How to Apply to a Reach School

When I was applying for colleges (many, many moons ago… I won’t admit HOW many moons ago), I was too intimidated to apply to any reach schools. I didn’t think I had what it took to get into a school like that – but looking back, I realize I should have at least tried.

And if you’re feeling the same level of intimidation right now, I’m here to tell you: You should at least apply to your reach school.

It might feel like getting ready to climb Mt. Everest in flip flops (please don’t do that), but people are able to make that climb with the right checklist and preparation. Some people even make it all the way to the summit! It won’t be easy, but if you’re feeling motivated, grab your metaphorical hiking gear and we’ll get to work on helping you apply for your reach school.

So, What is a Reach School?

You might hear the term “reach school” and automatically think of schools like Harvard or Yale. And yes, those technically ARE reach schools, but there are so many others that could fit into this category, and each person’s definition will be a bit different. To determine if a school is a reach for you, look at its academic profile. If your GPA and test scores fall below the average admitted student, then for you, it’s a reach school.

If your stats don’t match up, it doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be denied. It just means you’ll have a tougher time getting accepted. Think of a reach school as the moon. It’s far away and hard to land on, but it’s not impossible to get there. Just ask Neil Armstrong.

Step 1: Know Your Why

Before you start, ask yourself: Why do I want to go here?

Is it because of the school’s academic programs? The vibe? The world-class faculty? The Quidditch team? (Yes, those do exist outside of the Wizarding World.)

Colleges want students who love them for who they are, not just for their sweet hoodies in the campus bookstore.

Pro tip: Pretend you’re writing them a Valentine’s Day card and list out all the reasons you love that school. If your reasons sound generic, dig deeper. Get more personal.

…Don’t actually mail the card, though. That’d be a little weird.

Step 2: Do Your Homework (Not the Annoying Kind)

Research your reach school as much as you can. Maybe you don’t need to know the mascot’s full government middle name (ours is Rocky D. Bull), but you should know things like:

• What majors/programs the school offers.
• Any new or exciting research projects the faculty and students are working on.
• The clubs, experiences, and traditions unique to that school.

Jot these things down, as it will make your essay and interview process easier (if your school does that — USF doesn’t!). Also, you’ll have all that knowledge stored in your brain, so you can ask the right questions when you go on campus tours or speak to admissions staff.

Step 3: Polish Your Grades and Test Scores as Much as Possible

You don’t need me to tell you that test scores and GPA are big factors in determining the fate of your college application. But to have a shot at your reach school, you’ll need to do whatever you can to ensure yours are the best they can be.

Can you boost your GPA by just a bit this next year by taking AP courses? Is it worth it to retake the SAT or ACT, putting in extra time to bolster your weak points? Many colleges, like USF, offer superscoring, so if you get a high verbal SAT score one time and a high math score the next time, you can combine those!

Step 4: Make Them Remember You with Your College Essay

Not every college will require an essay with your application, but some schools do. (USF doesn’t, but our honors college does!) Let’s review some dos and don’ts so you can craft a strong essay that’s authentically you.

The Don’ts

• Don’t use big words just to sound fancy. (“My predilection for scholarly pursuits…” Yawn. Also, do you actually write like that? No. Use your authentic style!)
• Don’t recycle the same essay for every school.
• Don’t write what you think they want to hear.
• Don't use ChatGPT. We can tell that you did. Trust me. 

The Dos

• Speak from your heart. If you write about the moment you realized your love for robotics, then tell them about that moment – what you saw and felt.
• Be specific. If you want to attend a certain university because a faculty member is making a pioneering advancement in your chosen field, then point that out. That’s way better than saying “I like your engineering program.”
• Show growth. Did you have an instance where you failed and tried again? Did something challenge you? Describe it to show your resilience.

Pro Tip: Ask someone who will tell you the truth — like a teacher, friend, or trusted adult — to read your drafts.

Step 5: Get Great Recommendations

Some schools will want recommendation letters – and if it’s a reach school, those should ideally be glowing recommendations. Get them from people who really know you, like teachers, coaches, your counselor, or another adult in your life who has seen your dedication and determination firsthand.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Ask them well in advance so they have time to craft a great letter for you. You want to show respect for them and for their time.

Step 6: Demonstrate Interest in Your School

Sabrina Carpenter can’t read your mind, and neither can your reach school. They don’t know you’re interested unless you start showing up. Schools love to see that you care, beyond just submitting your application.

Visit their recruiters at college fairs in your area, attend info sessions — whether virtual or in-person — and send your questions to the admissions team via email. You can also sign up to get emails and print materials from them, usually through their admissions website. Go visit your school, meet with an admissions officer, and tour the campus. 

Finally, follow your reach school on social media and interact with them! They may notice your interest, and if you need to write an essay, you might just learn some useful insider info.

Step 7: Organize (Deadlines, Portals, and Spreadsheets – Oh My!)

During any college application process, missing a deadline is a big mistake – and if you’re trying to stand out from the crowd with your reach school, it’s definitely not going to help. You don’t want your application to be denied because of a missing transcript or other supporting documents. Stay ahead of the game with these organization tips:

• Create a spreadsheet with all the deadlines, required materials, portal logins, and any other relevant information you may need for essays or interviews.
• Set calendar reminders on your phone for one week, three days, and one day before every due date so nothing slips through the cracks. Hey, we’re all busy. Multiple reminders are super helpful!
• Keep copies of everything you send so you have something to refer back to if needed.

Step 8: Interviews – If You Get One, Be Yourself

Some reach schools may invite applicants to interview with admissions recruiters or alumni. (If you’ve seen “Gilmore Girls,” you’ve definitely seen the awkward episode where Rory has an interview with a Yale alum!)

First of all, don’t panic. It’s not a quiz: It’s a chance to show that you’re more than just grades and test scores.

Before the interview, re-read your application and all other supporting documents. Have a couple of good, thoughtful questions ready to go. It’s okay to be nervous, but remember: Your interviewer isn’t rooting against you. They were once in your shoes and they’re human, too. They want you to succeed as they did. Just smile, take some deep breaths, and be yourself.

Step 9: Accept What You Can’t Control

Here’s the hard truth: Even if you do everything right, your reach school may not say “yes.” Admission rates are often low, and so many factors are out of your hands. But applying to your reach school is about believing in yourself and taking a shot. It’s an experience where you’ll learn and grow – and that’s a win, no matter what happens!

Bonus: What If You Get In? (And What If You Don’t?)

If you get in: Do a happy dance. Eat your favorite snack. Celebrate, and then look closely at whether it’s a fit for you financially. Look into available scholarships. Make sure that your dream school is right for you in every way possible.

If you don’t: Remember, most people don’t get into their reach school. It doesn’t necessarily mean you weren’t qualified. Schools have limited space and many people on the margins get rejected for that reason. There are amazing people at thousands of schools across the world. Your success is determined by what you do with opportunities, not where you start.

You can also explore alternative avenues to admission. For example, USF offers the FUSE program, which provides guaranteed admission to students who earn AA degrees from partner community colleges.

Real Talk: Why Apply to a Reach School at All?

Dreaming big matters, especially in this crazy decade we’re all currently living through. You have a unique story – and someone gets in every year. You’re more than a statistic or test score.

Apply knowing you gave it your best shot and apply knowing you’ll be excited with wherever your academic journey takes you. Reach schools are awesome, but they aren’t the only places where you can thrive and build the future you want. Be like Alexander Hamilton: Don’t throw away your shot! Dream big (but pack plenty of snacks for the climb!)

If you’re looking to apply to USF, we’d love to hear from you! You can submit your application now or reach out to our admissions team with any questions.