Total number of institutions attended: What does it mean?

I came across the term 'total number of institutions attended' while filling out a college application. What does it mean, and how do I calculate it for my situation?

"Total number of institutions attended" generally refers to the number of different schools you have attended in your educational journey. This includes high schools and any other educational institutions like trade schools or colleges if you took courses for credit. It helps give the college admissions officers an understanding of the variety of educational experiences you have had.

To calculate this number, think back on your educational history and make a list of all the schools you have attended since starting high school, including any institutions where you might have taken dual-enrollment or summer courses for credit, and count them. Keep in mind that middle schools and elementary schools typically do not count towards this number.

For example, if you attended one high school for your freshman and sophomore years, moved, and then attended a different high school for your junior and senior years, your total number of institutions attended would be 2. If you also took a few college courses at a local community college over the summer, you would then consider that as an additional institution attended, so your total would be 3.

If you're unsure about whether a particular institution should count towards your total, ask your guidance counselor for more personalized advice. I hope this initial overview helps, though!