So what exactly is a "safety" for those applying to highly selective colleges?

<p>Bates is notoriously idiosyncratic about who it admits-- and, based on an article from about a year ago that looked at their admission-- they consider whether a person is likely to attend (whether a candidate is ‘yieldable.’) So if you look like you’re using it as a safety, it might hurt you. </p>

<p>I do wonder though, if you’re looking at ivies, what you see in Colby or Bates? They are small, remote liberal arts colleges. If you like Duke, think Clemson. If you like Cornell, think Penn State or UMd. For Brown, consider Goucher or New College of FL. </p>

<p>I saw your list on another thread… lots of schools there. I really think you should look to see if one of your matches has EA. It could solve your problem.</p>