✅ College List Checklist: Reach, Target & Safety Schools

📌 Getting Started

• Identify your GPA

• Identify your test scores (if applicable)

• List your extracurricular activities

• Clarify academic interests or potential majors

• Identify your must-haves (size, location, cost, campus culture)

🎯 Build Your List

Reach Schools (2–3)

• Admission rates are low OR

• Your academic profile is slightly below average admitted students

• You love the programs/resources offered

Target Schools (4–6)

• Your academics align closely with admitted students

• Strong chance of admission

• You would be excited to attend

Safety Schools (2–3)

• You are very likely to be admitted

• Financially realistic

• You would be genuinely happy attending

🔍 Research Each School

• Admission statistics

• Offered majors

• Class sizes

• Campus diversity and culture

• Support services (advising, tutoring, mental health)

• Internship and career outcomes

• Financial aid and scholarships

• Cost calculators

🗂️ Categorize + Finalize

• Categorize each school as reach, target, or safety

• Remove schools that don’t meet your priorities

• Ensure a balanced list of 8–12 schools

• Confirm affordability of every school on your list

• Make sure you’re excited about all of your options