I'm trying to figure out how "low" I should set on my safety school. I go to a decent private American university with a respected physics department. Also, what are my odds of getting into a top 5 school?
I'm an American student born here in America.
GPA: 3.98
Junior year forward GPA: 4.00
Physics GRE: 860
Research and work experience:
1 year doing grading for physics classes
1 summer doing engineering work at an oil refinery
1 whole year doing a co-op in R&D at large company
1-2 semesters doing lab research for a professor at my school
1 summer REU
I also have lots of other side activites like my fraternity, intramural sports, various campus clubs.
I was thinking University of Michigan would be a safety school, but I'm not sure if this is too high. Anyone have any thoughts?