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     The selection process of students is the most critical aspect of the Kismet program. Because we are an educational institution and because our students live (during their program weeks) in small groups of approximately eight children, it is very important that every student is able to handle the curriculum and is able to positively interact with the Kismet community. Even one child can significantly destabilize the group dynamic. And obviously, we want students who enjoy and benefit from the education that we offer.         

     During the early years of Kismet we accepted students based entirely on the recommendation of the staff of boys and girls clubs and of schools, however, it soon became clear that it would be necessary for Kismet staff to have an active hand in the selection process. Thus, this critical process has become a cooperative effort between sending-school staff and Kismet staff. We now use a five step filtering process that is extremely successful:        

     First school staff identifies 13-year old students who qualify   financially for our program and who would likely benefit from a Kismet education.        

     Second, we give a thorough presention (with slides) to potential students so they are able to self-select based on their interest. Theythen apply for the program with their parents' permission.        

     Third, we return to schools to interview each applicant.        

     Fourth, we confer with school staff to verify what we are seeing in each student.        

     Fifth, the students' first year with us is considered part of the   selection process since no interview process can be perfect.                 

     This has become an extraordinarily effective system for student acceptance.  Nearly every student that we have accepted during the last few years has been an excellent student. After the first year, every student who attends Kismet belongs with us and has become an important member of the Kismet community.        

     This process requires considerable effort and time  (we are in the midst of that process now).  However, it creates a foundation for a fabulous and highly successful program.