In order to balance your college list, you want a healthy mix of Reach, Target, and Likely schools. Let’s discuss what those terms mean and why you want to balance your college applications among these three types of schools.
- Reach – A school in this category is going to usually admit students with a stronger academic profile than you. It makes it less likely for you to get in. But you shouldn’t let that stop you from applying to a few of the schools you would most want to go to. You never know what an admissions officer may see in your profile, essay, letters of recommendation, or something else.
- Target – Your target schools are ones where you are in the middle range of the students they usually admit. You will still have to put your best foot forward to stand out, but at least you will be competing with students who have similar profiles to you.
- Likely – These are schools where your profile is stronger than the average student who gets accepted. Don’t phone in your application because even a safety school is going to pass on someone who gives the impression that they won’t have to work to get into their college.
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College Planning Source can help guide you through your educational journey. From our free webinars to our one-on-one planning assessments, we can provide the help you need. Just call 858.676.0700 today, or you can request your assessment online.
