What Are the Best Safety Schools for College Applications?
Applying to college can be a stressful and overwhelming process, especially when it comes to choosing the specific schools to include in your applications. It's important to not only aim for your dream schools but also have a few safety schools in mind. Safety schools are often viewed as backup options in case you don't get accepted to your top choice schools. However, most people overlook that they can also offer top programs and opportunities for students to excel and succeed.
So Why Safety Schools?
Well, the college admissions process can be unpredictable, and having some less competitive options in your list of schools can ensure that you have a place to go in the fall that meets your financial needs while aligning with your career goals. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your future education.
How to Pick a Perfect Safety School?
Picking a safety school involves many factors to be taken into consideration.
1. Acceptance Rate
One key factor to consider is the acceptance rate of the school by observing the average GPA and standardized test scores of admitted applicants. In this you may want to pick a school where you are within the range of accepted students, ensuring you have a good chance of getting in.
2. Check for Desired Programs
You should check for your desired program with the amount of opportunities you may be able to get.
3. Location
You should consider the location of the university, as this is the place you will be spending most of the time living after high school. I also highly advise looking at the instate schools, as many schools prefer in-state applicants which could help them slightly to be accepted.
4. Financial Need
Check the school’s official websites with their Net Price Calculators to make sure they meet your financial needs based on your family income. I would highly advise looking towards small, private colleges that could offer significant aid, as these schools often offer generous scholarships to attract strong applicants.
I Still Cannot Find a Safety School!!??
Going to many schools’ official websites, and checking the consideration factors could be time-consuming, and still lead to doubts toward differentiating between safety and target schools could be an overwhelming process. But not anymore, there is a helpful free tool called Kollegio that allows you to classify schools into safety, reach and target schools based on your preferences and academic background, while also providing all the information you need such as the cost, acceptance rate, financial aid, average stats, location, and ranking of the program.
Some Examples of Best Safety Schools
Before we continue with the examples from some of the best safety schools. Bear in mind that these schools are widely known, I am using these as an example, and you should always choose a school based on your specific needs :
1. Florida International University
2. Indiana University, Bloomington
3. University of Colorado, Boulder
4. University of Illinois, Urbana - Champaign
5. University of Iowa
6. Virginia Tech
Additional Key Point Takeaways
Now that you know how to find a safety school, there are some additional steps you should keep in mind, before the final evaluation where you follow this:
Visit campuses: One of the most important steps in evaluating safety schools is to visit the campuses in person. This will give you a firsthand look at the campus environment, facilities, and overall vibe of the school. Pay attention to the campus culture, class sizes, and proximity to major cities or attractions. A campus visit can help you determine if the school is the right fit for you.
Explore academic offerings: Another key point to consider when evaluating safety schools is the academic offerings. Take a look at the programs and majors offered by the school, as well as the availability of internships, research opportunities, and study abroad programs. Make sure the school offers the academic support and resources you need to succeed in your chosen field of study.
Assess the vibrancy of student life: Lastly, it's important to assess the vibrancy of student life at the safety schools you're considering. Are there plenty of clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities for students to get involved in? Is there a strong sense of community on campus? Pay attention to the social scene, dorm options, and overall student satisfaction to determine if the school offers a well-rounded college experience.
Kollegio: Streamlining Your Safety School Selection
Choosing the right safety school is crucial, and Kollegio can significantly simplify this process. Our AI-driven platform offers tailored recommendations based on your academic background and preferences, ensuring you find a safety school that not only meets your academic and financial criteria but also complements your future aspirations. With Kollegio, you gain access to detailed information on acceptance rates, program rankings, financial aid options, and more, all tailored to help you make an informed decision with ease. Let Kollegio guide you to the perfect safety school and secure your path to college success.
By Purv Patel
