Reach/match/safety only applies to "lower achievers"

Applying to College
1

For most of you on this board, the reach/match/safety paradigm DOES NOT APPLY. This paradigm only applies for those you consider “lower achievers”. At a school with an average SAT of 1000, the acceptance rate will probably be at least 70%, anyone with sufficiently high grades and scores is probably guaranteed admission, the nonacademic factors (extracurriculars, the mood of the admissions officer, the temperature in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, etc.) are MUCH LESS important, and someone with an SAT combined score of 1000 will probably be admitted. But at a school with an average SAT of 1500, the acceptance rate will be quite low, the admissions process is much more unpredictable, and even the majority of those with a perfect 1600 will be rejected. Schools with an average SAT of at least 1400 AND an acceptance rate of at least 70% are about as common as Hilary Duff fans who like to smash beer cans against their foreheads.

For the higher achievers like most of you, there are really only two categories: “Sure Bets” and “Other”.

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<p>Don't count on it.</p>

3

<p>I decided on the University of Pennsylvania for my safety.</p>

<p>(after I had gotten in :))</p>

4

<p>Actually, this thread is for the current juniors (as well as freshmen and sophomores).</p>

5

<p>I think the OP makes a good point. If everyone can grasp this concept there would be less angst when rejection letters pour in. In this "market" if you have an excellent profile you are still a toss up at any of the very top schools. So better to find schools that are a "sure bet" and where you will be happy-- the rest is a roll of the dice.</p>