A lottery number is a hexadecimal number representing your place in the order of applicants to a specific school. This number varies based on the number of families that apply and how they rank their schools. The DOE will not reveal your lottery number unless you specifically request it. This creates an inequitable situation where some families are given more information than others. Some of the in-the-know families have received detailed explanations and percentile information along with their lottery numbers, while others are simply given the 32-character lottery number without any additional details.
There is no one correct way to select lottery numbers, but some players have developed strategies and rituals around this process. For example, some choose numbers that correspond to their birthdays or anniversaries. Others follow the theory that certain numbers are “hot” or “cold” based on their frequency in previous lottery draws.
But it’s important to remember that the odds of selecting winning lottery numbers are stacked mightily against you. The best way to reduce the stress associated with this decision is to play in a lottery syndicate. This method allows you to increase the number of combinations you have access to while reducing the cost of individual tickets. Ultimately, this will increase your odds of winning.