What are target universities?

Hey guys, I've been hearing the term 'target universities' a lot lately. What does it mean? How do I figure out which ones to put on my list?

Target universities are schools where your academic profile (grades, test scores, and rigor of coursework) aligns well with the typical profile of admitted students. These schools are considered a good match for you, as you have a reasonably strong chance of being admitted, compared to reaching for more selective schools or opting for less competitive ones.

To figure out which schools could be target universities for you, follow these steps:

1. Assess your academic profile: Take note of your unweighted GPA, standardized test scores (if the schools you're considering require them), and the rigor of your coursework (the number of AP, IB, or honors classes you've taken) compared to what is offered at your school.

2. Research schools' admitted student profiles: Most universities publish information about the academic profile of their admitted students, including average GPA, middle 50% test scores (if applicable), and details about course rigor. This information can typically be found on each school's admissions website or by searching for the school's common data set.

3. Compare your profile with admitted students: Once you have these statistics, compare your academic profile to the profiles of admitted students at different colleges. If your GPA, test scores (if applicable), and course rigor fall comfortably within or slightly above the range for a college's admitted students, that college can be considered a target school for you. Schools where your profile is considerably above the range are likely to be safety schools, while those where your profile falls below the range are considered reach schools.

4. Consider other factors: Beyond academics, think about other factors that matter to you in a college, such as location, size, social atmosphere, majors offered, and extracurricular opportunities. You'll want to choose target schools that are not only a good academic fit, but also a good fit for your personal preferences and future goals.

As part of the college application process, it's wise to apply to a mix of reach, target, and safety schools to maximize your chances of being admitted to a college that is a good fit for you. Keep in mind that factors beyond academics can also impact admission decisions, but start by identifying target schools where your academic profile is a strong match.