<p>Okay, so we are constantly told that we should apply to safety schools... but how "safe" should they really be?</p>
<p>How do you really know if it is a safety?</p>
<p>Lol, this feels like a stupid question, but really, I'm not sure!</p>
<p>It's an admissions safety if you know 100% that you will get in. For example Tulane has a policy that guarantees LA residents will get in if they meet certain stats.
It's a financial safety if you know you can afford it/ you know they'll meet your need.</p>
<p>This is how I judged it - if a school's mid-SAT range (collegeboard.com) is 40+ points lower than your scores, you're most likely in.</p>
<p>It's an admissions safety if you are 100% certain that you'll get in, you know you can afford it, and you would be happy if you had to go there.It is not an admissions safety if it lacks any of those 3 criteria.</p>
<p>How do you know that you are 100% certain you'll get in?</p>
<p>Any schools which only look at statistics (formula based) can be considered safties if you are substantially above the GPA and SAT averages. For example, most in-state schools (with the exception of the high ranking prestigious ones), are formula based. UPITT is my state's example. They hardly look at extra curriculars, they are rolling admission, and I am far above the mid 50% in GPA and SAT.</p>
<p>The fact they hardly look at extra curriculars means it isn't subjective, rolling admissions means I can apply early and get in, and the fact I am much better than the average student makes it a safety for me. </p>
<p>Also, I am applying in September, so I will know for sure if I can get into the school early in the process!</p>