How do I decide if I should apply to a college as a reach, match, or safety?

Hi there! I'm a junior and I'm trying to categorize the colleges I'm interested in as reach, match, or safety schools. What factors should I consider when making this decision? Thanks for any advice!

Hi! It's great that you're thinking about categorizing your colleges early on. When deciding whether a school is a reach, match, or safety, consider the following factors: your GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and the school's acceptance rate. A good starting point is to research the average admitted student profile for each college you're interested in and compare it to your own qualifications.

Reach schools are those where your stats fall below the average admitted student's, but you still have a chance of getting in. Match schools are those where your stats align with the average admitted student's, meaning you have a reasonable chance of being accepted. Safety schools are those where your stats exceed the average admitted student's, and you're highly likely to be admitted.

Remember that no school is a guarantee, so it's a good idea to apply to a mix of reach, match, and safety schools to maximize your chances of getting into a college you'll love. Best of luck with your college search!