How to Build a College Application List

[midmo]

<p>from DuckPond:</p>

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Query: Is not one problem w/ that top-heavy approach the fact that a student who is truly reaching may find him or herself “compelled” to go to a school where he or she may struggle? Isn’t it prudent to focus on real matches w/ at least one anchor safety, with a few reaches so that the student can feel confident that he or she finds his or her correct level?

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<p>from TokenAdult:</p>

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I figure if an admission committee at a highly selective college admits an applicant, especially from among a flood of other applicants, the applicant is ready to thrive at that college.

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<p>I am far less sanguine than TokenAdult about this issue. It may well be that the vast majority of enrollees at super-selective universities manage to graduate, but at what cost?</p>

<p>Do the ‘marginal’ admits, however defined, have time to participate in out-of-class activities, clubs, organizations? Do they have the opportunity to really develop the broader skills that lead to personal and professional success if every day is a struggle just to perform in class?</p>

<p>Do they end up majoring in their preferred field? How many kids who love computers and computer science end up forced to switch majors to something a bit more ‘doable’ because the competition and the expectations at their extreme reach school leaves them at the rear of the pack in their preferred field?</p>

<p>collegehelp referred to the advantages of being a small fish in a large pond. Let us not forget what the role of the small fish in the large pond is: they are food for the big fish.</p>

<p>When it comes to figuring out what college is your dream college, remember that over-used but useful aphorism: Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it.</p>