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Apply Strategically
While your college search should begin with a self-exploration, after you have begun to narrow in on a list of possible schools keep the following in mind: apply strategically! While it is impossible to know whether you will be accepted to any given school, you can manage the process by preparing yourself for likely outcomes. Once you’ve narrowed your list of schools, sort your choices into four tiers according to your chances of acceptance. Applying to at least one school in each category can help maximize your options.
REALISTIC “REACH” SCHOOL
The toughest challenge in terms of admissions selectivity, a reach school is one where an applicant falls slightly below the school’s average enrolled student profile. Please note: regardless of a student’s profile, all highly selective schools fall into this category. Consider applying to one or two “reach” schools.
“MATCH” SCHOOL
There is strong compatibility between an applicant’s grades/test scores and the school’s enrolled student profile, as a result the applicant stands a good chance of getting in. Consider applying to three “match” schools.
“LIKELY” SCHOOL
The applicant’s grades and test scores are at the high end, or well within the mix, of the enrolled student profile, as a result an applicant’s chance of getting in is very high. Consider applying to one or two “Likely” schools.
“FISCALLY FEASIBLE” SCHOOL
In addition to the applicant having a very good chance of getting in, this option is also affordable should the financial aid packages at other schools prove disappointing. For most students this means having a public/state college or university in the mix. Apply to at least one “fiscally feasible” school.
The definitions for reach, match and likely schools are all refer to “Academic Fit” which can be a difficult concept for students to look at objectively. The best place to begin is with a student’s GPA (grade point average), class rank, and SAT or ACT scores: these are among the most important factors in college admissions decisions. The question each student should be asking is “Am I in the mix?” Where can you obtain information about academic fit? Many schools publish an enrolled student (Class of ####) profile that is often available on the college’s website; sometimes under information for School Counselors. If not, statistical information pertaining to a college or university is usually readily available through guide books and college search websites such as the College Board.