<p>Basically, I would be happpy to attend my safety, but I'm having a hard time getting excited about a lot of schools that would qualify for matches/targets. Does it matter if I have just reaches and safeties on my list?</p>
<p>Anyone? :)</p>
<p>Iyou are happy and are sure those safeties are good, then they are a match!!! The "rules" for the safety/match/reach are general, and if indeed you are excited about schools you feel you will for get into and do well at, then that is enough. If nothing excites you, apply to where you will be happy.</p>
<p>My son applied to 6 schools that he liked quite a bit and felt he could be happy at most of them. According to the general wisdom, he had 1 match and 5 safeties. He applied to 6 schools because by Christmas, he still was not certain which one he wanted to attend and we wanted to compare financial aid offers. </p>
<p>He was accepted at every school, had some nice merit awards from each, and is currently very happy at the school he is attending - one of the safeties. He feels challenged and doesn't feel like he "settled". And the best part is, our spring last year was pretty stress free.</p>
<p>Reach/Match/Safety has to do with the difficulty in getting in, not necessarily with the quality of the school, and most definitely not with the actual education YOU will receive. </p>
<p>"Fit" is the most important characteristic, and only you can determine that. (Luckily for most people, there are like a dozen or two schools that will "fit" the bill.)</p>
<p>go where you think you will be happy. 4 years is also a long time and college is supposed to be one of the best times of your life. unforunately, a lot of kids arent overqualified for the schools that they want to go to, but if you are happy with your (admissions) safety, then that is absolutely fine. congrats on getting in =D</p>
<p>If your first choice school is a safety, you've won the lottery. We should all be so lucky. You'll also have a good chance at scholarships and the honors college, if they have one.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the "safety/match/reach" approach should extend to financial burden as well as ability to get in. My daughter's "safety" is one where she could get in (already accepted via rolling admissions), one where she will receive an outstanding education (Wisconsin!) and one which she can afford, regardless of the amount of merit or need-based aid offered.</p>
<p>if you really like your safety and can afford it, no reason to add schools to your application list.</p>