College Applications: What's the Maximum Number of Colleges I Should Apply To?

Starting to work on my college applications, and I have a burning question – what's the most number of colleges that it would make sense to apply to? Is there such a thing as applying to too many? Or too few? Just wanna make sure I'm setting myself up for success here.

Most college applicants apply to between 7 and 12 colleges, and this range usually includes a mix of reach, target, and safety schools. However, the specific number will vary depending on the student's circumstances, and there isn't a perfect answer.

Applying to too many colleges can overwhelm you logistically with application requirements such as supplemental essays — on top of your normal schoolwork and personal life. It can also create financial burdens as most colleges have application fees, although waivers may be available for some students.

If you apply to only a few schools, you could be limiting your opportunities. If those are schools where your admission is not a certainty, this could leave you without any acceptance letters come decision time.

A strategy that many students use is to apply to a couple of reach schools, a few target schools, and a couple of safety schools. That comes to around 7-8 schools, well within that typical range. Here is what these categories mean:

- Reach schools are very competitive, and your academic credentials fall below the school's range for the average freshman.

- Target schools are colleges where your academic credentials (grades, SAT or ACT scores, and class rank) fall well within the school's average range for the majority of students accepted.

- Safety schools are where your academic credentials exceed the school's range for the average freshman. You can be reasonably certain that you will be admitted, unless the application review reveals a concerning issue.

Finally, focus your efforts on submitting high-quality applications, not just many applications. It's better to have a smaller number of applications that you've invested time and effort into than a larger number of not-so-great applications. This will help increase the chances of securing a place at a college that fits you best. Good luck!