How to Apply to EF New York: Admissions Process and Requirements

EF New York gives students a more classic structured educational experience than its California location. EF New York’s classes work best for students who prefer a mix of different instructional styles, including lecture, group work, independent projects, and class discussions (similar to a classic American high school). In English Literature class, students use the Harkness method, which means that the class time is primarily filled with student discussion of a text. This method is common in top boarding schools, like Exeter and Kent. EF New York uses their immense amount of experience with students coming from other school systems around the world to inform their systems and help students ease into these new classroom structures. 

EF New York also profits from the benefits of a 100% boarding environment. 

What EF Looks For

EF New York looks for students who are excited for the opportunity to live and study abroad. They want the application process to be student-driven, rather than parent-driven. That means students should be the ones reaching out to the school and proactively asking questions throughout the process, rather than parents, whenever possible. 

If your child struggles with organization or time management, they should aim to join EF New York in 9th grade or learn those skills before attending. In 9th grade, EF New York provides a “boot camp” on time management, organization, and other key skills they will need in their time at boarding school. They offer fewer support structures with each passing year to allow students to get more and more independent as they age. Some support structures remain through a student’s entire time at EF New York. For example, all students have mandatory “Homework Time” in their room every weeknight, dorm parents wake up any students who do not get to class in time in the mornings, and rooms get professionally cleaned weekly.

Otherwise, EF New York is an easier school community to join as a 10th or 11th grader than many other boarding schools. English Language Learners can come in at any grade and receive extra academic support until they are ready to transition into English-only courses. English Language Learners can either complete their English Language Learner program from June to August, April to August, or January to August, depending on a student’s need and availability. 

EF New York has found that students do best there if they come in with a special interest or skills, whether that be in the arts, academics, or a solo-sport. However, many students find their special interests and/or skills on campus. There is a pipeline from EF New York into arts schools, but it is less common to be recruited to college for a team sport from EF New York. So, if your child specializes in a team sport and wants to be recruited as a team sport athlete for college, EF New York may not be the best fit.

Extroverted students tend to do better socially in this larger school environment, though EF New York is a mix of both extroverted and introverted students. We also recommend students who choose EF to be more proactive in advocating for themselves and seeking out extra help from teachers. 

What Steps to Take

Step 1. Get in contact with the school. Crimson Education Strategy Consultants have connections on campus, so we can help you get in touch with their admissions team and discuss your child’s profile with the EF Academy New York team. If you decide to apply independently, get in touch with an Enrollment Advisor at the school. 

Note: EF Academy New York likes for families to visit campus in-person. Prospective students have the opportunity to shadow a current student for a half day to see if the school is a fit. This visit can take place anytime from February of the previous year to the January your application is due. 

Step 2. Ask your child’s current Math, Science, History, or English teacher for a recommendation letter. If you would like the best odds of gaining entrance, aim for the Early Admissions deadline in November. We recommend asking recommenders 1-2 months ahead of the deadline in order to earn the best possible recommendation letter. Our Strategy Consultants also help students put together a Brag Sheet of important information about them for their recommenders to know about them before writing their recommendation letters. 

Note: Wait until recommenders agree to write the letters before sending the formal request through the application platform itself.

Step 3. Ask the administrators at your child’s school to share a copy of their transcript. Then send a formal request through the application platform itself.

Step 4. Complete the written application. If applying through the Standard Application Online portal,  you should fill in literal information about your family (child’s birthdate, address, parent names, siblings names, etc.) in the student profile. Your child should write descriptions of their child’s activities and achievements (prioritizing the ones they are most passionate about and the ones they are most skilled at) in the student profile. Our Strategy Consultants also help students identify which of their extracurriculars are most impressive and which details to include in their profiles. The SAO application will also require several parent essays and student essays. All this information must be submitted together. Aim to submit the written application before the Early Admissions deadline in November.

Step 5. Schedule a student interview. This can take place in person or virtually and both are equally valued. Interviews last 45 minutes. 

Step 6. Email with updates. If there are any major changes to your student’s profile, such as a move into a new leadership position, a large improvement in grades, or a major award, email the school to update them on this accomplishment. Try not to send more than 2 updates after completing the application. Our Strategy Consultants can help you decide which updates to include and when would be the best time to share such updates with schools.

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