<p>SHAME ON ME! Okay get ready for a stupid question but what is meant by the use of the word "safety" as applied in numerous posts?? Correct me if I'm wrong but is it when you apply to several schools as a backup, just in case you get rejected from your first choice?</p>
<p>yeah, it's schools that you have a great chance of getting into, in case your reach schools reject you. </p>
<p>I used my safety as a step to a school I didn't get into as a HS Senior</p>
<p>Alrighty then.</p>
<p>There are "good" safeties and "bad" safeties. A "good" safety is a school which really appeals to you, often because it is very similar to your top choice schools but is less selective. Sometimes the safety differs from your top choice schools, but still has some features that really attract you. A good safety is a place you can really picture yourself in for 4 years, thriving and enjoying the academics and atmosphere.</p>
<p>A "bad" safety is a school thrown in just because it's in your backyard. Example, a student applies to 5 small LACs with specialized programs, located in or near major cities, which s/he loves. S/he then applies to her in-state flagship U, a school of over 30,000, in a farmer's field. If s/he doesn't get into her top choice schools, that safety could be a very disappointing option.</p>
<p>Choose your safety with thought and care.</p>