The Right

Building a healthy list that includes a range of Likely, Target, and Reach (also known as “Unlikely” schools). There is no such thing as a “Safety School.”

• What is a “Likely” school?

  • Your academic credentials exceed the school’s range for the average first-year student. 

  • You should be reasonably certain that you will be admitted.

  • The school admits more than 60%-70% of its applicants

  • AND your scores should be above the score range listed for the 25%-75% of admitted students.

  • These should also be colleges you would be happy to attend. 

  • In addition to admission criteria, think about financial or merit aid when creating your list of likely schools. Likely schools tend to offer more merit aid.

  • Have at least 2 schools in this category on your list.
    
    

• What is a “Target” school? 

  • Your academic credentials (grades, SAT or ACT scores, etc.) fall well within the school’s average range for the most recently accepted class. 

  • Your academic credentials should be in line with the average range (25% - 75%)

  • These schools also admit at least 30% of their applicants.

  • There are no guarantees, but it is not unreasonable to expect to be accepted to several of your target schools. 

  • Have 3-4 schools in this category  on your list. 

• "Unlikely" Schools/Highly Rejective Schools

  • Any schools with admissions rates of less than 30% of their applicants are Unlikely. Impossible? No, but don't count on admission. 

  • If your academic credentials fall in the lower end (or even below the school’s average range) of the cohort accepted the previous year, this is an unlikely fit. 

  • These schools are still possible, if you stand out within their highly competitive admission pool by having other unique attributes, experiences, or qualities, or if you meet an institutional goal of theirs (which you will never know). 

  • Have 1-2 in this category on your list.