Every applicant, regardless of the strength of their candidacy, faces these possibilities. And it’s for this very reason that you should apply to some safety schools.
A safety school is a school that (1) you can be reasonably confident will admit you and (2) you are willing to attend. That means that your safety schools will necessarily be unique to you.
A safety school is not a school that you desperately hope you won’t have to attend. Enrolling in your safety school should not feel like a prison sentence. It should offer all or most of the things you are looking for from your higher education. Ask yourself, “Would I be happy there?” If the answer is not “yes!” find another candidate.
Many state schools provide an excellent education and offer admission to the majority of in-state residents who meet certain basic academic requirements. Remember that further down the road, you can take a second shot at your first-choice school with a transfer application.
Financial Safety Schools
If your school list is made up of expensive, selective schools, consider a financial safety school too. Again, this is a school you can be reasonably confident will accept your application, and it’s a school whose tuition will be affordable even if your aid package is less than stellar.
