<p>I've been reading the "What are my Chances?" thread for quite some time, but I've never completely figured out what the different keywords mean. What does low reach, high safety, and all the rest signify?</p>
<p>Safety - You’ll get in. It’s basically a back-up school in case you don’t get in to any others. (Make sure you wouldn’t mind attending, though, just in case…)</p>
<p>High Safety / Low Match - May be a bit more selective than your safety, but you still have a very good chance. </p>
<p>Match - When looking at GPA, test scores, and other criteria, you fall into the average accepted students area and will have a good chance at acceptance, though even so, it’s not guaranteed.</p>
<p>Low Reach - More difficult to get into than a match, but it is definitely possible to tip the scale and gain admission (especially through essays and demonstrated interest).</p>
<p>Reach - Your stats may be low for the school, or it may be a school that is so ridiculously selective that it’s difficult for anyone to get into. You’re going to have to work hard (or cross your fingers and pray) to get into these schools, but it’s still possible. </p>
<p>High Reach - Same as reach, just much more difficult to be admitted to. Highly selective schools can be high reaches for anyone. </p>
<p>Hope that helps. =]</p>