My inbox has been flooded with questions about high school acceptances since 8th graders must decide by April 12 what high school offer to accept, or which school to apply to in Round 2. I've received several questions from families of students who were accepted by specialized high schools in addition to another school; others from parents who wonder why their children did not make the cut. This week I'll answer three of them.

Q: We have a dilemma, my daughter is now in Hunter and can continue there for high school. But she also got into Stuyvesant. Hunter is a long commute, Stuy is close to home; Hunter is smaller, less competitive and she has friends there. Stuy is stronger in Science, which is her strength. It also has a range of extra curricular activities that Hunter cannot match. Would it be folly to leave Hunter for a larger, less personal school?

You have a happy dilemma, and you have certainly laid out the pros and cons. It is really up to you and your daughter to make the decision. Have you been to see Stuyvesant? Did you get a good feeling about the atmosphere , kids, and teachers there? Are there any other kids your daughter knows going too? Keep in mind that students at large schools -- such as Stuyvesant -- often find their own community of frends and supportive faculty that make it seem smaller-- whether in sports, the math club, or SING. Yet, many families in 6-12 schools find it's easier just to stay put!

Most people don't have the choice you do, but everyone is concerned about making the right decision. When it comes down to it, you have to measure your own child's ability to thrive in the school, some like it small and intimate, others want more kids and more activities, some don't mind travel. There is still enough time before the decision is due on April 12 so perhaps other parents with similar decisions or experience will weigh in in comments below. And, you and your daughter may want to reach out to students and parents at both high schools to get feedback.

Q: My son was accepted at both Bard High School in Manhattan and Stuyvesant. If he chooses to go to Bard and isn't happy, will his score on the Specialized High School exam stand for the next year so that he can go to Stuyvesant?

In a word, "no." If you decline an offer to a specialized school, your son has to retake the test for 10th grade. Keep in mind, there are far fewer slots available to incoming 10-graders. And, there are no transfers in 9th grade. Students who accept a specialized high school placement must attend for at least one year.

Q: I'm puzzled by my son's score on the specialized high school exam. He scored much higher on the practice exams. Is it possible there was a mistake and is there anything I can do to find out?

Yes, you may review the answer sheet to determine if there has been a mistake in scoring, or to discover where your child made mistakes, but you'll have to act fast --  before April 1 -- to review the test. Here's what the specialized high school student handbook says:

"... parents/guardians accompanied by their child may review a copy of the student's answer sheet by requesting an appointment with a representative from the Office of Assessment. Appointments may be arranged by writing to the Office of Assessment, SHSAT Review, 52 Chambers Street, Room 309, New York, NY 10007. The request must be sent by certified mail with proof of delivery and postmarked no later than April 1, 2013. An appointment date will be arranged within approximately four weeks of receipt of the letter. Copies of answer sheets are not available for distribution but will be reviewed at the scheduled appointment."

The test review and transfer policy are stated on page 17 of thehandbook.

Most people don't have so many choices at this point, but everyone is concerned about making the right decision. There is still enough time to research more possibilities – new schools, for instance which will be represented at a fair on April 6-7—and to hear from parents and kids who are currently attending schools you have in mind. Parents with similar dilemmas, or experience, please weigh in..

Good luck to all!

Judy