Hey, guys. As a junior getting ready for the whole college app process, I'm just wondering about the average number of applications my peers are submitting. I know it varies and it's not a competition, but I guess it'll give me an idea of how many schools I should seriously consider. For those who have gone through this, what was your magic number?
The number of applications students submit can fluctuate greatly based on their individual circumstances and the strategy they decide to follow. That being said, according to data from the National Association for College Admission Counseling, a typical high school student applies to around 7-12 colleges.
This range tends to cover a variety of college types and tiers. For instance, it may include a couple of 'safety' schools where you are almost sure you'll get accepted based on your academic profile, several 'target' schools where your profile is in line with the average admitted student, as well as a couple of 'reach' schools, which are highly competitive and may be a bit of a long shot.
Remember, it's crucial to keep the quality of your applications high, so don't overextend yourself by applying to an excessively large number of colleges. Focus more on finding schools that are a great match for you academically, socially, and financially, rather than playing numbers.
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