Trying to figure out which colleges to apply to can seem completely overwhelming. Should you focus only schools that you really, really want to get into? What if you don’t get accepted? Should you bother applying to schools that you really have no interest in attending?
The truth is that you need to have balance your college application list. Select a variety of 3 types of schools: stretches (the ones that will be difficult for you to get into), 50/50s (institutions where you have a 50/50 chance for admissions), and safetys (schools you’re very likely to be accepted to).
College Applications: The Kinds of Schools You Apply To
Stretch Schools
An institution is considered a stretch school if one or more of your credentials (i.e. GPA, test scores, etc.) are below the college’s published averages for the previous year’s admitted class. Typically, the country’s top tiered schools are considered stretches for everybody. Admissions officers often have to rely on more subjective measures like essays and recommendations, therefore the likelihood of acceptance becomes less predictable.
50/50s
As the name implies, you will be admitted to 50% of the schools you apply to in this category. There will be many students that share the same profile as you (similar range of GPA, test scores, etc.) who are admitted but then again, also many who are denied. It is suggested that the majority of schools you apply to be considered 50/50s for you. All you gamblers out there, please do apply and have a little fun with it. Will I get in? Won’t I? Who knows!
Safety Schools
On the opposite end of the spectrum, with safety schools – your credentials tend to be above the established averages from the previous year. It’s always smart to have backups. When things didn’t work out with Britney and Justin, she married a backup dancer, didn’t she? Keep these schools around in case of a rainy day but make sure they’re schools you actually want to attend if need be.
When it’s all said and done, don’t let your friend convince you that you MUST follow some precise, mathematically-proven formula that totally worked for his cousin’s friend’s sister. Just remember to maintain a careful balance. Know your own credentials, be familiar with the accepted criteria at each institution, and keep your options open.
