I think that a “scattershot” approach to applying to colleges - either extremely or moderately competitive ones - shows a lack of insight into the admissions process and one’s own academic needs/wants. Colleges/universities want to be perceived by applicants as distinctive and different from one another, so it is extremely important that one’s applications not sound generic. If your essays and short answers sound like they can be used for any school, that will register with admissions officers as clueless or even lazy. So, I’m skeptical when a student claims to have perfect standardized test scores, outstanding extracurriculars and community service activities and yet fails to gain acceptance to any of their “reach schools.” The essays and short answers are a student’s opportunity to create a compelling narrative that ties together their academic, social and other interests. I think this is where most seemingly stellar students “drop the ball” out of fear that they will sound too different from their peers. But taking that leap is what will distinguish one student’s application from another’s. So go ahead. Be fearless!