If you remember the need to have choices, you will understand the need to apply to more than one school in this category. Make these institutions as important in your review of colleges as those that are in the other two categories. Identify them, read about them, visit them, and take their application seriously. It is critical to understand how college admissions has changed in recent years. Admission trends are dynamic and changing on a regular basis.
Schools go through periods of popularity and their selectivity changes accordingly.
That group of colleges has grown in number, from under 20 colleges about 25 years ago, to approximately 50 colleges listed in the 23rd edition of Barron's. As a student or as a parent, it is necessary to review your group of applications more carefully than ever. Seek assistance from your school guidance office and your counselor. Read the most recent statistical data from each college, and finally, be open to alternative college and university choices. The result will be a happier spring of your senior year.