PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Eighth graders in Philadelphia have a tough job — selecting high schools for next year by October 28th.

Some schools allow visits; but selections of five schools are made by family research.

While there are many choices — neighborhood high schools, special admission schools, charter high schools among them, thousands of students “unknowingly apply to schools where their chances of getting in may be lower than 1 percent,” according to The Notebook of Philadelphia Public Schools.

The Notebook provides data on all high schools: admissions requirements, locations, enrollments, demographics and in many cases activities both in and after school. A section in Spanish is included.

Families should get information on academic achievement, a major factor in decision-making; but be sure to check The Notebook to learn which schools are most popular (last year it was Northeast) and where you can find exciting activities such as robotics!

Reported By Dr. Marciene Mattleman, KYW Newsradio