Systems, methods, and computer-readable and executable instructions are provided for selecting executing requests to preempt. Selecting executing requests to preempt can include determining whether an application is in an overload condition. Selecting executing requests can also include in response to determining the application is in an overload condition, identifying each request that is being executed by the application. Selecting executing requests can also include determining a value for each request that is executing. Furthermore, selecting executing requests can also include selecting executing requests to preempt based on the values for the requests.