How to say "backup (option)"?

Question

In day to day conversation, I frequently use the word "backup" to refer to a dependable but perhaps slightly less desirable option. For example,

When applying to college, you should apply to 10 dream schools and 10 backup schools

or

I know this is not your first choice, but it is a good backup.

How can I translate the word "backup" used in this context?

Someone once told me that 保底 has this meaning. Is that correct?

Answer 1

後備(reserve/backup) - opposite of 先發(starting) / 正選(primary)

副選/次選 (secondary option/ secondary selection) opposite of 首選 (first choice/ first option) or 正選 (primary)

e.g.

• 北京大學是我的首選, 天津大學是後備 (Peking University is my first choice, Tianjin University is the backup)

• 北京大學是我的首選, 天津大學是我副選/ 次選 (Peking University is my first choice, Tianjin University is my secondary option)

• 先發球員 (starter)- 後備球員 (bench player)

• 正選球員 (starter)- 副選球員 (second string player)

Answer 2

'backup' being short for 'backup plan', I would go with '备选方案’， which can be translated as 'alternative'.

Answer 3

AP2016高二年级College Research Project大学选校及信

says (emphasis my own):

易楚崴William（高二1班）

这是William同学根据自己的情况列出的选校目录，其中分为了Dream School（梦想冲刺学校）、Match School（匹配学校）、以及Backup School（保底学校）。