If you are set on applying to one of the few New York schools that will get hundreds of applications for the half dozen spots they have (after legacies and siblings), then you may, in fact, have to call them on D Day, but even most of these schools have switched to a lottery system which, while not making the system any less random or aggravating, at least makes it a little less time consuming. Preschools that use a lottery to give out a limited number of applications will accept phone calls for applications throughout the week. Also be sure to check school web sites because some schools now allow you to download applications or even apply online. As for the rest of them, the 153 other preschools in NYC, call them later in the week, there are even plenty of schools you can call in October and not have a problem. Of course there are also the schools that like to perpetuate the myth because it makes them seem more desirable. While I guess I can't blame them for working a little marketing mojo, it does seem kind of mean and not, like, what we want our children to be learning in Preschool. So how do you go about sanely applying for preschools in New York City? First, take a look at my overview of the preschool application process. Then seriously consider not talking to any other parents for the next ten months so that you can avoid being sucked in to the hype - or perhaps make a pact with your friends to keep each other sane and not get hysterical. Or you can opt out of the whole thing and only apply to schools that take kids on a first-come first-served basis. You may find that the blocks are just as nice at even a non top-tier preschool and the application process couldn't be easier.