the list of accomplished alumni includes supreme court justice stephen breyer, broadway legend carol channing and governor pat brown among many others. considered an elite school lowell has relied on two requirements to get in -- a high grade point affect and a state test. both of which will not be counted this year because of the coronavirus. >> there was not an option for an a, b, c, d, f. there was only the option of credit or no credit. >> reporter: the test was also suspended last spring. >> the proposal is the superintendent's proposal not a board proposal is for us to waive the policy for one year based on covid. >> reporter: students who apply will use the same lottery system as other high schools within the unified school district. the algorithm takes into account a few factors including if a sibling already attends that school and proximity to the school. still, the president believes the academic rigor at lowell will dissuade some families from even applying. >> and students will know that going in, stow a student who is not prepared for that is not likely to apply for that. >> rep