<p>Mim,
I’m sure you mean within realistic expectations. If my S had perfect PSATs, I’d be OK encouraging him to aim high. If his scores didn’t approach that range, I’d focus more of finding realistic reaches and matches, as well as the imp safety. Why have kids fill out unrealistic applications?</p>
<p>I’ve had clients with SATs in 1400 (old test) who put all their efforts into HYPSMC applications. Sometimes the parents are more realistic, sometimes they are the ones woefully unprepared for denials. Finding safeties and matches and appropriate reaches that one’s child likes and can afford takes effort.</p>