Parents and students turned out in impressive numbers to last night's workshop at Brooklyn Tech, the third in the Department of Education's seven-part series on high school admissions.  Last night the topic was screened and audition schools.

The first speaker, DOE's Director of Enrollment, Liz Sciabarra talked the audience through the various types of screened programs, how to use the high school directory to evaluate them, and the range of admissions criteria that screened schools used to select students.  Next up was a discussion on the audition process and tips on how to put together a portfolio, which was presented by a panel of DOE officials who oversee performance and visual arts programs in city schools.

What was the take-away from last night's workshop? Summer is the time to start investigating options for high school.  There are hundreds of high schools and programs within schools to consider.  You can't tour them all, so don't wait until September to start figuring out which schools you'd like to visit and apply to.<!--more-->

The advice from DOE officials: Over the summer, look through the high school directory to set up a list of schools that meets your child's interests and needs, take note of each school's specific admissions criteria and mark the dates in October for the city-wide and borough high school fairs on your calendar.

Those who didn't attend the workshop can check out a description of how screened schools evaluate students here.  For tips on how to prepare for auditions and compile an art portfolio, click here.

Here's a brief recap of some of the topics discussed by DOE officials at the workshop:

What is meant by "screened admissions"?

Screening is the most selective admissions method.  Screened schools and programs evaluate students based on range of criteria that could include grades, standardized test scores, interviews, writing samples, admissions tests, and a student's record of attendance and punctuality.  The high school directory lists the admissions criteria for each screened school and screened program within a larger school.

What if my child wants to attend a screened school, but she doesn't meet all the admissions criteria?

While a school's admissions criteria represents "target" but not firm requirements, according to Sciabarra, it's important to be realistic.  If the school is very popular, the seats may fill up with students who meet all the criteria.  However, some schools are more flexible in the evaluation of students than others, which is why it's very important to reach out to school representatives at open houses and high school fairs to ask them specific questions on how they evaluate students.

My child is very creative and loves the arts.  Should he attend a performing arts school?

There are some good options for students interested in the performing or visual arts.  There are small, arts-themed schools that admit students who are interested in the arts but who have little or no arts background.  Typically, these schools offer electives and programs in select forms of  arts.

Large, comprehensive high schools typically offer a broad range of arts options. Some large schools offer competitive, screened arts programs, such as Cardozo High School's dance program, in addition to a range of  arts-related clubs and programs that are open to all students.

Conservatory-style arts schools such as LaGuardia, Frank Sinatra and Professional Performing Arts School offer rigorous and advanced instruction in a range of arts and demand a high level of commitment and talent from the students they admit.

Is it necessary for my child to prepare for an audition?

Yes!  Audition schools are looking for a combination of talent and commitment. Even students who are very talented and have studied their craft for years will need to put time and effort into preparing for their audition.  Don't show up and "wing it" in front of the admissions committee evaluating your audition.

Anything else I should consider when looking for school?

As with every school you are considering, take into account travel time.  Student life and extra-curricular activities are key components to a successful high school experience.  For most high school students, the school day doesn't end with the last class.   For students involved in the arts, there will be performances and practices that will extend the day by several hours.  Adding a long commute on top of a very long school day may be too much for some students and breeze for others.

The next admissions workshop will be held on Tuesday, July 20 in the Stuyvesant High School auditorium (which is air-conditioned!) and will cover Career and Technical Education high schools and programs.

Did you attend the July 14 workshop? Was it helpful and what did you learn? Please comment below.