Kristina Raevsky, a 14-year-old eighth-grader from Queens, was devastated to learn that she was not accepted into her dream high school, Townsend Harris High School in Flushing. Despite having a perfect GPA of 100, perfect attendance, and numerous accomplishments including debate trophies and four published books, Raevsky was rejected due to a lottery system that grouped her with students who scored over a 94 on their tests. This left Raevsky feeling shocked and frustrated, as she believed her achievements should have been enough to secure her a spot in the school.
The admissions process for Townsend Harris High School changed in 2022 to focus on seventh-grade core subject grades, an essay, and a two-minute video submission. Students were then sorted into different groups based on their performance and subjected to a lottery system for final selection. Raevsky expressed her disapproval of the subjective nature of this new process, stating that the lottery ultimately determined her fate and reduced her to just a number. She strongly believes that life and opportunities should not be left up to chance, but rather based on merit and hard work.
Prior to the pandemic, schools like Townsend Harris had their own admissions criteria, which were altered by former Mayor Bill de Blasio to increase diversity and equity among selective schools. However, Chancellor David Banks, under Mayor Adams, reinstated screens and narrowed the criteria to students with a 94 or above, which was welcomed by advocates for high-achieving students. Despite this change, Raevsky insists that the difference between a 94 and a 100 student is significant, with the latter exhibiting more dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance in their academic pursuits.
Raevsky, who is on track to become the valedictorian at JHS 157, expressed disappointment at not being considered a 94 student by the new admissions criteria. She was accepted into the Bronx High School of Science, but finds it too far from home and is not interested in attending a STEM-focused school. Instead, Raevsky considers herself a humanities kid, enjoying subjects like history, writing, and reading. Despite this setback, her ultimate goal is to become a US Senator, where she hopes to focus on education and public safety.
In light of the rejection from Townsend Harris High School, Raevsky has decided to attend a nearby parochial school on a scholarship. Her family, like many others dissatisfied with the public school system’s policies, has chosen to opt out of the city Department of Education. Raevsky expressed relief at the opportunity to attend a private school where she believes she will be appreciated for her merit and academic abilities. As she embarks on this new chapter in her education, Raevsky remains determined to pursue her ambitions and make a difference in the fields of education and public policy in the future.
