What's The Difference Between A Target And A Reach School?

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I’m in 11th grade and go to an fcps high school. I just got an account here and wanted to know the difference between a target and a reach school.

admissions97FollowReportAnswer this question🎉 First postLet’s welcome @1475572 to the community! Remember to be kind, helpful, and supportive in your responses.@Nyptes6 years agoreport

I also go to an fcps school :)

@ss1815 years ago [edited]report

i also go to an fcps school!

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2 answers

18@CollegeVineSupportexpert147 answers, 943 votes • 6 years ago[edited]

For additional context, here are the percentage ranges on how CollegeVine defines Long Reach, Reach, Hard Target, Target, and Safety.

Less than 12% — Long Reach

Less than 45% — Reach

Less than 60% — Hard Target

Less than 85% — Target

85% or higher — Safety

18Report@ss1815 years agoreport

Thanks for this breakdown. Is the above recommendation by @fsoikin ^^ of number of applications ( 2 safety schools, 4 target, and 2 reach schools) to mimize the effort and risk and improve acceptance chances mentioned on any links/pages on CollegeVine?

Add a comment13@fsoikin2 answers, 32 votes • 6 years ago[edited]

A "Target" school is a school that has a reasonable probability to admit you if you were to apply. Not too easy (those are "Safety" schools), but not too hard either.

A "Reach" school is a school that would be really hard for you to get into. These are usually your Ivy Leagues, but could also be other less competitive schools depending on your academic strength, extracurriculars, and other prerequisites.

Generally CollegeVine recommends that you have about 2 safety schools, 4 target, and 2 reach schools on your list. This gives you a decent chance of getting into a good school, while minimizing your effort and risk.

13Report@LCPsun4 years agoreport

what is the difference between a target and a hard target school? what is the percentage chance of getting into a target versus a hard target? thank you

@fsoikin4 years agoreport

Percentages are listed in the other answer just below.

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