Hey all, I've heard people talking about reach, target, and safety schools, but I'm not exactly sure what these terms mean. Can someone explain the difference between them? How many of each type of school should I have on my college list? Any guidance would be super helpful!
Hi there! I'd be happy to explain the differences between reach, target, and safety schools. When you're creating your college list, it's essential to have a mix of these three types of schools to ensure you have a variety of options and increase your chances of being accepted into a college that suits you.
1. Reach Schools: These are colleges where your academic credentials (GPA, test scores, etc.) fall below the average accepted student's profile. Getting into these schools would be a bit of a stretch, but it's still possible if you have a compelling application.
2. Target Schools: These are colleges where your credentials are in line with the average accepted student's profile. You have a reasonable chance of being admitted, but it's not guaranteed.
3. Safety Schools: These are colleges where your credentials are above the average accepted student's profile, and you have a high likelihood of being admitted. It's essential to choose safety schools you'd be happy to attend.
As for how many of each type you should have on your list, it's generally recommended to have 2-3 reach schools, 3-4 target schools, and 2-3 safety schools. Best of luck with your college search!
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