Explore Safety, Reach, and Target Schools: Pick the best one for you in 2024!

Finding your way through college applications is like navigating a forest. You’ve spent hours looking at maps (college websites and guides), trying to pick the best path. Everyone seems to have advice, but it’s not always helpful. You want a clear way forward but feel lost.

It’s a smart move for college applicants to divide colleges into three groups: safety, reach, and target. This helps make your college search simpler and your application plan clearer.

This strategy not only increases your chances of getting in but also makes sure you have a variety of choices that meet your needs and goals.

In this blog, we’ll explain the important things every student should think about when picking their dream college. We’ll look at safety schools, reach schools, and target schools.

What are safety, target, and reach schools?

A clear comprehension of these terms and the categories of colleges they represent is an essential aspect of the application process.

What are “Safety” schools?

A safety school is a college that you’re confident you’ll be accepted into based on your academic profile.

These schools are typically seen as “safety nets” because they have less competitive admission requirements compared to the student’s target or reach schools.

The term “safety school” implies that the student’s academic qualifications, such as their grades and standardized test scores, are above the average accepted at these institutions.

Therefore, there is a reasonable expectation that the student will be admitted if they apply.

Safety schools typically have higher rates of acceptance in the range of 65% to 100%.

A few examples of safety schools are Michigan State University (acceptance rate of 71%), the University of Iowa (acceptance rate of 83%), and the University of Alabama (acceptance rate of 83%).

Pros ans cons of safety schools

Choosing safety schools offers numerous advantages and provides a sense of security in the college admissions process.

Pros	Cons
Safety schools generally have higher acceptance rates compared to more competitive schools, increasing the chances of admission for students.	Safety schools may have limited resources in terms of faculty, research opportunities, facilities, or extracurricular activities compared to more competitive institutions.
Having safety schools on your college list can alleviate stress and anxiety associated with the uncertainty of the admissions process. It provides a sense of security knowing that you have viable options.	Students who are academically ambitious may find that safety schools do not provide the same level of intellectual stimulation as more selective schools.
Safety schools may offer more generous financial aid packages or have lower tuition costs, making them more affordable options for students and their families.	If a student’s academic qualifications significantly exceed the average accepted at a safety school, they may feel out of place or unchallenged in the academic environment.
Even though safety schools may be less selective, they can still provide quality education and offer programs of interest to students. It’s important to research the academic offerings to ensure they align with your educational goals.

How many safety schools should I apply to?

When considering the number of safety schools to apply to, it’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

However, Barneson Counseling advises students to apply to 2-3 safety schools.

Having two to three safety schools increases your chances of receiving an acceptance letter and provides a safety net in case your reach and target schools don’t work out.

Applying to multiple safety schools allows you to diversify your options and increases the likelihood of finding a good fit academically, socially, and financially.

What are “Target” schools?

A target/match school is a college that is a good fit for your academic profile. Students usually have a higher chance of admission to these schools.

These schools typically fall within a range where the student’s academic credentials align well with the average accepted applicant.

Target schools are often considered a good fit for students because they strike a balance between safety schools (where acceptance is highly likely) and reach schools (where acceptance is more challenging).

Target schools typically have acceptance rates in the range of 30% to 65%, are in line with your academic profile, and offer resources and opportunities that align with your goals.

A few examples of target schools are the University of Southern California (acceptance rate of 11.4%) and the University of Virginia (acceptance rate of 20.5%).

Pros and cons of target schools

Pros	Cons
Target schools offer a good balance between reach schools and safety schools, with a reasonable chance of being accepted based on the student’s academic profile and qualifications.	Target schools attract a large pool of applicants, resulting in increased competition for admission. This means that meeting the average admission requirements may not guarantee acceptance, and the student will still need to present a strong application to stand out among other qualified candidates.
Target schools often align closely with the student’s academic interests, offering programs, majors, and resources that cater to their academic goals and aspirations.	While target schools have higher acceptance rates compared to reach schools, they can still be competitive, and acceptance is not guaranteed. Students need to carefully consider their chances of admission and have backup options in case they are not accepted.
While target schools are still competitive, they may have a slightly higher acceptance rate compared to reach schools. This can provide students with a better chance of admission while still being surrounded by motivated and academically inclined peers.
Applying to target schools diversifies a student’s options, ensuring they have a range of institutions to consider in case they are not accepted to their reach schools or safety schools. It provides a balance between ambition and practicality.

How many target schools should I apply to?

