That is a good point @417WHB. Both daughters are actually in a private school in Jersey City right now in Grades 4 and 2. We like the school overall compared to the options, but are feeling a bit frustrated by lack of resources for certain EC activities such as sports and the small cohort size will make it more difficult to get hands-on leadership experience in EC activities in middle school.
Figured Grade 6 is worth a shot if the older daughter does well in ISEE. Younger daughter probably has an edge in terms of standardized test performance on Math and academics overall. Figure it is worth taking a chance even if she doesn’t get in because it shows interest and she can try again for Grade 9. If younger daughter gets in Grade 6, then it should help older daughter in Grade 9.