<p>On average, what is a good number of safeties, targets, and reaches to have?</p>
<p>Also, is it necessary to submit both SAT and ACT scores? I scored significantly better on my ACT than on my SAT (29 ACT, 1680 combined SAT) and I don’t want that to bring down my application. I will be taking them again in October, but I’m not sure how well I will do.</p>
<p>…anyone?</p>
<p>The amount of safeties, targets, and reaches is dependant upon so many factors that it is impossible to answer you without (detailed) information about your stats (including gpa, e.c.'s, awards, etc) and your college list. It is also extremely subjective. For example, I applied to one safety, while others may have applied to 5 or 10.<br>
To answer your other question, at most colleges you can send only your ACT scores (which I would recommend in your case).</p>
<p>Okay, thank you. SATs just aren’t my thing. 
My guidance counselor hasn’t given me my most recent rank/GPA but as soon as I find out, I’ll repost.
And I have no idea what schools to apply to and I’m a senior now, awesome right? :(</p>
<p>It seems like every school will accept either one of the ACT or SAT. A growing number of schools do not require either score.</p>
<p>(see: [Optional</a> List | FairTest](<a href=“http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional]Optional”>ACT/SAT Optional List - Fairtest))</p>
<p>When you form your list, read the requirements about test scores needed at each of your schools. Some schools will also require as many as 3 SAT Subject Tests! (These tend to only be the top 40 or 50 schools though.) You also need to read the details about deadlines for each of your schools, esp for merit scholarship consideration.</p>
<p>As for the number of safeties, etc: that depends on how good you are at predicting your match. One safety is adequate if you are sure it really is a safety, right? And don’t be surprised if it takes a lot of homework to find a safety you actually like and want to attend.</p>
<p>So, in general, have 2 safeties, 2 matches, 2 reaches minimum. But only apply to schools you really would want to attend. Then you can increase the number of matches and reaches to as many as you want and have the energy to apply to. If you do a half-hearted application because you applied to too many schools to do a thorough job, the colleges will know it.</p>
<p>Last year was more competitive than ever on the top end, so be careful about what you consider as a match or safety.</p>
<p>Okay, thanks! I’ll make sure to read the fine print once I compile my list.</p>