<p>This entire time, I've been guessing:</p>
<p>Safety: somewhere you KNOW you can get into
Match: somewhere you THINK you can get into
Reach: somewhere you HOPE you can get into</p>
<p>That’s pretty accurate.</p>
<p>I would add for Safety - Somewhere you KNOW you will be accepted, and that you are WILLING to attend. I’ve seen too many stories of someone only getting into their safety and then realizing they don’t want to go there. If you will not go there then it’s not a safety.</p>
<p>Agreed. Only apply to schools where you can see yourself attending. Reach, Match, Safety are different for every student. They are not generic labels for everyone.</p>
<p>And there is nothing wrong with safety and match schools. They often give you better scholarships and financial aid and very often are a better fit for your personality and interests.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>