College Plan Safety Schools

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I am applying to several UC schools and 2 privates (USC and Stanford), and I am wondering whether or not I should apply to the local community college or Cal State. My parents tell me it's not necessary for me to apply, considering I am ranked in the top 2% of my class, have an ~4.2 UC GPA, a 31 ACT, a few decent extracurriculars, and a pretty good personal statement.
I just don't feel confident at all, and I am trying to prepare myself for the worst-case scenario. Am I being too pessimistic? </p>

<p>I just feel as though the college application process has been portrayed as so impossibly difficult and almost random, that I am accepting the worst to happen and want to have a back-up plan. My stats feel like the norm nowadays, and adults I know don't seem to understand the idea that perfect GPAs and test scores are the norm, and it's much more than that. :-((
Any advice would be appreciated. </p>

2

<p>I think you are a smart cookie. From my experience with many of my kids’ friends, no UC (except maybe Merced and Riverside) are safeties. So although your stats are very good, you are correct that many others also have these. I think it would be smart to add 1-2 additional colleges that are true “safeties” and for which you would be happy to attend.</p>