<p>My question is, where do you draw the line for a reach when making your college list? I mean, every single person can put HYP on their list and call it a reach but it wouldn't really make any sense to apply. So my question is, how do you know that a school is TOTALLY out of your range, even as a reach school?</p>
<p>You shouldn’t. If you actually like a school, you should apply. The worst that can happen is you don’t get in. But applying to every big name school just because they’re big name schools is pointless</p>
<p>In the end, it’s a matter of the risks you’re willing to take with your time, money, and morale. For me, personally, I’m quite conservative with the way I rank schools: anything less than 40% acceptance rate is a reach, even though my stats are excellent. Why? Well, only two of the schools I’m looking at even have that low of an acceptance rate! I’m applying to schools that I love, not schools that are prestigious. However, if you love prestigious schools, you really need to take a hard look at your stats vs. acceptances rates.</p>
<p>a school where you would not be surprised if you got rejected.</p>
<p>It depends on how competitive the school is. For the elite CC favorites, if you have any stat below the median, and no hook, it is a highly unlikely reach. For less competitive schools not having stats in the 50th percentile range would make them unlikely.</p>
<p>I agree with 74777 in that you don’t need to draw a line. You will know based on your stats the likelihood of you getting into a school. With the super competitive schools like HYP, it is a crapshoot for anyone but if you really love the school, it is worth it to apply. You never know, crazy things happen!</p>