Making Your College List: The 3 Types of Schools to Include

With over 4,000 degree-granting post-secondary institutions in the US alone, narrowing your college list is a daunting process. Yet with college applications costing around $25 to $90 each (not to mention the essays), you can’t exactly apply to an infinite number. 

So, eventually, we have to filter out some options. But how do you know which ones to keep, and which ones to strike from the list? When you start your college list, you’ll find there’s a lot of freedom and independence. However, there’s also a lot of unspoken pressure and uncertainty about your future.

First things first: let’s review the foundations of the college list. Don’t get bogged down in the details just yet — we’ll review the 3 major types of schools you should be sure to include, define each category (safety, match, and reach), and explain why each one plays a key role. By categorizing your schools of choice into these sections, you’ll start to put your goals into focus and get a better overall idea of what your list needs for balance.

Ready to start building your college list? These terms will help you stay organized.

Safety schools are also pretty self-explanatory. These are schools where you exceed the average accepted student profile, so your chances of acceptance should be fairly high (in other words, a “safe” bet). In some cases, you can even find schools with guaranteed admission!

How do you find your safeties? Seek out the overlap of schools where you’d be happy to attend and stand a high chance of admission. Look at your academic stats and compare them to the schools you’re interested in. According to Prep Scholar, to consider it a true safety school, “your GPA should be well above the average student’s at that school and your SAT or ACT score should be above the 75th percentile for that school.” The rest is up to you.

Match or target schools are colleges whose academic profiles “match” your academic profile. This means that your average GPA, ACT/SAT score, and overall strength of profile are on par with the average accepted student’s scores. 

Keep in mind, just because your grades and test scores are within the middle 50% of the school’s typical range, this does not guarantee admission! Other factors are taken into account when admission officers decide to accept a prospective student, such as extracurricular activities and the competitiveness of the applicant pool. Like any other application, you’ll want to take your time and submit work you’re proud of to give yourself a fighting chance.

Reach schools are, as the name suggests, colleges you have to “reach” for. This means that they have academic profiles whose average scores are higher than yours. 

But don’t count yourself out! Your grades may be out of the standard range, but getting accepted is still possible with a killer essay and the right test scores. You can’t be too far outside of the ballpark — you’ll still need to meet the school’s basic requirements in order to be considered for admission — but an amazing application can help your chances.

In acknowledgement of the extreme competition of recent years, a sub-category is emerging to designate a still-higher tier of difficulty. These “high reach” universities are those that receive hundreds of thousands of qualified applicants year after year, cycle after cycle. Even for high-achieving, well-rounded candidates who align with the school’s typical scores, acceptance is considered unlikely. Examples include the Ivy League schools and similarly-ranked universities regularly reporting single-digit acceptance rates. 

Keep in mind that a high reach school isn’t impossible — it’s unpredictable. If you have a strong story, compelling essays, or institutional fit, it’s always worth a shot. Just be sure the rest of your list is balanced.

Ultimately, your risk tolerance is an individual decision. For the average student, a well-rounded college list of around 10 total applications might look like: 

• 2-3 safety schools
• 4-5 match schools
• 2-3 reach or high reach schools

This puts the majority of your effort on the match and safety schools, where it will be leveraged for maximum results.

Crafting a well-rounded college list requires looking beyond academic qualifications and acceptance rates. Empowerly's Triangle-area team can help North Carolina students build lists that include the right local and national fit schools. Factors like school size, campus life, and post-graduation outcomes play a pivotal role in finding the right fit.

Below are key considerations to include when finalizing your list:

The size of a college can shape your academic and social experience.

• Small colleges: Typically offer close-knit communities, smaller class sizes, and personalized attention.
• Large universities: Provide diverse opportunities, extensive resources, and a variety of extracurricular activities.
• Mid-sized schools: Strike a balance between community intimacy and broad resources.

Evaluate how well a school aligns with your academic goals.

