<p>Is it having a composite SAT 150 pts higher than the average? 250? 300? How much higher should your GPA be than the 50% range to have a sure chance of being accepted? I got a 2250 on my SAT (CR/M/W 740/710/800) and my GPA is a 4.17 (3.97 UW). I live in VA; what kind of stats should a safety school have?</p>
<p>I think if you’re in the 75th percentile for scores/GPA and know that you can afford the school, then it is a safety (both academically and financially) :)</p>
<p>Even 75th percentile doesn’t prove anything.</p>
<p>A safety school is one where you are almost guaranteed admission. For some schools 75th percentile is a good measure, particularly if they admit most of their applicants. But you could be at the 75th percentile at a highly selective school and still not be guaranteed admission. (These schools would be considered a reach for ALL students, even the most qualified). </p>
<p>A financial safety is one you will be able to afford, even if they don’ provide adequate need-based aid. This would include any school that where the cost of attendance is in a range you are comfortable paying, or which provides guaranteed merit aid to bring the COA down to a reasonable level. In many cases, for a student with great stats, schools that offer significant merit aid will be bother an admission and financial safety.</p>
<p>Wasn’t this question already answered in all your other Chance threads?</p>
<p>I think everyone responded with honest (and accurate) assessments in regard to your posted stats and school choices.</p>
<p>But maybe not.</p>
<p>It’s only at a handful of schools where the 75th percentile doesn’t mean anything, the so-called “reaches-for-anyone”.</p>
<p>I think 75th percentile is generally a good indicator.</p>