<p>It took us a long time to come up with what would truly qualify as a safety. I basically had to require that she pick and apply to at least one state school, which she did reluctantly. She was certain she wanted a small LAC. I realized that it still wasn’t a true safety since she did not want to go there…but then we visited and HOORAY! She liked it and said she could see herself there! Shocked us all! It’s still not her ‘dream’ school…I imagine that’s true for the vast majority of students, or why apply anywhere but the dream safety ;-)<br>
Even as we were starting applications, just a few weeks ago, it seemed her choice of major was less concrete and so was less of an issue, so we were looking mostly at fit. Now that she has narrowed the list, she is starting to look more at the details of the majors and starting to see things she definitely wants, and that some schools may be lacking. She realized that 2 other state schools are actually stronger for that major, and has added them to the list. </p>