Abstract: A method for selective amplification of at least one target nucleic acid sequence, comprising the steps of: treating a sample with a tagged oligonucleotide comprising a target hybridizing sequence that hybridizes to a 3?-end of the target nucleic acid sequence, and a tag sequence situated 5? to the target hybridizing sequence that does not stably hybridize to a target nucleic acid, wherein tagged oligonucleotide hybridized to target nucleic acids form tagged target nucleic acids; prior to initiating a primer extension reaction, reducing the effective concentration of unhybridized tagged oligonucleotide having an active form; initiating an extension reaction to produce a primer extension product; separating the primer extension product from the target nucleic acid; and producing amplification products therefrom using an oligonucleotide that hybridizes to the complement of the tag sequence.