<p>Thanks, MidwestMom2Kids_, for a good, simple explanation of a common error in statistical reasoning about applying to colleges. </p>
<p>Yes, what makes one particular applicant a weak candidate for one particular “match” college may very well make that same applicant a weak applicant for several other seeming match colleges. That’s why the very first thing to do in building a college application list is to find a sure-bet, take-it-to-the-bank safety college. </p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/493318-don-t-forget-apply-safety-college.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/493318-don-t-forget-apply-safety-college.html</a> </p>
<p>Once that is done, one can live a little, and apply to any more “reachy” college that one desires, but recognize that the term “lottery ticket” college fairly accurately describes the chances of many applicants actually getting in.</p>