<p>I'm planning on applying to 4 reaches, 4 matches, and 1 safety. Do you think that will be okay? I'm just going to guess and say that I'll get into 4 or 5 of my schools that I'm applying to. In case you're curious, here is the list:</p>
<p>Do you think any of these should be moved to different lists or should I apply to more safety schools? I am currently ranked 1 in my class of about 650, take many AP classes (all 5's), 36 ACT, and 2250 SAT, SAT II Math: 800, Literature: 740, US History: 790. My extracurriculars are above average but not spectacular. The few things that stand out are debate team captain, Eagle Scout, and musician (piano/cello) with numerous awards (I have also travelled to France and Ireland to perform with my Youth Symphony). </p>
<p>That’s a pretty tough list. If you’d be happy actually attending Michigan State and you’re sure you’ll get in, then fine. I would advise you to add some more schools that are mid-ranked (lower than your current “matches” which are all very high matches) where you’d probably get some useful merit aid too.</p>
<p>Thank you for your feedback. I will look at a couple more safety schools. Do you have any suggestions of safety schools that have a good economics program? Why is Cornell not a match school? My test scores are all above the 75th percentile there and I am not lacking in any other area.</p>
<p>I think when you get below a certain percentage admit rate, it can’t be considered a safety for anybody. Obviously you have excellent qualifications, but when the percentage accepted is so small, then it’s very hard to predict whether or not you will be admitted. Once an applicant meets an academic threshold showing they would be capable of handling the work, then the admissions committee will be “building a class” and no longer looking at just academics. So at that point, it’s possible that a slightly less academically qualified candidate could be admitted ahead of a candidate with higher academic credentials, due to their ECs, diversity (racial, geographic), athletic recruitment, etc.</p>
<p>Here are the percentages admitted for the graduating class of 2012, according to the New York Times:</p>
<p>Reaches: Penn 12.43%, Brown - 8.70%, Stanford 7.07%, Yale 7.73%</p>