Safety colleges are colleges where you are well above the average GPA & ACT/SAT scores and where you are very sure of being admitted.

Target colleges are institutions where you are in the middle 50% of GPA & ACT/SAT scores. You have a good chance of being admitted, but it's not a sure thing.

Finally, you should take a shot at some reach colleges-- colleges where you probably won't get into, but it's definitely worth a shot!

It's very important to apply to the right mix of public & private universities. We recommend applying to at least 3 public universities in your home state (a safety, a target, and a reach school) so that you have financially safe options. However, its also a good idea to apply to affordable private universities as well. Sometimes private schools can be just as affordable as public colleges, so do the net price calculators and give private colleges a shot as well.

Look for colleges that are your academic match & that fit you socially, academically, and based on location & environment. In other words, don't just consider where you can get in. Visiting the school and seeing how you like the other students and the campus atmosphere is also really important. At the same time, don't just apply to a local college where you feel comfortable. Also apply to colleges where the majority of students match your academic abilities.

Three is the minimum (a safety, target, & reach pubic, in-state university), I recommend at least 5 because I believe that there is value to applying to a couple private colleges as well. Students looking to study out-of-state, who are looking for the most competitive & selective colleges, and those with special circumstances (such as DACA status) should apply to more universities, usually 8-12.

College acceptance gets more competitive every year. For most colleges, your chances improve if you apply through early decision (binding) or early action (non-binding). For the best chance of getting admitted to the top colleges in the country, apply to your top choice through early decision, and (if you don't get in), apply to your 2nd choice through early decision II. You should also apply to ll of your public options by their early action deadline for maximal financial aid consideration!