Submitting dozens or hundreds of applications to community colleges?

Why would someone need to send dozens or hundreds of applications to different community colleges? Is there a specific strategy or benefit to applying to so many? I'm trying to wrap my head around this approach.

Applying to dozens or even hundreds of community colleges isn't a common approach and could potentially be overwhelming, given the amount of time and effort needed for each application. Furthermore, unlike competitive four-year institutions, community colleges generally have open admissions policies. This means that they typically accept any student who applies, as long as they have a high school diploma or equivalent.

While applying to multiple institutions is common when applying to highly competitive four-year colleges, community colleges typically serve a local or regional student population. For example, the tuition for out-of-district or out-of-state students at community colleges is often higher, meaning it can be more cost-effective to attend a local institution. Additionally, many students attend community colleges part-time while working or caring for their families, which can also influence the geographical proximity of the chosen institution.

Despite these considerations, there may be specific programs, relationships with four-year institutions, or particular faculty members at certain community colleges that could make applying to multiple institutions worthwhile in certain circumstances. It's always important for students to do their own research to determine which school is the best fit for their needs, be it a community college or a traditional four-year institution.

So, while applying to a multitude of community colleges is uncommon, the goal should always be to find the best fit institution wise for your specific needs. Remember, an essential part of this process is to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each institution before finalizing your choices.