High and Low Reach/Target/Safety?

College Search & Selection
1

I know what reach, target, and safety schools are, but can someone explain the high/low aspect of the categorizing system? Sorry if this is a silly question! :slight_smile:

2
  1. High Reach
  2. Reach
  3. Low Reach
  4. High Match
  5. Match
  6. Low Match
  7. Safety
  8. Is the hardest to get into.
  9. Is the easiest to get into.
3

Thank you!

4

I’d be inclined to add a “0” category: out-of-reach.

5

The “match” categories, beyond their indication of relative accessibility, may generally be the most suitable for a given student. “Match” has holistic appeal, as if the entire college is appropriate for the student. “Reach,” in contrast, while superficially implying desirability, fails to convey that desirability may not comport well with difficulty of admission and has an obligatory, add-on aspect to it. However, the series of terms has common application as a useful way to discuss admissions prospects.

6

Out of reach: no chance that you will be admitted and be able to afford it.
Reach: unlikely that you will be admitted and be able to afford it.
Match: likely that you will be admitted and be able to afford it.
Safety: certain that you will be admitted and be able to afford it.

Note the affordability criterion. For example, if a school is certain to admit you, but it is too expensive at list price or with need-based financial aid, but there is a large enough merit scholarship, then you need to assess based on the chance of getting that scholarship. I.e. if the scholarship is competitive, it can be out of reach, reach, or match, depending on how difficult that scholarship is to get; it would only be a safety if that scholarship is automatic for your stats.

“High” and “low” for “reach” and “match” modify them slightly. “High match” is somewhat less likely than “match”, while “low match” is somewhat more likely than “match”.