<p>So really, how important is it to have stretch schools on your college application list? So far all schools on DD’s list could be considered match or safety schools. Keep hearing how you should have 2-3 stretch, 2-3 match and 2-3 safety schools on the list, but just don’t see the point of the stretch schools unless they are your dream schools. We visited one stretch school (Duke) and DD just got the feeling it was too intense. Plus, I’ve done the net cost calculators and stretch schools would cost about $20K more than the matches/safeties. Do you really get a $20K “better” education at schools like Duke, Wash U, Vanderbilt?</p>
<p>Here are her details/stats, would love to hear your comments.
Match schools: Elon, Indiana University
Safety schools: Butler (geographic safety school in case she likes the idea of a mid-size school but wants to be closer to home, Indy is 3 hrs away), U of Illinois UC (financial safety school in case of family financial crisis, DD does NOT want to go there, it’s where mom & dad went)
GPA: 3.95 UW, 4.53, school does not rank
ACT: 33, 10 writing
ECs: So-so - mainly service organizations with some leadership positions, tutoring, employment, internship. No athletics, music, arts, etc.
Essays: Barely started, have a feeling they will be average</p>
<p>reach or stretch schools to me are very silly. why, do you want to get into a school that maybe on a teeny tiny long shot will take you? for the name? the most important thing is finding a great fit. the name game (which sadly many many people play) is worthless!
a supportive learning environment and happy students in a safe setting should be the main things you look for ($$$ aside).</p>
<p>vanderbilt, wash u for med school, business school etc… a great choice.</p>
<p>p.s. butler is a great school
also look at drake university</p>
<p>A number of students never apply to reach schools for some of the same reasons that you’ve given.</p>
<p>Some have “done the math” and know that they can’t afford the high “family contribution” that are expected…since those schools don’t often give merit.</p>
<p>Some have determined that their match and safety schools are either cheaper outright (maybe instate publics) or they will give them large merit scholarships which will make them cheaper.</p>
<p>No, those pricey schools are NOT worth and extra $20k per year ($80k) unless your goal is Wall Street and the school is one that Goldman Sachs, etc, often hires from.</p>
<p>That UI school isn’t a safety since your D would NOT want to attend. How much will Butler cost?</p>
<p>Are you instate for Indiana or UIUC??? One of those would be expensive as an OOS school. </p>
<p>Is Butler private? If so, does she have assured merit there? </p>
<p>Your D might want to add Alabama as a safety. She’d get free tuition if she applies by Dec 1. That is assured merit. Alabama has a LOT of Illinois students. The remaining costs would be about $15k per year for room, board, books, fees, personal expenses, travel.</p>
<p>Anyway…the answer is…you don’t HAVE to have reach schools if none interest you and none would be affordable.</p>
<p>OP</p>
<p>There’s no reason to have a stretch school, per se. From personal experience – my eldest daughter applied ED to a school that was clearly a ‘match’ she got in and did great there. The school was a truly excellent fit for her.</p>
<p>However, if there is a school that your child would really love to go to, and the school is a reach, there’s no reason not to apply.</p>
<p>Now – with your D’s stats, she can get into many excellent schools, and has a good shot at significant merit money. The question – ‘is it worth the extra’? If you read these boards, I think you’ll see many different opinions.</p>
<p>Bottom line – many people (including me) believe that a school like Vandy or Wash U or Duke is worth the extra money Provided that it is not an undue financial hardship on your family (and that’s a big proviso).</p>
<p>However, if you’re asking whether anyone can prove this in pure financial terms – the answer is than no one can and based purely on economics, a very strong case can be made for going to a very good school that is less prestigious and saving the money.</p>