Determining the number of target schools to apply to depends on various factors, including your academic profile, personal preferences, and the level of selectivity of the schools you are interested in.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, Barneson Counseling advises students to apply to 3-4 target schools.

Applying to 3-4 number of target schools allows you to have a sufficient range of options while managing the application workload effectively.

What are “Reach” schools?

A reach school is a college that may be more difficult to get accepted into based on your academic profile.

These institutions are considered to be the most competitive and selective, with low acceptance rates and high academic standards.

The chances of getting accepted into a reach school are relatively low, making them a significant challenge for most students.

Reach schools are typically highly selective and have lower acceptance rates of less than 30%.

A few examples of reach schools are Skidmore College (acceptance rate of 30%), Boston University (acceptance rate of 22%), and Wake Forest University (acceptance rate of 28%).

Pros and cons of Reach schools

Pros	Cons
Reach schools often have significant prestige and a strong reputation, which can provide valuable networking opportunities and open doors to potential career advancements.	Reach schools have low acceptance rates and attract a large pool of high-achieving applicants. This intense competition makes it challenging to secure admission, increasing the possibility of rejection.
Reach schools are known for their rigorous academic programs and faculty expertise, offering a challenging and intellectually stimulating environment that can enhance your academic growth and learning experience.	Reach schools often have rigorous academic expectations and a demanding workload. The academic pressure can be intense, requiring students to manage their time effectively and consistently perform at a high level.
Reach schools usually have extensive resources, including state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, research opportunities, and access to distinguished professors, providing students with a wealth of educational support and enriching experiences.	Reach schools, particularly private institutions, can be costly. The tuition fees and expenses associated with attending a reach school may pose a financial burden, especially if generous financial aid or scholarships are unavailable.
Attending a reach school allows you to be surrounded by highly motivated and academically talented peers. Interacting with like-minded students can create intellectual discussions, collaborations, and personal growth.	Due to the rigorous academic environment, students at reach schools may have limited time and resources to fully engage in extracurricular activities or explore non-academic interests, potentially impacting their overall college experience.

How many reach schools should I apply to?

When considering the number of reach schools to apply to, it’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

However, Barneson Counseling advises students to apply to 2-3 reach schools.

Applying to a reasonable number of reach schools allows you to challenge yourself academically and pursue institutions that align with your aspirations.

How to find the best Safety, Target, and Reach schools?

Finding the best safety, target/match, and reach schools requires a careful evaluation of your academic profile and researching colleges that align with your aspirations and goals.

Here are some steps to help you find the best safety, target/match, and reach schools:

1. Evaluate your academic profile:  Having good grades, test scores, and other academic qualifications to get an understanding of where you stand in relation to the admission requirements of different institutions. Consider your strengths, weaknesses, and areas of interest.
   Tip: You should check out our blog on “What is a good GPA?” to understanding of where you stand in relation to the admission requirements.
2. Research academic programs: Look for universities and colleges that offer strong programs in your desired field of study. Consider factors such as faculty expertise, research opportunities, internship placements, and alumni networks. Explore the course offerings, curriculum flexibility, and resources available in your area of interest.
3. Assess financial considerations: Consider the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. Research scholarships, grants, and financial aid for college. Evaluate the affordability and potential return on investment of each institution. Ensure that the financial aspect is aligned with your budget and long-term goals.
4. Seek guidance from counselors and teachers: Consult with high school counselors and teachers who have experience with college admissions. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on your academic performance, interests, and goals.
5. Explore campus culture and location: Consider the location and campus culture that best suits your preferences. Think about factors such as urban vs. rural settings, climate, extracurricular activities, and overall student life at each university. College visits are helpful after you have made a college list.

Utilizing online resources for college research

When it comes to researching colleges, online resources can be invaluable tools that provide a wealth of information at your fingertips.

Here are some key steps and resources to consider:

1. Start with official college websites

Visit the websites of the colleges you’re interested in to gather basic information such as academic programs, admission requirements, faculty profiles, campus facilities, and extracurricular activities.

Most colleges have comprehensive websites that can give you a good overview.

2. Explore college search tools

Utilize college search tools that allow you to filter colleges based on your preferences.

Some popular platforms are College Board’s BigFuture, Niche, and Peterson’s.

These platforms often provide detailed information about colleges, including statistics, reviews, and rankings.

3. Check out rankings and reviews

Look for reputable college rankings, such as those published by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, or QS World University Rankings.

While rankings shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor, they can give you an idea of a school’s overall reputation and academic standing.

