Students preparing to apply to a public high school in New York City can shop around this weekend when the Department of Education hosts its annual citywide high school fair in Brooklyn. The fair is meant to give eighth graders, along with younger students wishing to get a head start, a chance to learn more about the array of high school choices.

All New York City eighth graders must turn in an application for high school. the fair is also good for ninth graders looking to transfer schools.

Besides table hopping, prospective students can attend workshops on the application process, including how to apply to one of the city’s specialized high schools. Students have until October 10 to register for the specialized high school admissions test or for an audition to Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.

Inside Schools has posted some guidance on the high school admissions process. They’ve also made a handy video on how to get the most out of a high school fair.

This weekend’s high school fair is from 10:00 to 3:00 on Saturday and Sunday at Brooklyn Technical High School in Fort Greene. The city will also host fairs in each borough October 14 and 15. The Education Department posts a calendar on its website with these dates and other important deadlines.

Families will receive high school applications in early October, education officials say, which are due December 3 for the first round of admissions. Students should have received the high school directory at the end of their seventh-grade year.

There is an application process for middle school as well, and the city will hold district middle school fairs in October. The D.O.E. says it will release middle school applications in November, with a December deadline.