Compiling a List of Colleges to Apply To

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hello everyone! I am a high school junior trying to figure out a list of colleges to apply to. I want to make sure that my list of colleges that I will be applying to is realistic. I have a few ivy league schools that I want to apply to (though I realize they are reaches). I'm not going to take the time to post all of my stats. My grades, gpa, course load, standardized test scores, and extracurriculars are high enough to apply and see what happens. I am also a URM and a legacy at one of the ivys I am going to apply to (Both my parents went to University of Pennsylvania.).</p>

<p>Anyway, I realize that I shouldn't get my heart set on the ivy league. I am applying to two safeties that I really like. They both have around an 80% acceptance rate. I would hope that would be considered "safe"... I found a few small liberal arts colleges that I really like. They have between a 30-45% acceptance rate</p>

<p>So here are my questions.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>How many schools should a student apply to? Are about 3 reaches, 2 matches, and two safeties good enough, or should I apply to more matches and safeties?</p></li>
<li><p>Can a school with a 30-45% acceptance rate be considered a match?</p></li>
<li><p>Any other tips, or examples of match schools along the east coast?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thank you in advance!</p>

2

<p>Any number of schools is fine, as long as you have at least one safety which you are certain to be admitted to, certain to be able to afford, and which you like.</p>

<p>Acceptance rate is not a particularly good way to judge reach/match/safety, since the competitiveness of the applicant pool varies considerably.</p>

3

<p>Look at the average SAT scores for the incoming class at colleges to try to determine if they’re matches. However, remember these are AVERAGES. Even if yoou have a higher SAT you might not be admitted. Write really great essays. I only applied to 4 schools and I’m extremely happy with that. The amount of schools you apply to is a mixture of personal preference and feasibility</p>

4

<p>Thank you :)</p>

5

<p>A school with a 35-40% admit can definitely be a match. It depends on your SAT/GPa relative to the school. Also, be aware that the non-Ivies are often looking at interest as well. Mkae sure you visit and write school specific essays so the admissions folks don’t think you are using the as an Ivy -back-up option. Also, really consider ED/EA - best way to get into a match school.</p>

6

<p>Thanks for the advice!</p>