You can also read reviews from current and former students to gain insights into their experiences.

4. Engage with online communities

Join online forums like Reddit, social media groups, and discussion boards dedicated to college admissions.

These communities are filled with students, parents, and educators who can offer valuable advice, share personal experiences, and answer your questions about specific colleges.

Why categorizing colleges matters: benefits of safety, target, and reach schools

Creating a well-balanced college list is essential to increase your chances of finding the right fit and maximizing your options.

By having a mix of safety, target, and match schools, you increase your options and create a well-rounded college list.

Here are some reasons why this approach is crucial:

1. Maximizing acceptance options

By including a range of safety, reach, and target schools, you increase your chances of receiving acceptance letters.

Safety schools, where your qualifications exceed the average admitted student’s profile, provide a reliable backup option.

Reach schools, despite being more competitive, offer the possibility of gaining admission to highly prestigious institutions.

Target schools, where your qualifications closely align with the average admitted student’s profile, provide a realistic chance of acceptance.

2. Exploring different opportunities

Each school has its unique offerings, including academic programs, resources, campus culture, and extracurricular activities.

Creating a balanced list allows you to explore a variety of options and consider schools that align with your interests, goals, and preferences.

It broadens your perspective and increases the likelihood of finding the best fit for your educational journey.

3. Financial considerations

College costs and financial aid packages vary significantly between institutions. Including a mix of safety, reach, and target schools allows you to consider different financial aid and scholarship opportunities. It increases your chances of receiving merit-based scholarships or need-based financial aid, making higher-cost institutions more affordable.

Factors that impact your chances

When it comes to college admissions, several key factors come into play that can significantly impact your chances of acceptance.

So, here are the following fey factors to consider:

Grades and test scores

Your academic performance, including grades and standardized test scores, is a crucial factor in the college admissions process.

Here’s how this factor can impact your chances:

1. Grades

Admissions officers closely review your high school transcript to assess your academic capabilities.

Consistent and strong performance in challenging courses demonstrates your ability to handle college-level work and can increase your chances of admission.

2. Standardized test scores

Many colleges consider standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT.

Aim to achieve scores that align with the average range of admitted students at your dream college.

Extracurricular Activities

Engagement in extracurricular activities showcases your interests, passions, and skills beyond the classroom.

Here’s how they can impact your chances:

1. Depth and commitment

Colleges appreciate applicants who demonstrate a sustained commitment to a few activities rather than superficial involvement in numerous activities.

Showcasing leadership positions, awards, and accomplishments within your chosen activities can strengthen your application.

2. Impact and personal growth

Highlight how your extracurricular activities have influenced your personal growth, community involvement, and contributions to society.

Demonstrating a genuine impact and a sense of purpose can make your application stand out.

Essays

Your college essays provide an opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and writing abilities.

Here’s how they can impact your chances:

1. Authenticity and voice

Craft compelling essays that reflect your unique voice and experiences.

Admissions officers seek authentic and personal narratives that reveal your character, values, and motivations.

Be sincere, reflective, and genuine in your writing.

2. Clear storytelling

Structure your essays effectively, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Tell engaging stories that capture the reader’s attention and provide insights into your background, challenges you’ve overcome, or significant experiences that have shaped you.

Letters of recommendation and interviews

Letters of recommendation and interviews provide additional perspectives on your qualifications and character.

Here’s how they can impact your chances:

1. Letters of recommendation

Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, character, work ethic, and potential for success.

Encourage them to provide specific examples and anecdotes that highlight your strengths.

2. Interviews

If offered an interview, seize the opportunity to showcase your interpersonal skills, communication abilities, and enthusiasm for the school.

Prepare by researching the school, reflecting on your experiences, and practicing common interview questions.

Other factors: financial need, major, and ethnicity

While grades, extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews are significant factors, other considerations can also impact your chances:

1. Financial need

Some colleges take into account financial needs when making admissions decisions.

They might aim to enroll a diverse student body, including those who require financial assistance.

So, be sure to submit any required financial aid documentation accurately and on time.

2. Major selection

Certain competitive majors may have specific requirements or additional application processes.

Consider researching and preparing for any supplementary materials or prerequisites needed for your intended major.

3. Ethnicity and diversity

Colleges often strive to create a diverse student body.

Your ethnicity or background may play a role in the admissions process, as institutions aim to foster an inclusive and culturally rich environment.

Creating a balanced list of safety, reach, and target schools

Barneson Counseling advises students to apply to a mix of 2-3 reach colleges, 3-4 match colleges, and 2-3 safety colleges.

