Applying to college can sometimes feel like a big puzzle with lots of questions. You might be thinking about things like where the school is, what programs it offers, and how hard it is to get in. One important piece of this puzzle is picking some Good Safety Schools for your college list. In this article, we’ll explain what a safety school is and why it’s smart to include a few in your college applications. A safety school is a college where you have a really good chance of getting accepted based on your grades and SAT/ACT scores. Having safety schools helps make sure you have options, even if some of your other college choices are more competitive. Ready to learn more? Let’s jump in!
What is Safety Schools: A Comprehensive Guide
When discussing safety schools, it’s crucial to recognize that their definition varies depending on each student’s unique credentials. Factors such as test scores, extracurricular activities, and GPA all play a significant role in determining the strength of your application. What may be considered a safety school for one student could very well be a reach or target school for another. Therefore, it’s essential to approach the concept with an understanding of its relativity.
In essence, a good safety school is an institution where you have an 80% chance or higher of being accepted based on your credentials. This places you within the 80th percentile of students admitted to that institution, considering average test scores and grades.
But why are safety schools important? Safety schools serve a valuable purpose in providing you with a diverse range of choices when receiving admissions decisions. Additionally, it’s essential to recognize that safety schools are still reputable institutions with excellent program offerings and desirable locations. Furthermore, excelling in your application may even open doors to beneficial scholarship opportunities.
In conclusion, safety schools play a vital role in the college admissions process, offering students a sense of security and a wide array of options. By understanding their significance and carefully considering your choices, you can navigate the admissions journey with confidence and clarity.
20 Excellent Safety Schools: A Comprehensive Overview
1) University of Wyoming
- Ranking: #116 (tie) in Top Public Schools
- Location: Laramie, Wyoming
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,518
- Average SAT Score: 1030-1240
- Average ACT Score: 20-27
- Average High School GPA: 3.5
- Tuition: In-State: $6,277; Out-of-state: $20,827
2) University of Maine at Farmington
- Ranking: #11 in Regional Colleges North (2024)
- Location: Farmington, Maine
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,558
- Average SAT Score: 990-1245
- Average High School GPA: 3.2
- Tuition: In-State: $8,910; Out-of-state: $21,000
3) Midwestern State University
- Ranking: #25 (tie) in Top Public Schools (2024)
- Location: Wichita Falls, Texas
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,818
- Average SAT Score: 910-1130
- Average ACT Score: 17-23
- Tuition: In-State: $9,954; Out-of-state: $11,904
4) Montclair State University
- Ranking: #163 (tie) in National Universities
- Location: Montclair, New Jersey
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 17,290
- Average SAT Score: 950-1200
- Average High School GPA: 3.3
- Tuition: In-State: $14,767; Out-of-state: $22,470
5) Arizona State University
- Ranking: #105 (tie) in National Universities (2024)
- Location: Tempe, Arizona
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 65,492
- Average SAT Range: 1120-1370
- Average ACT Range: 19-27
- Average High School GPA: 3.5
- Tuition: In-state: $12,051; Out-of-state: $37,355
6) University of Utah
- Ranking: #115 (tie) in National Universities
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 26,355
- Average SAT Score: 1190-1390
- Average ACT Score: 22-29
- Average High School GPA: 3.7
- Tuition: In-state: $10,287; Out-of-state: $33,045
7) Kent State University
- Ranking: #123 (tie) in Top Public Schools
- Location: Kent, Ohio
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 20,418
- Average SAT Score: 1000-1210
- Average ACT Score: 18-25
- Average High School GPA: 3.7
- Tuition: In-State: $12,846; Out-of-state: $22,316
8) Michigan State University
- Ranking: #60 (tie) in National Universities (2024)
- Location: East Lansing, Michigan
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 39,201
- Average SAT Range: 1100-1340
- Average ACT Range: 24-30
- Average High School GPA: 3.8
