<p>One thing that’s always seemed odd to me is when people feel compelled to pick safeties that are less-competitive versions of their reach and match schools. I mean if you’re not going to get into a school that you think you’d like a LOT (i.e., reach and match schools), why stay wedded to that same type but in a watered-down form? </p>
<p>Why not consider a safety which is a whole different type but has some attractive non-academic factors (such as a beautiful campus, good weather, a famous name, bigtime sports, closeness to an interesting city or historical sites, or closeness to skiing or beaches) that make it more than just an easier version of the reach and match schools?</p>