<p>Zoosermom's point about alternatives explains another reason why many Black and Hispanic kids aren't gung ho about the three special NYC High Schools. I don't remember the name but one of the regular comprehensive high schools in Queens has become quite popular and attracts bright students, as do a few of the "theme" high schools like the business & finance school in Manhattan. And the high school on the Campus of City College maintains a joint-program that leads to the M.D. (at least it did at one time).</p>