Trying to get a kid into a Catholic high school in New York City, it’s kind of like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube while someone’s shaking the table. Seriously. There’s applications, interviews, forms, and then—oh, yes—the looming tachs practice test. Some parents walk in thinking it’s a “simple thing,” and then realize halfway through the season that nothing is simple at all. And students? They’re juggling homework, social lives, sports, maybe music, and suddenly this feels like Mount Everest.
Figuring Out What’s Out There
NYC has a ton of Catholic high schools, and not all of them are the same. Some schools are all about academics. Some are artsy. Some are sports-focused. And some… well, they’re kind of a mix of everything. It’s funny, sometimes parents look at brochures thinking “they’re all the same” until they actually visit. Then it clicks—oh, that’s not the same vibe at all.
Tips for checking out schools:
- Scroll through the school’s social media. Those candid photos tell stories brochures can’t.
- Attend open houses, even virtually. You’ll pick up on vibes you didn’t expect.
- Talk to other parents or students—sometimes casual chatter in the parking lot is more useful than an official brochure.
The “vibe” is important. A student can be perfect on paper but feel completely out of place socially. It’s one of those things you don’t realize until it matters.
Applications: Don’t Panic
Applications are where the chaos usually starts. Forms, essays, letters of recommendation… it piles up fast. The secret is simple: organization. Binders, folders, spreadsheets—whatever works.
Some practical tips:
- List every school with deadlines and requirements.
- Gather all documents ahead of time. Trust me, you don’t want last-minute panicking.
- Make a mini-timeline. Deadlines love to sneak up otherwise.
- Review everything. Twice. Maybe three times if you’re paranoid (which is normal).
It can help to let the student take ownership too. Give them responsibility—it reduces stress and teaches them something about handling deadlines.
Less Stress, More Conversation
Interviews aren’t meant to scare students—they’re just a chat. And yes, some kids get nervous, but a few practice rounds at home can make a huge difference.
- Ask simple questions about hobbies, interests, why the school appeals.
- Encourage honesty; no one likes a rehearsed robot.
- Pause if needed. Thinking is fine.
- Treat it like a conversation, not a grilling session.
A little prep plus a relaxed mindset goes a long way for confidence.
Managing Stress
The process is stressful—parents and students alike. And that’s normal. Keeping perspective is key. Not every student will get into every school. And that’s okay. Fit is more important than prestige.
- Keep routines steady. Sleep, meals, small breaks—they matter.
- Celebrate small wins. Submitted an essay? Practiced a test section? Done a recommendation? Celebrate.
- Talk openly about feelings. Feeling overwhelmed is normal.
Sometimes stepping back and breathing does more than any prep session ever could.
Beyond Grades
Schools don’t just look at academics. They care about well-rounded students. Participation, initiative, community involvement—these things count.
- Clubs, sports, arts, and hobbies.
- Volunteer work.
- Projects that show curiosity or dedication.
- Growth over time, not just peak performance.
Even small activities can tip the balance. A student who’s engaged, curious, and kind often stands out more than one who’s just a perfect test-taker.
Parents: The Quiet Heroes
Parents, you do more than you realize. Guiding without pressure, helping without taking over—that’s the sweet spot.
- Attend info sessions together.
- Stay calm and discuss options.
- Encourage reflection on what matters.
- Help with organization, but don’t micromanage.
Supportive guidance often matters more than “perfect execution.”
Decisions: Handling Outcomes
Acceptance, waitlists, rejections—they all happen. Normal reactions are fine. Perspective is key.
- Review offers calmly.
- Respectfully follow up on waitlists.
- Celebrate accomplishments, no matter the result.
- Keep an open mind. Sometimes the unexpected choice is perfect.
Teaching resilience and perspective is part of the process too.
Wrapping It Up
Getting into a Catholic high school in NYC isn’t impossible. It’s not a cakewalk either. But if parents and students break it into steps, stay organized, prep for the tachs practice test, and keep the process light, it works.
Small habits—checking essays, practicing questions, keeping deadlines in check—matter more than last-minute panic. Parents and students who work together, stay calm, and focus on fit rather than prestige usually do better than anyone expects.
