Parents in Berlin are facing significant chaos and despair regarding the upcoming secondary school registration for their 6th graders, which commences on March 5th. The system permits families to list three preferred schools, but the process, particularly concerning the second and third choices, is causing widespread frustration. The article's author recounts a personal experience from a Saturday morning in January, highlighting the confusion over which schools to visit during open days. Debates arise within families about district requirements for second choices versus the perceived availability of spots in less-demanded schools, such as Charlottenburg gymnasiums. This complex system, despite allowing parental choice, is described as driving families to despair due to its inherent difficulties.