What is a Reach School?
A reach school is a college or university that is significantly more selective than your academic profile would typically suggest. In other words, it’s a school that you have a lower chance of getting accepted into, based on your grades, test scores, and other factors.
Why Apply to Reach Schools?
Even though your chances of admission may be slim, there are several reasons why you might want to apply to reach schools:
- Challenge yourself: Applying to reach schools can force you to work harder and push yourself academically.
- Expand your options: If you’re accepted to a reach school, you’ll have more college options to choose from.
- Aim high: Even if you don’t get into your reach schools, the process of applying can help you set your sights higher and aim for the best colleges you can.
How to Apply to Reach Schools
If you’re thinking about applying to reach schools, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success:
- Get top grades: Your GPA is one of the most important factors in the college admissions process, so make sure to work hard in all of your classes.
- Ace your standardized tests: The SAT or ACT is another important factor in the admissions process, so make sure to prepare for these tests thoroughly.
- Write a strong personal statement: The personal statement is your chance to show colleges who you are and why you’re a good fit for their school. Make sure to write a thoughtful, well-written essay that highlights your strengths and unique qualities.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities: Extracurricular activities show colleges that you’re well-rounded and have interests outside of the classroom. Make sure to participate in activities that you’re passionate about and that showcase your leadership skills.
- Apply early: Many colleges offer early decision or early action programs, which allow you to apply to college early and receive a decision before the regular deadline. Applying early can increase your chances of admission, especially at reach schools.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When applying to reach schools, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Applying to too many reach schools: Don’t apply to so many reach schools that you’re setting yourself up for failure. Focus on a few schools that you’re really interested in and that you have a good chance of getting into.
- Not having a safety school: Make sure to apply to at least one safety school, which is a school that you’re confident you’ll get into. This will give you a backup plan in case you don’t get into any of your reach schools.
- Writing a generic personal statement: Your personal statement should be unique and personal to you. Don’t just recycle your essay from another application.
- Not getting enough feedback: Ask your teachers, counselors, or friends to read your personal statement and application essays. Their feedback can help you identify any areas that need improvement.
Why Applying to Reach Schools Matters
Even if you don’t get into any of your reach schools, the process of applying can be a valuable experience. It can help you:
- Set higher goals: Applying to reach schools can help you set higher goals for yourself and push yourself harder academically.
- Improve your application: The process of applying to reach schools can help you improve your writing skills, critical thinking skills, and time management skills.
- Gain confidence: Applying to reach schools can help you gain confidence in your abilities and your potential.
Benefits of Applying to Reach Schools
There are several benefits to applying to reach schools, even if you don’t get in. These include:
- Challenging yourself: Applying to reach schools can force you to work harder and push yourself academically.
- Expanding your options: If you’re accepted to a reach school, you’ll have more college options to choose from.
- Aiming high: Even if you don’t get into your reach schools, the process of applying can help you set your sights higher and aim for the best colleges you can.
Conclusion
Applying to reach schools can be a daunting task, but it’s one that can be rewarding. If you’re willing to put in the work, you can increase your chances of success. Just remember to be realistic about your chances and to have a backup plan in place.
