Have you ever thought about what a safety school is and why people keep discussing it? Many others agree with you.
A lot of college students do not apply to enough safe schools, jeopardizing their college aspirations.
Having a good backup strategy is not only smart but absolutely necessary in today's highly competitive admissions environment.
We'll look at all aspects of safety schools. More importantly, we talk about how to pick the right safety schools that will still give you a fantastic college experience.
What is a Safety School?
Simply put, safety schools are universities where your grades and test scores place you well above the average of admitted students. It's usually 80% or more. These are universities where you have a good chance of being accepted.
Unlike the so-called "reach schools" (dream colleges with low acceptance rates) or the "target schools" (where your stats match the average), the "safety schools" are your "safe bank" in the college admissions process.
It's your insurance policy — a place you'd like to go to college that's likely to say "yes" when Ivy League schools might say "no"
How to Choose the Right Safety Schools
Choosing good safety schools isn't just about high acceptance rates. It's about finding places where you can thrive if your school of choice falls through. Choosing the right safety schools requires careful research and sincere self-knowledge.
1. Be truthful about your academic profile
Take a close look at your GPA, SAT or ACT scores, and overall academic performance. Compare them to the middle 50% of accepted students at various institutions.
Safe schools are institutions where your stats are in the top 25% of accepted students. Your safety schools should be really safe depending on your actual academic profile, not the one you wish you had, so don't kid yourself here.
2. Think about financial security as well
Truly safe schools are about affordability, not just admissions. Look for colleges where you are eligible for scholarships or that offer a decent financial aid package.
Because they usually have higher admission rates and more affordable tuition for in-state residents, state universities can be a good safety school. Remember that a school isn't really "safe" if you can't afford to attend it.
3. Don't sacrifice quality and fit
High admission rates for safe colleges do not justify their arbitrary selection. Safe schools are universities where you can count yourself lucky!
Look at the campus culture, academic programs, and student body. The perfect college list includes safe colleges that still inspire you and offer excellent programs in your field of interest.
4. Look at trends and admission rates
Look at the admission rates and current admissions behavior of the colleges on your list. Many colleges that were once considered safe have become more selective.
Examine the last three to five years of data to identify trends. Generally, schools with an admission rate above 50% are good safety schools; however, this depends on your personal academic standing.
5. Apply to multiple safety schools
Even with safe schools, you should never put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to at least two safe schools so you have a choice. Different colleges offer different strengths, scholarship opportunities, and campus experiences.
If you receive multiple acceptances, you can choose the school that suits you best, and you'll have more negotiating power when it comes to financial aid.
How Many Safety Schools Should You Apply To?
Most college counselors advise including 2to 3 safety schools in a well-rounded list. Your entire list could include 8–10 schools: 2–3 safety schools, 3–4 target schools, and 2–3 post-secondary schools.
This strategy will ensure that you have choices when the decision letters arrive and help you find a wonderful match.
Remember that the safety schools are schools where the likelihood of you being accepted is very high, but you should still apply carefully.
Final thoughts
It's all about creating opportunities and not settling for creating a smart college list of good safety schools.
Safety schools have never been more important as college acceptance rates continue to drop. There are some selective universities that now accept less than 5% of applicants.
They may even surprise you with great scholarships or programs you hadn't thought of, and they'll make you feel good during a difficult time.
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