Should I apply to more reach, target, or safety schools?

Hey there! I'm a high school junior, and I'm trying to figure out the ideal balance of reach, target, and safety schools on my college list. What do you think is a good ratio? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi! First of all, congratulations on starting your college search early. It's great that you're being thoughtful about the balance of schools on your list. When my child was going through the process, we found that it was helpful to have a mix of reach, target, and safety schools. A common recommendation is to have a 2:2:1 ratio, meaning you should apply to twice as many target schools as reach or safety schools. However, this can vary depending on your personal preferences and priorities. Some students may choose to apply to more reach schools if they're particularly ambitious, while others might prioritize safety schools if they're more concerned about the financial aspect. Ultimately, the most important thing is to make sure you have a balanced list that you're excited about. As long as you have a good mix of schools that you'd be happy attending, you're on the right track. Best of luck with your college search!