How do I find the right balance between reach, target, and safety schools?

Hello! As a junior, I'm starting to create my college list and I want to make sure I have a good balance of reach, target, and safety schools. How many of each should I apply to? Any tips on finding the right balance would be awesome. Thanks!

Hi there! It's great that you're thinking about this early on. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but I can share some insights based on my experience with my own child. When it comes to reach, target, and safety schools, a good rule of thumb is the '2-4-2' approach: apply to 2 reach schools, 4 target schools, and 2 safety schools. This gives you a solid balance without overwhelming yourself with too many applications.

To find the right schools for each category, start by researching schools that offer programs you're interested in and are a good fit for your academic profile. Reach schools are those where your GPA and test scores are on the lower end of the admitted student range, making admission more competitive. Target schools are those where your stats align with the average admitted student, giving you a reasonable chance of acceptance. Safety schools are those where your stats are well above the average admitted student, making admission likely.

It's important to be realistic about your chances and make sure you'd be happy attending any of the schools on your list. Don't forget to consider factors like campus culture, location, and financial aid offerings. Good luck with your college search!