On March 5, 2015 — when the first round of New York City Public High School assignments was released — thousands of eighth-graders learned where they will attend school for the next four years.

Round 1 — Stats

Most students were matched to one of their top choices. But an unfortunate number of middle schoolers did not get placed in one of the choices they had listed on their applications. They must now enter Round 2 of the process.

If you are one of the nearly 6,000 students (about 8 percent of applicants this year) who wasn’t matched to a school, or if you aren’t happy with your match and want to try again, read on to learn what your next steps are.

Round 2 — What Now?

Over the weekend of March 14 and 15, 2015, thousands of middle school families will gather at the Martin Luther King, Jr. campus at 122 Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan to learn more about Round 2 of the NYC public high school application process and to meet with representatives from participating schools.

The Round 2 High School Fair is a difficult ritual for families each year. Unlike the majority of students — who received and are satisfied with their results — those in Round 2 represent reluctant warriors who must choose from among the schools that still have remaining seats.

Culminating with a Round 2 application deadline on March 20, the process is, in structure, similar to that of Round 1. Families may list up to 12 programs in which they have interest. This time, however, they must choose from among a much more limited number of programs. While there is still a variety of schools with openings, many of the most highly sought-after programs have already been filled. Identifying and choosing schools in this subsequent round, and then waiting until May for the results, can be even more trying than the wait leading up to Round 1 assignments.

_Based on the recently released <a href="http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/0F71D1AA-FBBE-4DD3-8DB2-91B7EB1B03F5/0/Round2ProgramListandGuide.pdf){: target="_blank" rel="nofollow" }, use Noodle to check out what different [NYC high schools](https://www.noodle.com/nyc-choice" target="blank">list of high schools with open spots have to offer.

After Round 2 — Next Steps

Many students will be placed in one of the Round 2 schools they choose. Others who cannot be matched to a Round 2 choice will be placed in a school that is within reasonable proximity of their home and still has openings.

In May, there will be an appeals period in which families can present a case for why their child’s assignment will represent a significant hardship — usually related to concerns about travel, safety, medical issues, or the lack of appropriate services for disabled students at the matched school. To learn more about this option and to request an appeals form, speak to your child’s middle school guidance counselor.

When the dust settles in June, all middle school students will know where they are supposed to attend high school in September. Many will be happy, others will cope and try the admissions process next year in hopes of a 10th grade transfer to a different school.

Round 2 families are not in an easy position — but understanding the process, investigating the available options, and deciding on the best fit will help your child move forward.

Wishing you all the best, Round 2 families!

_Find more advice and answers about the NYC high school admissions on Noodle._

Sources:

High School Events. (n.d.). Retrieved March 8, 2015, from NYC Department of Education.

2015 Round 2 Program List Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved March 8, 2015, from NYC Department of Education.

Nearly Half of NYC High School Applicants Accepted to First Choice. (2015, March 5). Retrieved March 7, 2015, from SchoolBook.