# Lottery System — Definition & Explanation

> From the SchoolBrowse Education Glossary.
> HTML version: https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/lottery-system

**In short:** A random selection process used by oversubscribed schools to fairly determine which applicants receive admission.
A **school lottery** is a random selection process used when more students apply to a school than there are available spaces. Lotteries provide a fair, unbiased method for determining admission to popular public schools of choice.

## How Lotteries Work

Families submit applications during a designated enrollment window. After the deadline, a random drawing determines admission. Some lotteries weight for factors like siblings, geographic zones, or diversity goals. Unselected applicants typically join waiting lists.

## Lottery Strategies

Since lotteries are random, there is no way to guarantee admission. Apply to multiple schools when possible, understand priority categories, submit applications on time, and have backup plans. Lottery odds vary significantly by school.

## Frequently asked questions

**Q: Are school lotteries truly random?**

Yes. Legitimate lotteries use random selection processes, often with third-party oversight. Results are not influenced by when you apply (within the window) or how applications are completed.
**Q: What happens if my child is not selected?**

Unselected applicants typically join a waiting list. As spots open during the year, students are admitted from the list. You can also apply again the following year.
**Q: Do siblings get priority in lotteries?**

Many schools give sibling preference, admitting siblings before the general lottery. This helps keep families together. Check specific school policies.

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Source: SchoolBrowse Education Glossary (https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary). Please attribute and link to https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/lottery-system when citing this definition.