They also recommend that students get to know the regional admission counselor of each college they’re interested in, as these counselors can give tips on how to make the application stronger.

According to Hernandez College Consulting, the college list should be somewhere between 8-10 schools, including a healthy mix of safety, target, and reach institutions. In cases where a student is applying to a number of highly-competitive colleges, the number of colleges on the list may be increased to 12.

Christopher Obenchain, a director of college counseling at The Downtown School in Washington, suggests that students should do some thinking and research before their first college list-making meeting with their counselor, and come prepared to discuss any other academic or personal concerns that their counselor should take into consideration.

He also states that “Developing a college list and applying to colleges is a process that often involves significant research and refinement over the course of the search. So, students should consider factors such as location, size, academic programs, and extracurricular activities when building their college list and applying to colleges.”

By carefully reviewing each college’s application requirements and deadlines, and preparing your materials for application in advance, you can increase your chances of being admitted to your top-choice colleges.

Finalize your college choices

As you near the end of your college search journey, the process of finalizing your college choices requires careful consideration and reflection.

So, here’s what you can do:

A. Weigh the pros and cons of each college on your list

As you near the final stage of selecting colleges, it’s essential to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each school on your college spreadsheet.

Make a list of the pros and cons for each college based on the following factors, and prioritize those that align closely with your preferences, goals, and values.

Here’s how you can evaluate your options effectively:

1. Academic programs: Consider the strength and reputation of the academic programs that interest you. Look for opportunities such as research projects, internships, study abroad programs, and specialized tracks within your major.
2. Cost and Financial Aid: When narrowing down your college list, considering cost and financial aid is crucial. These factors help determine the affordability of each institution, ensuring a better fit for your financial goals and resources.
3. Outcome: When creating a college list, evaluating the outcomes after graduation is vital. By considering factors such as post-graduation employment rates, salary potential, and alumni success, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your career aspirations and long-term goals.
4. Campus culture and environment: Consider the campus culture, social scene, and overall atmosphere of each college and whether the size, location, and student body align with your preferences. Think about the types of activities, clubs, and organizations available that resonate with your interests.
5. Support services and resources: Investigate the availability of academic support services like tutoring, writing centres, and career counselling. Explore student services such as health centres, mental health resources, and campus safety measures.
6. Alumni network and career opportunities: Research the college’s alumni network and the success of graduates in your field of interest. Consider the internship and job placement rates, career fairs, and networking opportunities offered by the school.

B. Review admission requirements and deadlines

As you finalize your college choices, it’s crucial to review the admission requirements and deadlines for each school on your list.

Create a timeline or checklist or spreadsheet to help you stay organized and ensure that you submit all the necessary materials on time.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Admission requirements: Ensure that you meet the academic prerequisites for each college, including required courses, GPA, and standardized test score ranges. Some colleges also have specific additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or writing samples.
2. Application components: Review the specific components of the application, such as essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular involvement. Take note of any supplementary materials required for certain programs or majors.
3. Application deadlines: Mark the application deadlines for each college, including early decision, early action, and regular decision deadlines. Pay close attention to submission dates for financial aid applications if applicable.

C. Make a well-informed decision based on your preferences and goals

Ultimately, the decision of which college to attend should be based on your personal preferences and goals.

Here’s how you can make a well-informed decision:

1. Revisit your priorities: Consider your academic and personal goals, career aspirations, and the kind of college experience you desire. Think about factors such as location, college housing options, academic offerings, and extracurricular opportunities.
2. Visit or attend virtual events: If possible, revisit the campuses of your top choices to get a final sense of the environment and interact with faculty, staff, and students. Attend virtual events or webinars if an in-person visit is not feasible.
3. Seek advice and input: Discuss your options with trusted mentors, family members, and current students or alumni from the colleges you are considering. They can offer valuable insights and perspectives that may help you make your decision.

In summary

As you navigate the college application journey, it’s essential to consider the importance of each category and its role in your decision-making process.

By including safety schools, you ensure that you have solid backup options where your qualifications exceed the average admitted student’s profile.

Reach schools, on the other hand, offer an exciting opportunity to aim high and challenge yourself academically.

However, it’s crucial to maintain a realistic outlook throughout the process. This is where target schools come into play. They represent the majority of your college list and offer a realistic chance of admission based on your qualifications.

Selecting the right colleges to apply to can be an overwhelming process, but by exploring a balanced list of safety, reach, and target schools, you can set yourself up for success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)