S opted out of applying to any reaches. He knew what he wanted. For him, not having debt at graduation was a huge driver, and he would not have received enough need-based aid at top schools to avoid having to take out at least some loans. He targeted schools where he could be in a meaningful Honors program and receive enough merit-based aid to not have to worry about debt. His first couple of rolling admission acceptances were to schools he really liked and offered enough merit that he didn’t even end up applying to any safety schools either.