- Tuition: In-State: $15,372; Out-of-state: $40,562
9) University of Arizona
- Ranking: #115 (tie) in National Universities (2024)
- Location: Tucson, Arizona
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 40,407
- Average SAT Score: 1140-1370
- Average ACT Score: 21-29
- Average High School GPA: 3.5
- Tuition: In-State: $12,736; Out-of-state: $37,258
10) University of Iowa
- Ranking: #93 (tie) in National Universities
- Location: Iowa City, Iowa
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 21,973
- Average SAT Score: 1130-1340
- Average ACT Score: 22-28
- Average High School GPA: 3.8
- Tuition: In-State: $10,964; Out-of-state: $32,927
11) Temple University
- Ranking: #45 (tie) in Top Public Schools (2024)
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 24,106
- Average SAT Range: 1120-1370
- Average ACT Range: 24-31
- Average High School GPA: 3.4
- Tuition: In-state: $21,095; Out-of-state: $30,602
12) Indiana University – Bloomington
- Ranking: #73 (tie) in National Universities (2024)
- Location: Bloomington, Indiana
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 35,660
- Average SAT Range: 1180-1400
- Average ACT Range: 27-32
- Average High School GPA: 3.8
- Tuition: In-state: $11,333; Out-of-state: $38,352
13) Central Michigan University
- Ranking: #141 (tie) in Top Public Schools
- Location: Mount Pleasant, Michigan
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,421
- Average SAT Score: 980-1220
- Average ACT Score: 21-27
- Average High School GPA: 3.5
- Tuition: In-state: $14,790; Out-of-state: $14,790
14) Colorado University – Boulder
- Ranking: #51 (tie) in Top Public Schools (2024)
- Location: Boulder, Colorado
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 31,103
- Average SAT Range: 1160-1390
- Average ACT Range: 26-31
- Average High School GPA: 3.7
- Tuition: In-state: $13,622; Out-of-state: $38,314
15) University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- Ranking: #23 (tie) in Top Public Schools
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 39,248
- Average SAT Score: 1290-1500
- Average ACT Score: 27-32
- Average High School GPA: N/A
- Tuition: In-state: $16,488; Out-of-state: $36,402
16) Elon University
- Ranking: #133 (tie) in National Universities (2024)
- Location: Elon, North Carolina
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,337
- Average SAT Range: 1170-1360
- Average ACT Range: 25-30
- Average High School GPA: 3.9
- Tuition: $38,725
17) University of San Francisco
- Ranking: #115 (tie) in National Universities
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,018
- Average SAT Score: 1210-1410
- Average ACT Score: 27-31
- Average High School GPA: 3.7
- Tuition: $58,222
18) Gonzaga University
- Ranking: #93 (tie) in National Universities
- Location: Spokane, Washington
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,084
- Average SAT Score: 1210-1410
- Average ACT Score: 26-31
- Average High School GPA: 3.7
- Tuition: $53,500
19) Florida International University
- Ranking: #124 (tie) in National Universities
- Location: Miami, Florida
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 45,442
- Average SAT Score: 1060-1250
- Average ACT Score: 21-26
- Average High School GPA: 3.9
- Tuition: In-State: $6,566; Out-of-state: $18,964
20) Purdue University
- Ranking: #17 (tie) in Top Public Schools
- Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 37,949
- Average SAT Score: 1200-1470
- Average ACT Score: 27-34
- Average High School GPA: 3.7
- Tuition: In-State: $9,992; Out-of-state: $28,794
These additional safety schools present even more options for students seeking quality education in a supportive environment.
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Good Safety Schools – Conclusion
Identifying good safety schools is a crucial step in the college application process. While they may not be your top choices, they offer excellent opportunities for growth and success. By considering factors such as acceptance rates, location, academic programs, and financial aid options, you can find safety schools that align with your goals and aspirations.
Remember, safety schools provide a valuable fallback option while still offering a high-quality education. Don’t underestimate their importance in your college journey. Embrace the possibilities they offer, and approach your application process with confidence and optimism. With careful research and thoughtful consideration, you’ll find the perfect safety schools to complement your college experience.