<p>This is a very interesting thread. I don’t chime in too often but thought I’d put my two cents worth in this time seeing my 3rd child is a Junior and starting her search now. Obviously we’re on the West Coast.</p>
<p>CHILD (S) #1-Reaches UCLA (Very big reach)
UCSD
Match- Cal Poly-Slo
University of Arizona
Safety- Arizona State</p>
<p>Fairly certain he would get in Arizona schools which he liked them both. He ended up getting into all schools with UCLA being a huge surprise and that is where he went. </p>
<p>CHILD (D) #2-Reach UCB
UCSB
UCD
Match- Cal Poly-SLO
UCI<br>
Safety- Cal State Long Beach
Cal State Fullerton
San Diego State
D got into all but UCB and UCSB which she didn’t really care if she went there anyway. She ended up going to her last choice, San Diego State, the school she didn’t even want to apply to but we asked her to because that is where we went to school. After we visited last Feb., she fell in love with the school and SD and that was it for her, she never looked back. She loves her school, is doing well and is very happy, plus we get to see her once a month or so.</p>
<p>Just goes to show that matches and safeties are very important. Also kids change their minds and visits are really important. Although we didn’t apply to any private schools, I think my kids were fairly realistic in their schools which ended up giving them choices, any of which they were happy with. Now on to CHILD #3 (D). She needs to work on her list a little more. Only Cal and UW are on it. Good luck to all of you!</p>