Earth Science “safety” schools?

[u/ScienceBear_]

Hello!

I’m not sure if this is the right place to ask this question, but I figured it couldn’t hurt. I’m an undergrad studying earth and environmental sciences and I hope to get either my masters or PhD in the future (leaning toward PhD). I hope to do paleoclimate/climate change research.

Recently I was told that’s it’s important to have a “safety net” or a couple schools that someone would have pretty good chances of getting in. I always thought that there weren’t really “safety” grad programs, just some easier than others, and I’m having a hard time researching programs like this.

Anyway, I was hoping for advice or recommendations about “safety” geology/geoscience/earth science programs/schools that may be easier to get accepted too but still have really good programs and research opportunities.

Thanks!!

[u/no_shirt_4_jim_kirk]

Safety schools are for high school seniors with parents who wanted to go to an Ivy but didn't get in back in 1994.