<p>Being from NJ, good old Rutgers was my true safety. I applied really early in the application cycle because it was rolling admissions and got in before hearing back from MIT. If MIT is your dream school, I’d suggest applying early because if you get in, it takes a huge weight off your shoulders second semester senior year. I had planned on applying to a few more safeties like U Michigan, but after I got the good news, I had several less applications to worry about. Applying to good state schools is usually a good route to go too :)</p>