<p>Sorry if I am questioning the obvious.. I am new to this and I have been seeing these terms everywhere and I am quite confused. :( </p>
<p>A reach is a school you’re probably not going to get into, but you apply anyway just to see what happens.
A safety is a school you’re 100% sure you can get into and afford. It should also be a school you’d be happy to go to if you got rejected (or didn’t get enough financial aid) from other schools. Everyone should have one. </p>
<p>My hero 
Thank you! @halcyonheather </p>
<p>A match school is a school that you’re likely to get into. Have a balanced list of reaches, matches, and safeties when you apply for colleges. :)</p>
<p>Thank you! @Rebecca0123 </p>
<p>Yeah, a match is basically between a reach and a safety. </p>