Reach vs. Target vs. Safety Schools: What Are the Differences?

Crafting a balanced college application list with the right amount of reach schools, target schools, and safety schools is a crucial step in your admissions journey. You want to maximize your chances of getting accepted to great schools while also ensuring you have options that suit your academic profile, financial needs, and personal preferences. The most effective approach includes applying to a mix of reach, target, and safety schools. By understanding the differences between these school types, you will set yourself up for a smoother and more confident admissions process. In this guide, we’ll break down how each type of school plays a pivotal role in creating a well-rounded college application list.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• What is a reach school?
• What is a target school?
• Reach Schools vs. Target Schools
• What is a safety school?
• Target Schools vs. Safety Schools
• How many reach, target, and safety schools should you apply to?

What is a reach school?

A reach school is a college or university that presents a significant challenge for acceptance based on your academic achievements and the institution’s admissions criteria. Typically, these are schools where:

• Your GPA, test scores, or other metrics fall below the typical admitted-student range.
• The college has very competitive acceptance rates (often below 20%).
• The school is well-known for its rigorous academics and strict admissions policies.

While being accepted into a reach school can be more difficult, it’s definitely worth trying if you are passionate about the institution, have unique extracurriculars or achievements, and can showcase a strong personal story in your application. If you don’t apply, you’ll never know!

What is a target school?

A target school (sometimes also called a “match” school) is one where your academic profile closely aligns with the majority of admitted students. Indicators include:

• Your GPA and standardized test scores match or slightly exceed the mid-range scores of accepted applicants.
• The college’s acceptance rate is moderate, suggesting you have a strong chance of admission if you meet all other requirements (essays, recommendations, extracurricular involvement).
• You can feasibly see yourself thriving there, both academically and socially.

Most of your college list should focus on these target schools. Since they’re not as unpredictable as reach schools and not as guaranteed as safety schools, you’ll invest time in your applications knowing you have a solid shot at getting admitted.

Reach Schools vs. Target Schools

Selectivity and admission likelihood set reach schools apart from target schools. Here’s how the two differ:

1. Admission Difficulty: Reach schools have highly competitive admissions criteria, while target schools have requirements you’re more likely to meet.
2. Application Focus: You may spend extra effort crafting essays, lining up glowing letters of recommendation, and perfecting your application materials for a reach school. Although you should always give your best for any application, the pressure often feels more intense when it’s a reach institution.
3. Outcome Variability: Even with outstanding test scores and a strong GPA, a reach school could still say no due to extremely selective admissions. With target schools, if you’ve done your due diligence, you stand a good chance of acceptance.

Regardless of their differences, both reach and target schools are essential parts of a well-rounded college list. Reach schools offer the possibility of attending a highly prestigious program, while target schools provide a more realistic yet still rewarding option.

What is a safety school?

A safety school is an institution where you have a very high likelihood of being accepted. Often, your academic profile will be stronger than the average admitted student’s profile. Common signs a college is your safety school include:

• Your GPA and test scores exceed the average of admitted applicants.
• The college’s acceptance rate is relatively high.
• You feel confident about meeting the college’s admissions requirements and program prerequisites.

Safety schools serve as an important backup plan. While you might aim high with reach schools and feel confident about target schools, it’s always wise to include one or two institutions that you’re certain would welcome you. Make sure your safety schools are places you’d be happy to attend, should other options not work out.

Target Schools vs. Safety Schools

While both target and safety schools are schools you can be reasonably confident about, the difference lies in admission certainty:

1. Academic Profile Alignment: With target schools, you fit neatly into the admitted-student profile, whereas at safety schools, you often exceed those metrics.
2. Competition Levels: Target schools may still be moderately competitive, but safety schools typically have higher acceptance rates and less stringent admissions requirements.
3. Application Strategy: For target schools, you still need a strong application to secure admission. Safety schools, while you should still apply with care, often don’t require the same level of anxiety or preparation around acceptance odds.

Remember, a strong application is crucial for every school—no matter if it’s a reach, target, or safety. Each institution has standards to maintain, and you never want to seem careless in your submissions.

How many reach, target, and safety schools should you apply to?

The average student applies to between six and 12 schools to maximize their chances of acceptance. When building your college application list, aim to balance your ambitions with realism by including a few reach schools, a solid number of target schools, and at least one or two safety schools you’d be happy to attend. This strategic approach increases your odds of securing multiple acceptances while minimizing stress about where you’ll ultimately enroll.

Good luck as you assemble your perfect college list—and remember, each school category serves a purpose in helping you find the best possible fit for your future!