Connecticut State Department of Education

Common Questions

Common Questions to Consider when Applying

If you need help, please contact us for assistance. We have plenty of resources available to assist you through the process! 

  1. Do I have to complete the application all at once or can I save and return to it at a later time? No, you do not have to complete the application all at once. With our new application, you can start the application and then go back into the application at a later time! You do not have to finish it all at one time, but remember to submit it by March 3, 2023 for the on-time period or as early as possible between March 15, 2023 and September 15, 2023 for the late application period.
  2. If I applied last year and did not receive a placement, do I have to reapply this year for the 2023-24 school year? Yes. All waitlists from previous years have expired. Typically, all waitlists expire on September 30 of each school year. Therefore, families must submit a new application for the 2023-24 school year. 
  3. Can I submit more than one RSCO application for my child to increase my chances of placement? No, you can only submit one (1) RSCO School Choice application for each child, either an on-time application or a late application, but not both. If you submit multiple applications for the same child, RSCO will delete the duplicate applications and will only consider the first application submitted. If you have questions about making changes to your application, please contact RSCO at 860-713-6990 or rsco.sde@ct.gov. 
  4. Do I have to submit a separate application for each of my children? Yes! If you are seeking placements for more than one child, you must complete a separate application for each child under one Guardian account and you must submit a separate application for each program you are interested in (magnet schools, the Open Choice Program, and/or Hartford Region technical high schools).
  5. How do I submit an application for siblings with the same date of birth (twins/multiples)? We try to link applications where two or more siblings share the same birthday and at least one biological parent or legal guardian. In order to group the applications together, the application of each of the siblings (twins/multiples) must follow these basic rules:
    • Apply at the same time. Submit an on-time application (December 7, 2022 to March 3, 2023) or late application (March 15, 2023 to September 15, 2023) for the twins/multiples;
    • Apply for the same grade level; and
    • Select the exact schools or districts in the exact same rank order of preference starting with the first choice
    Although every effort is made to link twins/multiples' applications, placement at a school or program for twins/multiples does not always occur. As always, placements vary by school and program and depend on seat availability.
  6. Is there a placement advantage to applying early? There are no placement advantages to applying early! As long as you apply by March 3, 2023, your application is on time. The only exception to the rule is the CTECS early application deadline of January 13, 2023 for students entering the 9th grade who are applying to the technical high schools through RSCO and want to take advantage of the early application period. 
  7. Do I have to apply to all three school choice programs (magnet schools, open choice program or CTECS schools)? No. You may apply to one or all of the school choice programs that best fit the interests of your child and needs of your family. However, make sure to submit an application for each program (magnet schools, the Open Choice Program, and/or Hartford Region technical high schools) you are interested in!
  8. How many schools can I select for my child's application? The number of selections depends on the program. Use this information as a reference for your choices:
    • Magnet Schools: You may select up to five (5) schools that offer your child's grade level. Rank the schools in order of preference. 
    • Open Choice Program for Hartford Residents:  Hartford residents applying to the Open Choice Program may select up to five (5) school districts based on their residential zone and rank them in order preference.
    • Open Choice Program for non-Hartford Residents: Open Choice provides opportunities at specific programs in a limited number of schools. Applicants may select the schools that serve their grade level and rank them in order of preference. Typically, there are less than five schools available for various grade levels. 
    • Connecticut Technical High Schools: Applicants entering 9th grade can apply to A.I. Prince Technical High School in Hartford, E.C. Goodwin Technical High School in New Britain, and Howell Cheney Technical High School in Manchester through the RSCO application. 
  9. What are my chances of receiving a placement offer if I submit a late application? If you missed the on-time deadline, we encourage families to apply during the late application period.  As in previous years, we will send placement offers to families with late applications as seats become available. Applicants who do not receive a placement in the first round of offers will have the opportunity to add schools and change their order of preference. 

Apply!