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, and with college applications costing around $25 to $90 each, how do you know which ones to apply to? When you start making your college list, there is a lot of freedom. However, there are also 3 major types of schools you should be sure to include.
Categorizing your schools of choice into three sections may ease your stress:
Target
Target schools are colleges whose academic profiles match your personal academic profile. This means that your average GPA, ACT/SAT score 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 academic range, this does not guarantee admission. There are other factors that are taken into account when admission officers decide to accept a prospective student, such as extracurriculars and the competitiveness of the school’s applicant pool.
Reach
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. Maybe you have a 3.5 GPA and your reach school’s average is a 3.9 GPA.
Your grades may be out of range, but getting accepted is still possible with a killer essay and the right standardized test scores. Your academic profile can’t be way out of the ballpark, though. You’ll still need to meet the school’s basic requirements in order to be considered for admissions; having mostly C’s and D’s probably won’t cut it when applying to Harvard or Yale.
Safety
Safety-schools are also pretty self-explanatory. They have academic profiles whose averages are lower than yours and have higher acceptance rates, so the chances of acceptance should be fairly high. According to Prep Scholar, “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.”
Video: Jen Allanach-College Application T.I.P.S. 3 Types of Colleges (Safety, Target, Reach)
Other Factors to Consider When Building Your College List
Crafting a well-rounded college list requires looking beyond academic qualifications and acceptance rates. 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:
School Size
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.
Academic Offerings
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.
Cost
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.
Demographics of the Student Body
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 Life
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.
Post-College Outcomes
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.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Your List
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.
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.
Video: How to Build Your College List - Top MISTAKES to Avoid
Why Do You Need a College List?
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.
Video: Building Your College List & Deciding Where to Apply to College // ACE THE APP
How Many Total?
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. A common recommendation is 2-3 Reach schools, 3-4 Target schools, and 2-3 Safety schools.
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 dream 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.
Finally, if you’re still unsure how to build your college list, visit Empowerly.
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Additional Resources
The Best Art Schools in the US: When researching target schools, explore specialized institutions like The Best Art Schools in the US if you’re pursuing creative fields.
What Colleges Can I Get Into with a 3.5 GPA?: If you’re unsure about categorizing your schools, tools like What Colleges Can I Get Into with a 3.5 GPA? can help identify targets and reaches.
Top 40 College Essay Ideas and Topics: For reach schools, your application essays matter. Check out Top 40 College Essay Ideas and Topics to make your essay stand out.
