How many colleges do most students apply to?

Hey, I'm a junior trying to figure out my college applications for next year. What's the average number of colleges students usually apply to? I wanna make sure I'm not going overboard or limiting myself too much. Thanks!

Hey there! It's normal to wonder about the number of colleges to apply to during your application process. While there's no specific "magic number" that works for everyone, most students typically apply to around 8-12 colleges. This range allows students to have a balanced list of schools, including reach, target, and safety schools.

To help you decide on the number you feel comfortable with, consider the following factors:

1. Time and effort: Applying to colleges can be time-consuming, especially when it comes to writing supplemental essays. Make sure you have enough time to submit strong applications for each school on your list.

2. Application fees: College application fees can add up quickly, so keep your budget in mind when creating your list. Some schools offer fee waivers for students with demonstrated financial need, so look into that if it applies to you.

3. Reach, target, and safety schools: Strive for a balanced list that includes a few reach schools (schools where your chances of admission are lower), several target schools (where your chances are about even), and a couple of safety schools (where your chances of admission are quite high). This ensures that you have a variety of options come decision time.

Remember, it's about finding the best fit for you, both academically and personally. Take some time to research and visit schools when possible so that your list is well-rounded and suited to your goals. Good luck with the application process!