The Three Types of Colleges

When you're in the middle of putting together your list of colleges to apply to, make sure you divide them to three categories: Safety, Match, and Reach. Safety schools are schools which you feel very comfortable about getting into. You're stats (GPA, SAT, etc) should be well above their average class stats. For most people, this will be their local or in-state schools. Match schools are what they sound like. Your stats match those of the average Joe's of the match schools and you should feel like getting in shouldn't require a miracle. Reach schools are, obviously, schools that you think will be a long shot to get into. For most people, this will be the Ivy League schools, Duke, The University of Chicago, MIT, Stanford, etc. It is absolutely essential for you to have a good mix of safety and match schools in your list in case the worst happens. I know of many people who applied to just reach schools and not receiving a single acceptance. They usually go to community or local schools in hopes for a transfer. Just remember, play this game smart. Stay on the safe side.