How the reach, target and likely labels work
The tool compares you with the students each college actually enrolled. It uses up to three numbers per school, all from the school's Common Data Set:
- Test score. Below the school's 25th percentile is a reach signal. Between the 25th and 75th percentile is a target signal. Above the 75th is a likely signal.
- GPA. More than 0.15 below the school's average high school GPA is a reach signal. Within 0.15 either way is a target signal. More than 0.15 above is a likely signal.
- Weaker signal wins. If your score says likely and your GPA says target, the school is a target.
- Admit rate caps. A school that admits under 20% of applicants is a reach for everyone, whatever your numbers. A school under 50% can't be labeled likely.
These thresholds are our rule of thumb, shown so you can judge them. Grades and scores are only part of how colleges decide. Essays, activities, recommendations, your intended major and whether you apply early can all change your odds. Treat the labels as a starting point.
If you choose No score, the label uses GPA and admit rate only. Your inputs are saved in this browser's local storage and nothing is sent to Scholarly.
How to find a school's Common Data Set numbers
- Search for "school name Common Data Set". Most colleges post it on their institutional research page. Open the most recent year.
- Section C1 gives the number of first-year applicants and admits. Admit rate = admitted ÷ applied × 100.
- Section C9 gives the 25th and 75th percentile SAT composite and ACT composite scores of enrolled first-year students.
- Section C12 gives the average high school GPA of enrolled first-year students.
Some colleges leave fields blank or report GPA on a weighted scale. If a school doesn't report one of the numbers, leave it empty. Convert between tests with the SAT to ACT converter, and check your GPA with the GPA calculator.
Worked example
You have a 3.7 GPA and a 1340 SAT.
Regional College (made up): average GPA 3.4, SAT 1080–1250, admits 78%. Your score is above the 75th percentile and your GPA is 0.30 above average. Both say likely, and 78% doesn't cap it. Likely.
Flagship State U (made up): average GPA 3.7, SAT 1250–1400, admits 45%. Score in the middle 50% and GPA equal to average. Target.
Highly selective U (made up): SAT 1450–1550, admits 9%. Score below the 25th percentile, and the admit rate is under 20%. Reach.
Common questions
What is a Common Data Set?
A standard set of questions colleges answer each year about admissions, enrollment, costs and aid, so numbers can be compared across schools. Most colleges post theirs on their institutional research website.
What makes a school a reach, target or likely?
In this tool, a school is a reach if your score is below its 25th percentile or your GPA is more than 0.15 below its average. It is likely if both are clearly above. Admit rates under 20% are always a reach, and under 50% are never better than a target.
How many reach, target and likely schools should I apply to?
There is no official number. A common approach is a balanced list with a few of each, and at least one or two likely schools you would be glad to attend and can afford.
What if I didn’t take the SAT or ACT?
Choose No score. The label then uses your GPA compared with the school’s average GPA, plus the admit rate. Check each school’s current testing policy on its admissions site.
Why does the tool ship no real school data?
Numbers change every year, and we don’t want to show figures we can’t cite. Pulling them from each school’s latest Common Data Set takes a minute and gives you the official numbers.
Sources
- Common Data Set Initiative What the Common Data Set is and how it is organized, including sections C1, C9 and C12.