Unless you grew up in one of the five boroughs of New York City, you probably have no idea of the challenges involved in getting into public high school. For many students, the process begins years in advance. And not unlike applying to college, kids and families consider a variety of schools. Some of those schools require an exam, while others require an interview or portfolio. This complicated process has left the most disadvantaged students behind. 

That’s why, just before leaving office, former mayor Bill de Blasio passed legislation to change the application process with the goal of making top schools like these more accessible.

In this episode Epicenter’s Mitra Kalita speaks with Natasha Warikoo about her new book titled “Race at the Top: Asian Americans and Whites in Pursuit of the American Dream in Suburban Schools”. The book explores competition in suburban high schools with growing numbers of Asian Americans. 

Natasha Warikoo: https://natashawarikoo.com/

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