Creating a well-rounded list of colleges is a crucial step in the application process. For student-athletes, this list must balance both academic and athletic considerations. A strong target list includes an equal number of reach, target, and safety schools, ensuring that students have realistic options while also striving for their highest aspirations. And reach, target and safety aren’t just about if you are good enough to compete at these colleges athletically, but if they are good academic, social and financial fits as well.
Understanding the Categories
Safety Schools
Safety schools are institutions where you are highly confident you will be accepted academically and have a strong chance of securing a roster spot on the athletic team. These schools may also be a good financial fit, meaning they offer scholarships, grants, or aid that make attendance affordable. While they may not be the most competitive programs, they provide a stable backup option where you can thrive both academically and athletically.
Characteristics of a Safety School:
- Your academic profile (GPA, test scores, coursework) exceeds the school’s average admitted student profile.
- You have received strong interest from the coach or have already been offered a roster spot.
- The cost of attendance is within reach through scholarships, financial aid or affordability.
Target Schools
Target schools are those that present a good balance of challenge and fit, both academically and athletically. These institutions are places where you meet the typical academic profile of admitted students and have a solid but not guaranteed chance of securing a roster spot. You may need to put in effort to impress the coaching staff and admissions office, but these schools align closely with your goals and potential.
Characteristics of a Target School:
- Your academic profile is within the middle 50% of admitted students.
- You have a reasonable chance of making the team, but competition for roster spots is tougher.
- The financial package is viable but may require additional scholarships, grants, or work-study.
Reach Schools
Reach schools are the most challenging institutions on your list, either because they are highly competitive academically, athletically, or both. Getting admitted might require exceptional grades, test scores, extracurriculars or a standout athletic profile. These are often prestigious programs where recruitment spots are limited and acceptance rates are low. However, they represent the highest level of competition and opportunity.
Characteristics of a Reach School:
- Your academic profile is on the lower end or below the school’s typical admitted student range.
- The athletic program is highly competitive and securing a roster spot is uncertain.
- The financial cost might be a concern unless substantial aid or scholarships are provided.
How to Build Your List
A balanced college list should ideally contain an equal number of safety, target, and reach schools to ensure you have viable options no matter how the process unfolds.
Here’s a suggested breakdown:
- 8–10 Safety Schools – Schools where you are confident about both academic admission and athletic recruitment.
- 8–10 Target Schools – Schools that match your academic credentials and where you have a good chance of making the team.
- 8–10 Reach Schools – Schools that are more competitive but represent a challenge worth pursuing.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right mix of colleges requires thorough research, honest self-assessment, and open communication with coaches and admissions counselors. By crafting a balanced list, student-athletes can maximize their opportunities for both academic success and athletic participation. The key is to dream big but also plan realistically, ensuring you have strong choices when decision time arrives.
Dan Rothert, founder of TSA Recruiting, has helped almost 200 prospects and their families land opportunities at right fit colleges at all levels. Each prospect has different priorities in what they are looking for in a college and has different qualities that a coach may or may not be looking for. TSA Recruiting leverages Dan’s almost 30 years of college coaching experience and connections to help those they work with find great opportunities that fit their needs.