Choosing the Right College

How to Build a College Target List (Reach, Match, Safety)

Building a strategic college target list is one of the most important steps in the recruiting process. Unlike regular students who focus only on academics, student-athletes must consider both athletic and academic fit. This dual-criteria approach requires a more sophisticated strategy using reach, match, and safety categories for both athletics and academics.

Understanding the Dual Matrix System

Athletic Categories

Athletic Reach: Programs where you'd be lucky to get recruited Athletic Match: Programs where you have a realistic chance of being recruited Athletic Safety: Programs where you're confident you'd be recruited

Academic Categories

Academic Reach: Schools where your grades/test scores are below average Academic Match: Schools where your stats align with typical admits Academic Safety: Schools where you exceed typical admission requirements

Ditch the Spreadsheet. Own Your Recruiting Journey.

VarsityBio gives athletes a professional profile and tools to manage outreach like a pro.

Get Started →

The Matrix Approach

Your target list should include schools from various combinations:

• Athletic Reach + Academic Match
• Athletic Match + Academic Reach
• Athletic Safety + Academic Safety
• And other strategic combinations

Step 1: Honest Self-Assessment

Athletic Evaluation

Performance metrics:

• Current statistics and rankings
• Improvement trajectory over past 2 years
• Competition level you're dominating vs. struggling
• Comparison to college roster players

Realistic athletic level:

• Division I potential (top 2-5% nationally)
• Division II potential (top 10-15% regionally)
• Division III potential (solid high school athlete)
• Club/intramural level (recreational athlete)

Academic Evaluation

Academic profile:

• Cumulative GPA (weighted and unweighted)
• Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
• Course rigor (AP, IB, honors classes)
• Grade trends (improving, declining, consistent)

Honest academic level:

• Elite academic profile (top 5% of high school students)
• Strong academic profile (top 15-20%)
• Solid academic profile (top 30-40%)
• Developing academic profile (below average but improving)

Step 2: Research and Categorization

Athletic Program Research

For each potential program, evaluate:

• Recent recruiting classes and player profiles
• Current roster composition and needs
• Coaching staff stability and philosophy
• Program success and trajectory
• Division level and conference strength

Academic Institution Research

For each school, research:

• Average GPA and test scores for admitted students
• Admission rates and selectivity
• Academic programs and majors of interest
• Graduation rates and post-graduation outcomes
• Campus culture and student body characteristics

Creating Your Categories

Athletic Reach Programs

Characteristics:

• Top-tier programs in your sport
• Players typically have significantly better stats than you
• High-profile coaches and successful programs
• Limited roster spots with intense competition

Examples:

• D1 programs where you'd be at bottom of their typical recruit profile
• Highly successful D2 programs with national recognition
• Elite D3 programs with extensive recruiting networks

Athletic Match Programs

Characteristics:

• Programs where your stats align with recent recruits
• Coaches have shown interest in your profile level
• Competitive but realistic recruitment possibility
• Programs building or maintaining moderate success

Examples:

• Mid-level D1 programs in your athletic range
• Strong D2 programs that match your ability level
• Competitive D3 programs with good facilities and coaching

Athletic Safety Programs

Characteristics:

• Programs where you exceed typical recruit profiles
• Coaches would likely offer you a roster spot
• You'd potentially compete for immediate playing time
• Programs looking to build or maintain roster depth

Examples:

• Lower-level D1 programs rebuilding
• D2 programs in need of your position
• D3 programs where you'd be among the better recruits

Step 3: Strategic List Building

Recommended List Composition

Total target list: 15-25 schools

Athletic Distribution:

• 3-5 Athletic Reach schools
• 8-12 Athletic Match schools
• 4-8 Athletic Safety schools

Academic Distribution:

• 3-5 Academic Reach schools
• 8-12 Academic Match schools
• 4-8 Academic Safety schools

Matrix Examples

High-Achieving Student-Athlete

Profile: 3.8 GPA, 1400 SAT, strong athletic ability

• Reach/Reach: Elite D1 programs at top academic schools
• Reach/Match: Elite D1 programs at solid academic schools
• Match/Reach: Mid-level D1 programs at top academic schools
• Match/Match: Mid-level D1 programs at good academic schools
• Safety/Safety: Strong D2 or D3 programs at solid academic schools

Solid Student-Athlete

Profile: 3.4 GPA, 1200 SAT, good athletic ability

• Reach/Reach: Top D2 programs at competitive academic schools
• Reach/Match: Top D2 programs at solid academic schools
• Match/Reach: Mid-level D2 programs at competitive academic schools
• Match/Match: Mid-level D2 programs at solid academic schools
• Safety/Safety: D3 programs or lower D2 programs at accessible schools

Step 4: Geographic Considerations

Regional Strategy

Divide your list geographically:

• 30-40% within 3 hours of home
• 40-50% within 6 hours of home
• 10-20% farther distances for special opportunities

