How do I categorize reach, target, and safety schools for fencing?

In fencing recruiting, reach schools are programs where your JNPL ranking is below the typical roster average. Target schools are programs where your ranking matches the middle of their roster. Safety schools are programs where your ranking is above their typical recruit. Academic profile adds another dimension — a school can be an athletic target but an academic reach.

Key Points

• Reach: your ranking is below the program's typical recruit (top 7 for Ivy)
• Target: your ranking matches the program's typical recruit
• Safety: your ranking exceeds the program's typical recruit
• Academic and athletic categories can differ — account for both
• Have at least 2–3 schools in each category for a balanced list

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