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Strategy

Reach, Fit, and Likely Schools

Building a Target School List That Actually Works

A Note to Parents

One of the biggest mistakes families make is building a college list based entirely on dreams.

Another mistake is building a list based entirely on fear.

The best recruiting plans live somewhere in the middle.

Your athlete should absolutely have schools that excite them. But they should also have schools where they realistically fit academically, athletically, socially, and financially.

The goal isn't to create a list of schools your athlete wishes would recruit them.

The goal is to create a list of schools where your athlete has a legitimate opportunity to succeed.

That's where the Reach, Fit, Likely framework comes in.

Why Most Recruiting Lists Fail

Many athletes build lists that are:

  • Too ambitious
  • Too random
  • Too large
  • Too small
  • Based on brand names
  • Based on social media

As a result, they spend time chasing opportunities that may never materialize while overlooking schools that could be incredible fits.

A great recruiting list creates focus. It helps athletes spend their time, energy, and communication efforts on schools that make sense.

The Three Types of Schools

Reach Schools

These are schools that may be difficult to earn a roster spot, scholarship opportunity, or admission to.

That does not mean impossible. It simply means your athlete will need things to go right.

Examples:

  • Athletic measurables are slightly below current roster averages
  • Academic profile is below the average admitted student
  • Program competes at a higher level than your athlete currently projects

Reach schools should inspire your athlete. Just don't build your entire recruiting plan around them.

Recommended Target: 20% of your list

Fit Schools

This is where most recruiting efforts should be focused.

Fit schools represent programs where:

  • Athletic ability aligns with roster needs
  • Academic profile matches admissions standards
  • Campus environment feels right
  • Cost is realistic
  • Distance from home makes sense

When families tell me they are looking for the "perfect school," this is usually what they mean.

These schools offer the best balance of opportunity and realism.

Recommended Target: 60% of your list

Likely Schools

Likely schools are programs where your athlete has a strong chance of admission, roster consideration, or both.

These schools are often overlooked because they aren't always the biggest names.

That's a mistake.

Many athletes find their best opportunities at schools they originally underestimated.

Likely schools provide options, confidence, and leverage throughout the recruiting process.

Recommended Target: 20% of your list

How to Evaluate a School

Before adding a school to your target list, ask:

Athletics

  • Can I realistically compete there?
  • How do my measurables compare to current players?
  • Does the roster indicate future openings at my position?
  • Is the coaching staff actively recruiting athletes like me?

Academics

  • Can I gain admission?
  • Does the school offer my intended major?
  • Will I be challenged academically?
  • Does the academic environment fit my learning style?

Financial Fit

  • Can my family realistically afford this school?
  • What scholarship opportunities exist?
  • What merit aid is available?
  • What would my out-of-pocket costs be?

Social Fit

  • Do I like the campus culture?
  • Can I see myself living there for four years?
  • Do I feel comfortable with the location?
  • Does the student body align with what I'm looking for?

Build Your First Recruiting Board

Start with 50 schools. Organize them into three categories:

Reach Schools

Schools #1–10

Fit Schools

Schools #11–40

Likely Schools

Schools #41–50

Remember: this list should evolve.

Schools move up. Schools move down. New opportunities emerge.

Recruiting is a process, not a one-time decision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1

Falling in Love With One School

The strongest position in recruiting is having options.

2

Ignoring Academics

Athletic fit means little if admission isn't realistic.

3

Chasing Logos

The name on the sweatshirt should not be the primary reason a school makes your list.

4

Listening to Everyone

Friends, parents, coaches, and social media will all have opinions. Gather information. But build a list that reflects your athlete's goals.

5

Waiting Too Long

Sophomore and junior year become much easier when athletes begin researching schools early.

Key Takeaways

  • Reach schools are ambitious opportunities that can motivate your athlete, but should make up only a small portion of the list.
  • Fit schools should be the primary focus because they offer the strongest balance of athletic, academic, financial, and social alignment.
  • Likely schools provide valuable options and increase the chances of finding a successful college match.
  • A balanced target list generally includes 20% Reach, 60% Fit, and 20% Likely schools.
  • Evaluate every school through four lenses: athletics, academics, finances, and social fit.
  • The most effective recruiting lists are realistic, flexible, and built around where an athlete can truly thrive.