Academic fit is an important factor in college admissions, as it shows how well a student’s academic record matches a college’s expectations. To evaluate this, you can compare the student’s high school GPA and standardized test scores, like the SAT or ACT, with the typical range for admitted students at that school. Resources such as College Navigator and College Scorecard can offer insights into the middle 50% of test scores for incoming freshmen at various colleges. This comparison helps students identify colleges where they are likely to be accepted.
The definitions of reach, match, and safety schools are as follows:
- Reach School: This refers to a college or university where the student's academic performance falls short of the school's typical freshman class. Admission to a reach school is unlikely when the student's test scores are below the 25th percentile of test scores for students admitted by the college.
- Match School: This refers to a college or university where the student's academic performance aligns with the range of academic performance of the school's typical freshman class. Previously referred to as "target" schools, match schools offer a good chance of admission if the student's test scores fall between the 25th and 75th percentiles of test scores for students admitted by the college.
- Safety School: This refers to a college or university where the student's academic performance exceeds the range of academic performance of the school's typical freshman class. Students are likely to be admitted to a safety school when their test scores are above the 75th percentile of test scores for students admitted by the college.
These definitions are illustrated by this graphic:
Students should apply to several match and safety schools to increase the student’s chances of getting in to at least one college. This should include at least one in-state public college.
A financial aid safety school is a college that will not only admit the student, but where the student could afford to enroll even if he or she gets no financial aid. Use each college net price calculator to determine how much gift aid the student might receive at the college, as well as the college’s net price.
