When are too many college applications excessive?

I've made a list of schools I'm interested in, and it's kinda long. At what point is applying to too many colleges considered excessive? I want to make sure I'm being reasonable with my choices.

It's great that you're being thoughtful about your college application list. While there's no fixed number that's considered "too many," it can become excessive when the number of applications begins to negatively affect the quality of your submissions or becomes overwhelming for you.

On average, students tend to apply to 8-12 colleges, with a balanced mix of reach, target, and safety schools. If your list exceeds this number, you may want to consider trimming it down. Here are some tips to help you determine if your list is excessive and how to find a reasonable balance:

1. Quality over quantity: Focus on crafting well-thought-out applications that clearly demonstrate your fit and genuine interest in each college. A large number of applications may lead to rushed, lower-quality submissions that won't leave a strong impression on the admissions committees.

2. Time management: Be mindful of your time and energy. College applications can be time-consuming, especially when it comes to writing essays and supplements. Avoid overloading yourself with too many applications and risking burnout.

3. Costs: Application fees can add up quickly. Make sure submitting applications to your list of schools is financially feasible without undue hardship on you or your family.

4. Research: Thoroughly research the schools you're interested in and only apply to colleges that align with your academic, social, and financial needs. Focus on the factors most important to you (e.g., location, size, majors offered, campus culture, financial aid opportunities) to ensure that each school on your list is a strong fit.

5. Re-evaluate your mix: Reassess your list and make sure you have a solid balance of reach, target, and safety schools. If you find that your list is mostly reach schools, consider narrowing it down to the ones you're most passionate about and add more target and safety options.

In summary, it's crucial to prioritize the quality of your applications over the number of schools you apply to. Stick to a manageable and balanced list, ensuring you have ample time to craft well-researched, tailored applications that demonstrate your genuine interest and fit for each college.