Benefits of Geographic Diversity

Closer to home:

• Lower travel costs for family
• Familiar weather and culture
• Easier for family to attend games
• Network connections and job opportunities

Farther from home:

• Better academic or athletic opportunities
• More diverse experiences and perspectives
• Potential for better scholarships
• Independence and personal growth

Step 5: Practical Considerations

Financial Reality Check

Consider total cost for each school:

• Tuition, room, board, fees
• Potential athletic scholarship amounts
• Academic aid possibilities
• Family financial capacity

Financial categories:

• Expensive private schools (need significant aid)
• Moderate private schools (manageable with aid)
• Public in-state schools (affordable baseline)
• Public out-of-state schools (moderate cost)

Program Stability Factors

Evaluate program sustainability:

• Coaching staff tenure and stability
• Athletic department funding and support
• Recent program performance and trajectory
• Facility quality and planned improvements

Academic Program Quality

Major-specific considerations:

• Program ranking and reputation in your field
• Internship and job placement rates
• Research opportunities and faculty quality
• Alumni network strength in your career area

Step 6: Timeline and Prioritization

List Development Timeline

Freshman/Sophomore Year:

• Create initial broad list (30-40 schools)
• Begin basic research on programs
• Start attending camps and showcases
• Focus on academic and athletic development

Junior Year:

• Narrow list to 20-25 schools
• Begin serious coach outreach
• Schedule unofficial visits
• Take standardized tests

Senior Year:

• Finalize list to 15-20 schools
• Official visits and applications
• Make commitment decision
• Have backup plans ready

Prioritization Strategy

Tier 1 (Top 5-7 schools):

• Perfect or near-perfect combination of factors
• Highest priority for visits and communication
• Schools you'd commit to immediately

Tier 2 (Next 8-10 schools):

• Strong options with good fit
• Active communication and relationship building
• Solid backup options

Tier 3 (Final 5-8 schools):

• Safety schools and emerging opportunities
• Regular updates but less intensive focus
• Important for comprehensive coverage

Common List-Building Mistakes

Over-Reaching

Problems:

• Focusing only on dream schools
• Ignoring realistic options
• Not enough safety schools
• Unrealistic expectations

Solutions:

• Honest self-assessment
• Balanced list with all categories
• Multiple safety options
• Regular reality checks

Under-Reaching

Problems:

• Only looking at safety schools
• Not challenging yourself appropriately
• Missing better opportunities
• Selling yourself short

Solutions:

• Include reach schools in your list
• Get objective feedback on your abilities
• Apply to competitive programs
• Take calculated risks

Geographic Limitations

Problems:

• Only looking locally
• Ignoring great opportunities elsewhere
• Family pressure to stay close
• Fear of distance

Solutions:

• Expand your geographic scope
• Visit schools at various distances
• Consider the four-year experience
• Balance proximity with opportunity

Single-Factor Focus

Problems:

• Choosing only based on athletics
• Ignoring academic fit
• Not considering social fit
• Focusing solely on prestige

Solutions:

• Multi-factor evaluation process
• Visit schools to assess fit
• Talk to current students
• Consider long-term goals

Adjusting Your List

When to Add Schools

Reasons to expand:

• New coaching interest emerges
• Academic performance improves
• Athletic performance exceeds expectations
• Geographic preferences change
• Financial circumstances change

When to Remove Schools

Reasons to narrow:

• Clear lack of coach interest
• Academic requirements not met
• Financial reality doesn't work
• Poor cultural or social fit
• Better options emerge

Regular List Maintenance

Quarterly reviews:

• Assess coach communication levels
• Update athletic and academic achievements
• Adjust categories based on new information
• Remove schools that are no longer viable
• Add emerging opportunities

Tools and Resources

Organization Systems

Spreadsheet tracking:

• School name and location
• Athletic and academic categories
• Coach contact information
• Communication log
• Visit dates and impressions
• Application deadlines
• Financial aid information

Research Resources

Athletic information:

• School athletic websites and rosters
• Recruiting services and databases
• Coach backgrounds and philosophies
• Recent team statistics and success

Academic information:

• College admissions websites
• U.S. News rankings and data
• College Board and ACT resources
• Major-specific program information

The Bottom Line

Building a strategic college target list requires balancing athletic opportunity, academic fit, and personal preferences. The dual-matrix approach helps ensure you have realistic options while still reaching for your goals.

Key strategies:

• Be honest about your athletic and academic abilities
• Include schools from all reach/match/safety categories
• Consider geographic diversity for better opportunities
• Regularly update and adjust your list based on new information
• Focus on fit, not just prestige or rankings

Remember: Your college list should provide multiple pathways to success. The goal is finding the best combination of athletic opportunity, academic fit, and personal growth that sets you up for success in college and beyond.

For help evaluating specific programs on your list, see our guide on How to Evaluate a School Beyond Sports.