Thank you @gardenstategal and @CaliMex. I think it makes sense to apply in 6th Grade with lowered expectations and then just see how it goes with the other schools - we would be applying to the usual selective private day school suspects in suburban NJ and Manhattan. Where the older daughter gets in in Grade 6 is a big deal as it would likely involve our relocation (from Jersey City) and influence the universe of schools the younger daughter applies to a couple of years behind the older one. My gut feel is that academically in terms of test scores younger one is going to be more exceptional so which the order were flipped but it is what it is.