor.  Contact me for the best Stuyvesant tutors: … Continue reading Getting into Stuyvesant (SHSAT Test Prep)