How many colleges should be on your college list?

Once you’ve made a list of colleges you’re interested in, narrow it down to the colleges that are a good fit and where you plan to apply. You’ll need a minimum of six colleges on your list, including 3 reach, 2 match, and 1 safety. This will ensure your college list is balanced.

• Reach: Your SAT score, ACT score or estimated GPA is lower than the average score range of last year’s first-year class—but don’t let that stop you! Colleges consider a range of factors during the admissions process.
• Match: Your SAT score, ACT score or estimated GPA is solidly in the same score range as last year’s first-year class.
• Safety: Your SAT score, ACT score or estimated GPA is higher than the average score range of last year’s first-year class.