<p>It depends how you define “match”. Match doesn’t necessarily mean “likely”. </p>
<p>Match could mean, for example, that you’re between the 50-75% quartiles for SAT and GPA, your ECs are average for the candidate pool, but the selectivity of the school doesn’t guarantee admission or even make it likely. </p>
<p>A likely is basically where your stats are very near or above the 75th percentile and you have some ECs that make you shine, relative to your competition.</p>
<p>Heres a link that discusses the terms: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/549378-definition-reach-match-safety.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/549378-definition-reach-match-safety.html</a>. Focus on Post #3 by littleathiest. It’s an old post but things haven’t changed much.</p>
<p>So what are you looking for? Matches or Likelies? Are you not looking for a range of schools: Safety, Likely, Match, Reach, High Reach?</p>