@ FlaParent - there is a lot of good advice on this thread. There is nothing wrong with applying to “reach” schools, but you have to be blunt about the financial piece. One of the tough aspects of this, is many reach schools dangle those remarkable merit scholarship, only to have the applicants “fall in love” with the school. Then, the student gets admitted, but the big scholarship doesn’t come in and you are left with a $20K scholarship and you only have to pay $40K per year x 4 to go to your dream school. Always keep the financial safety in the conversation. UF is a really, really good school. Kids from all across the country would love to go there. If she is set on going to D.C., look at George Mason University, not just Georgetown, GW and American. Best of luck!