Curious about Applying to Multiple Colleges

I was wondering if anyone knows the highest number of college applications any student has ever submitted. Is it even beneficial to apply to way too many colleges?

While there's no official record for the highest number of college applications submitted by one person, it's known that some students have applied to over 50 colleges. However, the common advice would advocate against this approach, for a couple reasons.

First, applying to colleges requires a significant investment of time, energy, and often, money. Each application often requires tailored essays or personal statements that demonstrate your fit and interest in the institution you're applying to. These cannot be cookie-cutter essays, since admissions officers often look for authentic interest in and understanding of their college's unique offerings.

Second, a high number of applications might indicate a lack of focused research. Each college has its unique identity, values, academic programs, culture, and more. It's essential to dive into these aspects and discern which colleges align best with your career goals, learning style, values, and personal preferences. In a nutshell, it's about quality, not quantity.

A commonly suggested number of colleges to apply to is 8 to 12, with a mix of reach, match and safety schools. 'Reach' schools are those where your academic qualifications fall below the school's range for the average freshman; 'Match' schools are those where your academic qualifications closely match those of the average admitted student; and 'Safety' schools are those where your academic qualifications are substantially above the range for the average freshman.

Lastly, it's crucial to remember that applications are means to an end: attending a college where you'll thrive, not just academically, but also personally and socially. So rather than aiming for a high number of applications, aim to apply to colleges that are good matches for your personal and academic goals.