How important is it to have a 'safety' school?

Hey all, I'm working on my college list, and I've heard that it's important to have a safety school. How important is it really to have a school that I'm almost guaranteed to get into? Thanks for any insights you can provide!

Hey there! Having a safety school on your college list can be really helpful, and here's why. Firstly, it's always good to have options, and having a safety school ensures you'll have at least one acceptance under your belt. This can relieve some stress and pressure during the application process, knowing that you have a backup plan in place. Secondly, while it's great to have 'reach' schools, competition can be tough, and there are no guarantees when it comes to admissions. A safety school provides a more certain option to fall back on if the other schools don't work out. Lastly, sometimes safety schools can offer more generous financial aid packages or merit scholarships, which can be a great benefit to you if you're looking to minimize costs. That being said, it's also important to make sure your safety school is a place where you'd be happy to attend if it ends up being your best option. Remember, college is what you make of it, and you can have a great experience no matter where you go. Good luck with your applications!