<p>Regarding matches and safeties, allow me to offer a different view. If a strong and ACCEPTABLE safety is defined, there is no need to apply to a bunch of other safeties and matches. In this case, if the student is prepared to attend his state university and do so HAPPILY (with the approval of his parents) there is no need to add a bunch of schools to “fill” a list. </p>
<p>For some students who are blessed to live in a state that offers a great education at its flagship institution, the value of applying to this safety is enormous as it allows to leave the “necessary” OOS safeties and matches off the list. However, this ONLY works if the state school represents a solution that will satisfy the parents desire for prestige and recognition around the neighborhood. </p>
<p>In this case, if the friend of DadII is PREPARED to attend OSU, he could load up his list with nothing but high reaches and low reaches. The reality is all the schools that fall in between will simply cost time and effort and be rejected as soon as the admission offer hits the mailbox. </p>
<p>My prediction is that, unless the family opens its eyes to the value of LACs. this will end up being a choice between HYPPS and the OSU. Filling the “middle” with great suggestions is an exercise in futility and a waste of our time.</p>
<p>PS Pizzagirl, from what DadII has said about this family, Tulane might as well be located in Siberia. Since they are low-income, they will not rely on merit aid, even one of the substantial offers from Tulane. A school with extremely high admit rates will have ZERO interest to this group of people.</p>