<p>If my SAT/ACT scores fall smack in the middle of the range for a school, does that make it a "match" school? (Considering that all my other stats are really good). And, are match schools supposed to be ones that you are fairly sure you can get into?</p>
<p>I think that it's a match if you match the typical profile, so yes, if you're in the middle of the score / GPA range and think your other qualifications are competitive, then I'd call it a match. But no, if you feel fairly certain that you'll get into a school, that's a safety.</p>
<p>ok, thanks. I am applying to some fairly selective liberal arts schools, and although I seem to "match" their profiles, I am still nervous about my chances.</p>
<p>anyone? because my 32 ACT seems to be well within the 50% of the schools I have looked at such as Kenyon, Davidson, Haverford, etc. So does this make these schools "matches" for me?</p>
<p>Unless you have some advantage, such as you are a URM (unrepresented minority), then to consider a school a match it's best to have your scores fall closer to the 75th percentile.</p>
<p>So where do your scores have to fall to be considered a safety?</p>
<p>blackeyedsusan: do you mean the top 25% when you said 75%? Kenyon's range is 28-32, so I think I would be more toward the top of there pool.</p>
<p>Remember that some of the colleges where you "match" have really low admittance rates. You have to take that into consideration. Even if your scores are in the top 25%, if the college only accepts 20% of the students that apply, you can't count on it. It is pretty stressful when you have the scores and the grades for a top LAC. In my unscientific opinion, having scores in the top 25%, raises your odds from 20% to 50%. Acceptance is more likely but can't be counted on. If you like a couple of LACs outside of your home geographic area, apply to them as well. Geographic diversity will give you a bit of a bump.</p>