• Programs and majors: Ensure your preferred field of study is offered and has a strong reputation.
• Customization: Look for options like minors, interdisciplinary programs, and honors colleges.
• Support services: Check for academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling programs.

Understanding the financial aspects of each school is critical to making informed decisions.

• Tuition and fees: Research total costs, including room and board.
• Scholarships and financial aid: Identify schools offering robust financial aid packages or merit-based scholarships.
• Value: Weigh the cost against potential outcomes like starting salaries and alumni networks.

The composition of the student body can impact your experience.

• Diversity: Consider how a school’s racial, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity matches your preferences.
• Community: Evaluate whether the school fosters a supportive environment for your identity and interests.
• Geographic representation: Look at how many students come from your area or other regions.

Campus culture and extracurricular offerings play a significant role in shaping your college experience.

• Student organizations: Explore opportunities to join clubs, organizations, or leadership roles.
• Housing and dining: Check for on-campus housing availability, meal plans, and overall quality of student life.
• Events and traditions: Consider whether the school’s events and activities align with your interests.

The long-term benefits of attending a school are just as important as the immediate experience.

• Employment rates: Research job placement rates and the career paths of recent graduates.
• Alumni network: Strong alumni connections can open doors for mentorship and networking.
• Graduate programs: For those pursuing advanced degrees, consider how well the school prepares students for further studies.

Creating a well-balanced college list requires strategy, but common pitfalls can derail the process. Here are key mistakes to avoid:

Overloading on reach schools
Example: Applying to five Ivy League schools while neglecting realistic options can leave you with no acceptance letters. Balance your list with a mix of target and safety schools.

Ignoring financial considerations
Example: Falling in love with a dream school without researching tuition and financial aid can lead to unaffordable offers. Always consider cost alongside academics.

Skipping research on safety schools
Example: Choosing a safety school you’d never attend defeats its purpose. Ensure your safety options offer programs and campus environments that excite you.

To help keep track of your research and sources for each school, you can use tools like cite this source for me to organize notes, quotes, and references efficiently.

Neglecting campus fit
Example: Applying to large universities when you thrive in small, close-knit settings can lead to dissatisfaction. Consider size, culture, and location.

Applying based on prestige alone
Example: Choosing “brand name” schools without aligning them with your interests or goals can result in a poor academic and personal fit.

Underestimating application requirements
Example: Forgetting supplemental essays or missing deadlines can disqualify you, even if you’re academically qualified. Stay organized with a clear application plan.

A college list is essential for navigating the application process effectively. By organizing your options, you ensure a strategic approach that aligns with your academic, personal, and financial goals.

Key benefits of creating a college list include:

• Maximizing opportunities: Including a mix of target, reach, and safety schools ensures you have a balanced range of options.
• Efficient resource allocation: A focused list saves time and money by narrowing applications to schools that fit your profile and interests.
• Strategic planning: A structured list allows you to prioritize tasks, such as tailoring essays for Reach schools or preparing for interviews at Safety schools.

Now that you’ve organized your college list into target, reach, and safety categories, the next step is determining how many of each to apply to. However, this number isn’t set in stone — it’s about finding what feels manageable for you. Some students are confident applying to just five schools, while others aim for 15 or more.

Remember, this framework is a guide, not a rule. No two students are the same, and what works for one may not suit another. For instance, a school that feels like safety for one person could be a reach for someone else. 

If you find this structure doesn’t meet your needs, adapt it or discard it entirely. What matters most is building a list that reflects your goals, interests, and aspirations.

• List your current college options in a centralized spreadsheet (or use a tool like Empowerly’s College Dashboard).
• Label each one as safety, match/target, reach, or high reach.
• Identify gaps in your list and talk to a counselor to help rebalance your choices.
• Use your college list to plan your essay and application strategy.

Ready to turn your college admission dreams into reality? Join the 98% of students who have worked with Empowerly and been accepted into Ivy League and top 25 schools. Our college counselors are the best-rated in the country and have proven to improve college admission rates by 11x. Book your FREE consultation today. 

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