How to Think about Likely, Target, and Stretch Schools
When applying to colleges, students should have a clear understanding of what "likely," "target," and "stretch" schools are and how to approach them in their application process.
What are likely schools?
Likely schools are colleges where an applicant has a high likelihood of acceptance. A school would be considered “likely” if the applicant’s academic qualifications (GPA, test scores, etc.) comfortably exceed that of the average admitted student. These schools can provide a sense of security for students who are unsure about their chances of being accepted to their top-choice schools. It's important to note that likely schools should not be viewed as a fallback option, but rather as an opportunity to attend a reputable institution that aligns with the student's interests and goals.
What are target schools?
Target schools are colleges that are a good fit for a student's academic and personal profile. They are typically schools where the student has a good chance of being accepted, and where they would be happy to attend. However, a good chance of being accepted is not guaranteed acceptance, which is why students often apply to several target schools.
What are stretch schools?
Stretch schools are colleges where students have a lower chance of admission. Practically, this means an applicant might be on the lower end of a school’s GPA and test score ranges for accepted students. For students applying to stretch schools, it's important to be realistic about the chances of acceptance. As we’ve mentioned before, just because a school is relatively more prestigious does not mean it is the right fit. While it's always worth applying to stretch schools, students should also have a backup plan in case they are not accepted (hence applying to target and likely schools).
How many schools should I apply to?
There’s no set number of applications that is optimal for everyone. However, as a general rule of thumb, students should apply to 2-3 likely schools, 4-6 target schools, and 2-3 stretch schools. Applying to more or fewer depends on personal capacity and circumstances, so it is ok if you decide to apply to more/fewer.
Do people actually get into their stretch schools?
Yes, it does happen! However, keep in mind that students who decide to apply to reach schools should understand that they have a lower chance of getting in, and should set expectations accordingly. And if you do happen to get into your stretch school, you should still decide if that is the right environment for you.
Is it bad if I only get into my likely schools?
No. Throughout the college admissions process, students need to remember 2 things:
College admissions decisions are not a reflection of your worth.
Going to a likely school does not determine your life’s outcome. The quality of education does not actually differ that much between institutions, but it is up to each student to choose what they want to do with the opportunity.
