Should I only choose 3 schools?

[LloydColeandtheCoconuts]

My DS is due to start Reception in September, I’m filling out the form and I’m about to press the submit button. Where we live there are 4 schools close by. 3 I really like and 1 I don’t. Would it be presumptuous of me to select the 3 schools, despite having a choice of 6? What have been your experiences?
More of a WWYD than AIBU.
Thanks

We really need a pinned thread at this time of year with loads of myth busting (like "if I only put down one school that will guarantee I get it").

Basically, if your child doesn't get into any of your PREFERENCES, then the nice computer/person at the local authority will allocate you the nearest school with places.
Please don't put the same school three/four/six times

I think it would be helpful if, instead of being able to leave a space blank, the online forms automatically required you to fill it in as 'No Preference: Any Other School In Borough'.

That would really emphasize how leaving blank spaces isn't increasing your chance of getting the school/s you want; it's decreasing your control over what happens if you don't.

Tsundoku - I agree.

Agree lol parents think its a given, if they only put 1/2/3 choices. Ummm no it doesn't work like that. How many threads have we seen over the years where parents have got a school they didn't want for doing exactly this....

Hmm. Our form only has 3 spaces

If you only put one school or put the same school multiple times, that means if you don't get in you'll just be allocated the neareast school that still has available space once all applications have been processed. And that is likely to be a school that is less popular, and could be quite far away depending on demand for places in your area.

Yy, Tsundoku

Thanks for this thread. I had only put down 3 choices so I've filled all the spaces now.

If you really don't want the 4th School, pick the next 3 that you would, say in surrounding areas that you could travel to easily/on the way to work.