There has to be equitable allocation of places where a popular school is over-subscribed. Kids from low income households should be given an increased chance. Plus at least some kids from other parts of town and from all achievement bands. The school should be allowed to expand within limits. Finally, a computerised random ballot should be used. A computer system could easily weight all these factors along with parents' preferences. If you don't get your first choice, you'll at least get priority treatment for your second choice. That's the fairest and most transparent way of doing it.   more »