✅ Supporting Your Child’s College List

Building a college list can feel overwhelming for both students and families. As a parent, you play an important role in guiding your student through this process—without taking over. Understanding the difference between reach, target, and safety schools can help you support your child as they build a balanced and realistic list.

🎯 What the Categories Mean

• Reach Schools: More competitive and harder to get into. Your student’s academic profile may be slightly below the average admitted student or the acceptance rate may be very low.

• Target Schools: A strong match for your student’s academic profile. These schools are realistic options where your student is likely to be admitted and thrive.

• Safety Schools: Schools where your student is very likely to be admitted, and that are financially reasonable. A safety school should still be a place your student would be happy to attend.
  

👪 How Parents Can Support the Process

1. Talk About Priorities Early
Discuss what matters most to your student—location, size, major, campus environment, and financial considerations.

2. Keep Affordability in Mind
Use financial aid calculators and discuss realistic budget expectations. Encourage your student to include financially safe options.

3. Guide, Don’t Pressure
Offer suggestions, ask thoughtful questions, and help with research—but allow your student to lead. This builds independence and confidence.

4. Encourage Campus Exploration
Attend virtual or in-person tours, speak with admissions representatives, and explore academic departments together.

5. Support a Balanced List
Help ensure that the final list includes a mix of reach, target, and safety schools. This gives your student options without creating unnecessary stress.

💛 Final Message for Parents

Your support, encouragement, and honest conversations make a tremendous difference. A balanced college list helps students feel empowered and hopeful—and ensures they have strong, attainable options no matter the outcome. Encourage your student to explore widely, dream big, and stay grounded in their goals.