What does 'target school' mean exactly?

Hey all, I've seen the term 'target school' being used a lot, but I'm not really sure what it means. Could someone please explain the concept to me? How does it relate to the college application process?

Hey there! A "target school" is a term used in the context of college applications, referring to a college or university where your academic credentials (GPA, standardized test scores, etc.) and extracurricular achievements align closely with the typical profile of admitted students. In other words, it's a school where you have a reasonable chance of being accepted based on your stats and accomplishments.

The college application process usually involves categorizing potential colleges as "reach," "target," or "safety" schools, based on your qualifications and the school's selectivity:

1. Reach schools: These are highly competitive schools where your academic credentials fall below the average range for admitted students. The chance of acceptance is lower, but it's still worth applying if you're passionate about the institution.

2. Target schools: As mentioned before, these are schools where your profile is a good match for the average admitted student. Your chance of acceptance is moderate, and you should have a solid list of target schools to balance out your college list.

3. Safety schools: These are schools where your academic credentials exceed the average range for admitted students, giving you a higher chance of being accepted. It's always a good idea to apply to a few safety schools to ensure you have options in case things don't work out with your reach or target schools.

To build a balanced college application list, it's recommended to include a mix of reach, target, and safety schools. This strategy helps maximize your chances of being admitted to at least one school while also giving you opportunities to potentially get into your dream school. If you're unsure which category a particular school falls into for you personally, consider checking out CollegeVine's free chancing engine (https://www.collegevine.com/admissions-calculator), which accounts for all elements of your profile to provide you with personalized odds of acceptance at a wide range of schools, as well as suggestions for how you could make your candidacy more compelling.

Good luck with your applications!