Pupils choose school- or school chooses pupil?

[Darla]

No: HPFGUIDX 46035

Hey everyone, 
   Just a small question about something that's been bugging me. In 
one of the books (G of F, i think) Malfoy mentions in a conversation 
that his father had wanted him to go to one of the other wizarding 
schools (i forget which one) because of their emphasis on the dark 
arts, but that his mother wanted him closer to home, hence his 
attendance at Hogwarts. 
  From a comment J.K. Rowling made in an interview about Hogwarts 
drawing up names of pupils by magic, i always assumed it was the 
school that picked the pupil... I mean, it must be pretty strong 
magic to be able to draw up a list of all the magical children close 
to it. (at least, i assume it works geographically). 
  So do you think it's possible for a wizard (Malfoy) to apply else 
where, when the names are already picked and listed?
  Darla.